Defense Presses Detective About Other Possible Suspects in a Homicide

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 21.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained gunshot wounds to his left shoulder, forearm, and chest.

Whitely’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, called the lead MPD detective on the case to testify.

Before the detective was called to testify, parties discussed what the defense would be allowed to ask during direct examination.

Harvey wanted to argue the detective failed to investigate. She wanted to ask the detective about multiple people that Redd was in contact with before his death, including a person Redd’s mother indicated as a potential suspect.

The prosecution said the foundation hadn’t been made to say the detective’s investigation didn’t follow standard procedure. They continued that the defense’s argument relied on hearsay, out-of-court statements, since Harvey would be referencing texts from Redd’s phone.

Judge Dayson ruled in favor of Harvey’s request because of potential connections to the investigation.

With the jury present, Harvey asked the detective if she tried to find the person Redd was contacting the night before the incident. The detective said she couldn’t remember the person’s name, and didn’t remember if she made any effort in trying to find them.

The detective also couldn’t remember the person Redd’s mother asked her to investigate, and said she had nothing in her notes about the person.

The detective said she “sometimes” recorded what she did in investigations, and frequently referenced her old notes in an attempt to answer Harvey’s questions.

Judge Dayson told the jury they should use the detective’s testimony to evaluate the investigation process rather than to interpret her findings as facts.

According to the detective investigated Redd’s murder for over a year before she arrested Whitley.

On cross-examination, the detective told prosecutors that she obtained surveillance footage from the Shell gas station of the suspect vehicle entering the alley where the shooting occurred. She brought the footage to the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for video enhancement regarding the license plate. However, according to the detective, the vehicle’s plate was unreadable.

The detective said she conducted a search of Whitley’s residence in June 2021, and retrieved a key fob and a cell phone. She noted that the key fob did not belong to a Chrysler, referring to the vehicle owned by Whitley’s wife, that prosecutors allege he drove during the shooting.

She said she searched the property for the vehicle depicted in the Shell footage but was unable to locate it. She confirmed that MPD previously released a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) instruction to the public for the suspected vehicle.

The detective also told prosecutors about her interviews with several witnesses.

She said that she learned from multiple sources, including Redd’s manager, that there was hostility between Redd’s wife and his mother. Redd’s mother, who is now deceased, previously told the detective she thought his wife was involved in his death.

The detective also discussed her interview with Redd’s co-worker, who reported dropping Redd off at the Shell gas station. The co-worker said he dropped Redd off between 1:00 a. m. and 1:30 a. m. in a blue 2020 Toyota Corolla. The detective said the surveillance footage corroborated this account.

The detective also told prosecutors that during her investigation Redd’s manager gave her the phone number of the woman that Redd was allegedly trying to meet up with the night of the incident.

The prosecution will continue their cross-examination of the detective during the next hearing on April 22.

Judge Allows New DNA Footprint Testing in 20-Year-Old Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a prosecutor’s request to test footprint evidence from a 2005 homicide during a motion hearing on April 23.

Michael Wells, 54, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Makia Mosby on Nov. 24, 2005, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

Judge Park addressed a motion filed by the prosecution on April 15 requesting a court order for Wells to comply with having his footprint taken, so that it could be tested against a footprint found on a retail bag collected from the crime scene. The judge asked the prosecution why this motion was only being filed now and how long it would take for this testing to be conducted, since Wells’ trial is scheduled to begin on May 26.

The prosecution said that they initially missed the footprint information in the information provided by Wells’ attorneys, Molly Bunke and Hannah Claudio, but that the testing should be concluded within two weeks.

Claudio argued against the request, saying that the prosecution should have been more diligent in asking to test the evidence, and that this motion was filed too close to the trial. She asserted that missing the mention of the footprint on an initial read of the defense’s letter was not an appropriate excuse for the lateness of their request.

Judge Park agreed with Claudio’s position about when the motion was filed. The judge said that while he was inclined to allow the prosecution to test the footprint, he might not allow them to use it as evidence due to the proximity to trial.

The prosecution said that if the motion was granted, they could have Wells’ footprint taken after the hearing. Claudio and Bunke maintained their opposition to the motion, but said that if it was granted, they would not object to that as long as they could have an investigator observe the process.

Judge Park granted the motion and agreed with having the testing take place after the hearing.

Bunke briefly addressed some defense issues with additional evidence, particularly a cigarette lighter collected from the scene that had not yet been transported to the defense’s lab for testing. The prosecution explained that this issue was due to shipping problems acknowledged by an official from the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Bunke also said that she and Claudio were missing photographs from the crime scene, but the prosecution said that they had already sent all of the photos they had to the defense.

Judge Park acknowledged these issues and said hopefully parties could find a solution before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Shooting Defendant in Multiple Cases Waives Preliminary Hearing, Remains Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied release for a shooting defendant who waived his right to a preliminary hearing, thus establishing probable cause he committed the crime in hearing on April 17.

Denzel Hollonquest, 33, is charged with endangerment with a firearm while armed, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 17 on the 3100 block of Chestnut Street, NE. There were no injuries reported but officers located two shell casings.

According to court records, surveillance footage allegedly showed Hollonquest removing the victim from a car and threatening to shoot her. Hollonquest reportedly fired two shots in the air before fleeing the area with the victim in the car.

The charges also stem from Hollonquest’s alleged involvement in another incident on Feb. 17 on 1200 block of 18th Street, NE that left one victim with facial injuries.

According to court records, Hollonquest got into an argument with two individuals, one was the victim involved in the later shooting. Hollonquest allegedly struck both victims.

Hollonquest allegedly fled Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers in a third incident on Feb. 17 going from the 2600 block of Evarts Street, NE to New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court records, MPD officers were on the lookout for Hollonquest’s car when he allegedly began fleeing officers. Reportedly, Hollonquest stopped on the right shoulder of New York Avenue, NE before officers detained him.

During the hearing Hollonquest’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested his release without making a specific argument.

Judge Raymond denied the request, based on the probable cause already determined and her belief that no set of conditions could ensure the community’s safety.

Prosecutors said they would be requesting a buccal swab warrant, a warrant that allows law enforcement officials to collect DNA from the inside of the defendant’s cheek.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.

Defendant Sentenced to 42 Months For Stabbing Juvenile

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a defendant to 42 months in prison for stabbing a juvenile in the hand on April 21.

Anthony Nowlin, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in the non-fatal stabbing of a juvenile in the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW on Aug. 26, 2025. The victim sustained lacerations to their right hand.

Nowlin pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution agreed not to seek indictment on any greater charges and dismiss a separate misdemeanor case.

The prosecutor requested Nowlin be sentenced to four years in prison. The prosecutor said Nowlin approached the juvenile on the train, made comments to them, and touched them. The victim rejected Nowlin’s advances and, when he did not stop, they punched Nowlin, according to the prosecutor. The prosecutor said Nowlin then chased the victim and stabbed them in the right hand.

The prosecutor said Nowlin tested positive for cocaine, PCP, and fentanyl at the time of the incident. They said he was previously charged with attempted robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge McLean noted Nowlin was only on release for two months when this incident occurred.

Nowlin’s attorney, Derrick Page, requested Nowlin be placed in mental health treatment. He said Nowlin had significant emotional problems left untreated when he was homeless during the time of the incident.

Page said Nowlin performed better and was not a risk to the community with treatment. He said, while incarcerated, Nowlin had access to medication through the New Hope Health Services program, a DC agency that focuses on mental health for individuals above 18-years-old. However, Page said he lost access when he could not provide documentation of his release while homeless.

Page also noted Nowlin’s mother struggled with mental health issues and addiction. In addition, Nowlin’s father was absent and Nowlin did not receive any aid in school.

“My client started out behind the 8-ball” Page said.

Judge McLean asked Page how this information should be incorporated into determining Nowlin’s sentence.

“My prayer and my hope is that when he is released, the therapeutic part happens sooner rather than later,” Page said.

Nowlin apologized for his actions and said he behaves better when he has access to medication.

“I did not know [the victim] was underage,” Nowlin said. “When I’m on my meds, I don’t act like that.”

Judge McLean sentenced Nowlin to 42 months in prison and required him to undergo in-patient substance abuse and a mental health treatment program immediately following his sentence.

“I hope you can continue to use your time with the good attitude you have had,” Judge McLean said.

No further dates were set.

Prosecution Transfers Shooting Case to US District Court

Prosecutors informed DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 21, that they dismissed all charges in a shooting case, transferring them to US District Court.

Taron Johnson, 30, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 800 block of Bladensburg Road, NE on March 3. No injuries were reported.

According to court records, Johnson allegedly demanded the victim owed him money in an argument on the phone. The victim stated Johnson reportedly showed up to his apartment and fired one shot at him.

During the hearing, the prosecution stated they would be dismissing all charges against Johnson in his non-fatal shooting case. The prosecution filed intent of Nolle Prosequi, meaning they will no longer pursue the case. Although, according to prosecutors and court records, they filed a complaint in US District Court against Johnson for charges relating to the shooting. The move could result in a tougher sentence if convicted under federal jurisdiction.

In DC Superior Court, Johnson is charged in an unrelated case with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Nov. 6, 2025 on the 800 block of Bladensburg Street, NE. The victim sustained a stab wound to his left shoulder.

Parties are slated to reconvene for the stabbing case on May 19.

‘I Remember a Pistol Being Put Up to My Head,’ Says Cajacking Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur heard testimony from the victim in a carjacking trial on April 22.

Miquel Beasley, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on March 22, 2024 on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.

The prosecution called the victim to testify who said he intended to purchase marijuana from Beasley.

The victim recalled Beasley arriving in an Audi with another individual the victim didn’t recognize. The victim said Beasley broke the front passenger door handle entering the car. The victim said “I remember a pistol being put up to my head,” and he heard Beasley say, “I don’t want to kill you.”

According to the victim, the gun was pointed to the right side of his head towards the back and it touched him. He described the gun as a “black Luger.”

The victim said he exited the car, and the Audi drove off with Beasley following behind driving the victim’s car. The victim then called 911.

The prosecutor played the 911 call for the jury in which the victim identified his voice. In the call, the victim repeated “I’ve just been carjacked.” He said “a friend pulled a gun and said get the f*** out the car.” The victim described his car in the call as a 1983 Toyota Camry with handicapped stickers.

The victim told the operator he would go to a nearby fire station and testified that he spoke with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers there. He gave the MPD officers Beasley’s phone number. At a later date, the victim said he identified Beasley as the carjacker to two detectives.

In the cross-examination, Antoini Jones, Beasley’s attorney, asked the victim if he told the MPD officers the gun was pointed at his neck. The victim said he did not because that was not true. However after reviewing video footage provided by Jones, the victim said he didn’t recall saying it was pointed at his neck but he may have gestured to his neck when describing the event.

Jones told the victim in the conversation with MPD officers he described the gun as a nine millimeter. The victim said he didn’t remember that, so Jones read from the grand jury transcript where the victim said it was not a nine millimeter and he was a “gun enthusiast, being in the military and all.”

The victim on the stand said “it was a gun,” “I wouldn’t know [if it was a nine millemeter] when it was pointed at my head.”

According to Jones, the victim told MPD officers that he planned to meet with Beasley to loan him some money, but in his testimony he said it was to buy marijuana. Jones asked “was it your intent to loan [Beasley] money?” When the victim answered no, Jones said “so you lied to the police,” and the victim responded “I can’t recall.”

Jones confirmed that the victim told MPD officers and the jury that his car was a 1983 Camry. However, according to Jones, the car was a 1999 Camry. The victim said “ I gave them the information I did when I was under duress.”

The victim told Jones he knew Beasley for no more than two months before the incident. Jones noted that the victim told police it was three months, and asked, “you just said you were certain two months, now maybe three? Which is right?” The victim responded “I really don’t know. It’s been a long time.”

As a result of time constraints, the rest of the victim’s testimony was postponed.

Prosecutors called an expert witness, a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to testify who is a member of the Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST). The prosecution asked the expert about the historical cell site analysis report he created for the case. They showed a map of cell towers a Verizon number pigged off of on the night of the offense.

The expert testified that the call records showed the number pinging off of a tower in Hillcrest Heights at 2:46 p. m. before pinging off a tower that would’ve likely provided coverage to the incident location 14 minutes later. He testified that the time between locations was indicative of someone driving and making phone calls.

The expert also testified that at 3:28 p. m., the same number pinged off a tower that would’ve likely provided coverage to the location where the carjacked vehicle was recovered.

During cross-examination, Jones asked the expert questions about the accuracy of cell site analysis. The expert explained that while cell phones are typically within the range he provided on the map, this is not always the case. He testified it was possible that a phone could be outside of the range.

The expert testified that he believes his analysis placed the owner of the phone in a vehicle during that time period. When asked to clarify, the expert asserted that the person could have been on a bicycle.

He also explained that he could not track if the phone was transferred to a person who is not the subscriber. He does know that there was one subscriber associated with that phone number.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Judge Sentences Homicide Co-Defendants to Nine Years Each

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced two homicide co-defendants to nine years each in prison on April 24.

Jerome Dukes, 35, and Justin Borum, 36, pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 to voluntary manslaughter while armed for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones at the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, SE on Feb. 21, 2023. Two additional individuals sustained injuries.

At the hearing, prosecutors said this case was complicated, as there were other individuals besides the defendants who were firing at Jones.

Jones’ mother was present at court, but the prosecutor spoke on her behalf. Jones’ mother said she misses her son everyday but has forgiven the defendants for their actions. She asked Judge Park to accept a sentencing agreement reached by the prosecution and defense, which set a maximum of nine years of imprisonment for each defendant.

Borum’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, requested that Judge Park accept this agreement as well. He said that his client has strong family support and has children. LoGerfo also asked the court to make a prior gun-related charge run concurrently to this sentence.

Borum spoke directly in court and apologized to Jones’ mother.

Dukes’ attorney, Brandi Harden, also requested that Judge Park accept the agreement. She said her client expresses his remorse and wanted the opportunity to get back to his family.

Dukes apologized to Jones’ mother and acknowledged that his apology “is not going to bring him [Jones] back.”

Judge Park accepted the agreement based on the facts of the case, guilty pleas, and remorse shown by the defendants. Dukes and Borum were sentenced to nine years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.

Judge Park denied LoGerfo’s request to run a separate charge concurrently with this sentence because it happened at a different time and place and was unrelated to the current case.

Harden objected to Judge Park’s recommendation of drug treatment upon release. She argued that there was no evidence that Dukes struggled with drugs.

“Prison is too hard,” Harden said. “Please don’t put him under these conditions that will make him fail.”

The prosecutor did not object.

Harden also took issue with Dukes paying a $100 fine to the victim’s family in three years. He will have to pay from his prison wages, which is a small amount.

Judge Park removed Dukes’ drug recommendation from the supervised release guidelines, since he has tested negative for drugs in the past. He did not, however, remove the fine because it is a statutory requirement under the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Act (VVCA).

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Enters Timely Plea in Knifepoint, Robbery Case

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal eight days after the offense before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 23.

Eustasio Valdes, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and robbery while armed for his involvement in a stabbing on the 1200 block of 49th Place, NE on April 15. The victim suffered a laceration to the abdomen.

According to court documents, Valdes approached the victim and pressed a knife up to the abdomen. Valdes reached into the victim’s pocket, grabbed a phone, and fled down an alley. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Valdes in the alley with the stolen phone and a foldable knife in his possession.

At the hearing, Valdes’ attorney, Joseph Molina pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange the prosecution agreed not to seek further charges, limit their sentencing request allocution at the bottom of the guidelines, and request the sentences run concurrently.

According to Judge Pipe, the maximum penalty for attempted robbery is three years confinement and for possession of a prohibited weapon is one year.

After finding Valdes understood his rights and what he was giving up for this plea deal, Judge Pipe accepted Valdes’ decision. She found Valdes entered this plea knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.

The prosecutor said, if the case went to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Valdes did possess a knife and attempted to steal a phone from the victim. These actions had no legal justification.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 10.

Defense Accuses Prosecution of Playing, ‘Hide And Seek,’ With Carjacking Evidence

Defense argued for a motion to dismiss a carjacking case before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 20.

Dylan Boney, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and possession of a prohibited weapon. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a carjacking that took place on the 2400 block of 14th Street, NW on June 29, 2025.

Boney is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

Boney’s attorney, Patrick Nowak, asked Judge Arthur for a motion to dismiss the case because the prosecution failed to disclose relevant evidence in a timely manner. Nowak accused the prosecutors of playing a ‘hide and seek game” with evidence.

Nowak claimed prosecutors did not disclose information about a key eyewitness. Apparently, given the delay Nowak said the witness was unable to recall the incident as accurately. Nowak also noted the prosecution has repeatedly missed procedurql deadlines , and had already received “significant warnings” from Judge Arthur.

Nowak argued the delays had a significant effect on Boney, who has endured six months of incarceration and still faces charges awaiting trial.

According to the prosecutors, the witness left the scene of the carjacking without providing his contact information. In addition, they said they didn’t obtain the witness’ identity until October 2025, after a thorough investigation.

Despite this information, parties agreed prosecutors still didn’t give the witness information to the defense until January.

According to the prosecution, when they contacted the witness in November 2025, he requested an attorney represent him in reltion to the incident. Prosecutors claimed that because the witness retained an attorney, it would be unethical to speak with him directly, as the law requires attorneys to speak only with opposing counsel.

Additionally, the prosecutors said the witness declined to talk to police and attorneys involved with the case. This includes Nowak, who reached out to the witness in March seeking information but the witness declined.

However, prosecutors admitted speaking to the witness on the phone. Judge Arthur expressed displeasure that it took weeks for the prosecution to disclose it, stating it “could have been helpful to the defense.”

Nowak insisted that the prosecution should have disclosed more of the evidence regarding the witness and his identity. In addition, how the proscution’s assertion that speaking to the witness was unethicalea a “stupid point.”

Judge Arthur did not rule on the motiom to dismiss, but asked if Nowak would be open to alternative penalties. Nowak insisted that dismissal is the only just action, but would be open to alternatives.

For a separate motion, Judge Arthur denied Nowak’s request to exclude a witness with expertise in GPS monitoring.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 29.

Defense Challenges Police Search While Defendant is in Bed

Defense asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to suppress evidence after police interrogated a shooting defendant in bed on April 20.

Christopher Warren, 43, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1800 block of Q Street SE, on Aug. 20, 2024. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right arm with bone fractures to his shoulder and the right side of his neck.

During the hearing, parties discussed motions to suppress evidence that the defense believes was obtained illegally and in violation of Warren’s Fourth and Fifth Amendments which protect against unwarranted seizures and self-incrimination.

Warren’s attorney, Emma Mlyniec, stated the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) obtained a rifle, magazines, and other key pieces of evidence from Warren’s bedroom without a warrant or the homeowner’s consent. Mlyniec also claimed the evidence was illegally seized and was used to justify a separate warrant to collect more evidence.

Mlyniec stated that this request only gave police permission to talk to Warren, not to enter his residence. According to Mlyniec, upon entering his room and waking up Warren, they interrogated him without reading him his Miranda rights, and noticed ammunitions magazines in plain view in the bedroom, which they claimed as evidence in the investigation.

Later that day, Mlyniec stated an MPD detective re-entered Warren’s room to retrieve his inhaler when he noticed a rifle in Warren’s closet.

Mlyniec argued that the rifle, magazines, and other pieces of evidence collected within Warren’s bedroom should be suppressed because they were taken without a warrant, and that any information Warren gave MPD while in his bedroom should be suppressed since he was not read his Miranda rights while in police custody.

Prosecutors claimed that MPD was given permission to enter Warren’s bedroom by his mother. According to the prosecution, police asked Warren’s mother if they could “go back there and talk with him,” a request she approved.

Judge Arthur will rule on the motion when parties reconvene on May 5.

Homicide Defendant Enters Guilty Plea in a ‘Long-Standing’ Case

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 24.

Charles Lewis, 35, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating of 55-year-old Mark Carter at the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE on Oct. 10, 2022. Carter succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 15, 2022.

Brandi Harden, Lewis’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder. The parties agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-15 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release.

The prosecution said had the case gone to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on Oct. 10, 2022, Lewis beat Carter with the intent to seriously injure him. Carter sustained fractures to his face, skull, and spine.

Harden requested Judge Edelman ratify Lewis’ decision by asking him directly if he is sure about accepting the plea. She noted the “long-standing” nature of the case may affect his judgement. Judge Edelman asked Lewis to verify his intent for a second time, then he knowingly and voluntarily accepted the plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 2 for sentencing.

Judge Rules Shooting Defendant Must Continue Probation, Anger Management Classes

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson wouldn’t terminate the probation of a non-fatal shooting defendant on April 23.

Javonee Jackson, 26, accepted a sealed plea agreement in March 2025 for her involvement in the shooting of her baby’s father on May 10, 2023 at the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. She was originally charged with assault with intent to kill, among nine other charges. The terms of the plea are not accessible.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) confirmed that Jackson has been compliant with the terms of her probation, and recommended that her show cause be discharged.

Jackson’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested that Jackson’s probation be terminated. Currently, her probation is scheduled to end in December 2026.

The PSA representative stated that Jackson is currently on bed rest due to her pregnancy, and is temporarily unable to attend her anger management and grief counseling classes. Judge Dayson ruled against Thomas’ request due to the fact that Jackson has not yet completed her mandatory classes.

No further dates have been set at this point.

Judge Won’t Release Shooting Defendant Despite Recanting Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel denied a bond review motion for a shooting defendant in a hearing on April 22.

Paris Wilkerson, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on Dec. 1, 2025. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Wilkerson’s attorney, Adam Harris, stated he filed the motion requesting Wilkerson’s release to home confinement due to the victim’s recanting her statements against him.

According to Harris, the victim told him she regretted calling the police about Wilkerson and wanted to take her statements back. Harris said she told the same thing to the prosecutor and a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating the case.

The prosecution opposed Wilkerson’s release due to a firearm found in Wilkerson’s apartment, allegedly under his mattress on a separate occasion.

Judge Israel said she was concerned about releasing Wilkerson to his apartment because of his criminal history with firearms, citing a conviction in 2016.

Wilkerson’s girlfriend offered her apartment to fulfill Wilkerson’s home confinement, but Judge Israel denied her offer because she is not the lease holder.

As a result, Judge Israel denied the bond motion, but stated she was willing to consider home confinement if Harris filed a new motion with new information.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 9.

Judge Revokes Probation For Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe revoked probation for a shooting defendant after he was arrested in a new case in a hearing on April 22.

Sean Sharps, 23, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. These charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that took place on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on Oct. 19, 2024. The victim sustained pistol whip injuries to the head and witnesses reported the sound of gunshots.

Sharps accepted a deal on June 10, 2025 in which he pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the incident. On Aug. 29, 2025, Sharps was sentenced to a three year suspended sentence in favor of one year’s probation.

During the hearing, Sharps accepted a plea deal for an unrelated case in which he was charged with assault with significant bodily injury. Judge Pipe stated that Sharps was on probation for the shooting incident when he was charged with the new case. She said she will take that into consideration when sentencing. She revoked Sharps’ probation for the shooting case and scheduled a sentencing date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 26.

Defense Seeks to Exclude GPS Expert in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard testimony from an expert witness, who the defense in a fatal shooting case seeks to exclude, during a motions hearing on April 21.

D’Andre Montgomery, 20, is charged with conspiracy, felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 16, 2023 shooting that fatally injured 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE.

Montgomery’s co-defendant, Eric Sheffield, 21, faces the same charges as Montgomery for his alleged involvement in the same incident and Kevin Hider, 20, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Montgomery’s attorney, Sylvia Smith, filed a number of motions in advance of the trial, including a Daubert motion which seeks to exclude the testimony of a GPS technology expert on various technical grounds. DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson was originally assigned the case and continues to evaluate many of the motions.

Before Judge Ryan, prosecutors called the expert, vice president of Sentinel Offender Services, the company that manufactured the GPS monitor worn by Montgomery at the time of the incident. The vice president testified that the GPS technology is 98 percent accurate within the accuracy range. Accuracy is determined by comparing the “actual location” to the “location reported.”

On cross-examination, Smith questioned the vice president on the source of the 98 percent figure. The vice president testified that this is an estimate based on his experience and “various unpublished studies,” adding that the 98 percent figure is not published.

The witness also testified about a March 2026 report testing the accuracy of the GPS technology in the ankle monitors that his company manufactures. In order to conduct the test, he placed two ankle monitors in an open field during “optimal conditions.” He concluded that both monitors fell within the accuracy range provided by the chipset, or electronic components, in the monitor. Smith questioned the expert’s methodology and the technology’s lack of third-party review.

The vice president also testified that he is familiar with the process to determine accuracy but is not aware of “specific algorithms” that are used to determine the accuracy range. The chipset is manufactured by a different company that has not shared their “secret formula” with the public.

In addition to Smith’s Daubert motion, Judge Ryan also reviewed three other motions filed by the defense including one regarding the use of body worn camera and autopsy photos by the prosecution. Another motion pertained to whether statements in an evidence document will be admissible during trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 22 for Judge Ryan to rule on the motions.