Judge Denies Modified Release For Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a request to modify release conditions for a homicide defendant during a status hearing on May 1.

Alfred Paulino-Del Rosario, 23, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, armed carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violencefor his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jhonatan Guzman Hernandez, 21, on Dec. 30, 2022, on the 2400 block of 15th Street, NW.

Paulino-Del Rosario’s attorney, Molly Bunke, asked Judge Dayson to extend her client’s weekly three-hour release block, which was previously granted for job searching. Bunke stated that Paulino-Del Rosario has maintained “perfect compliance” and has used his time “very productively.”

Bunke informed Judge Dayson that the defendant has applied to multiple McDonald’s locations, a Chuck-E-Cheese restaurant, and various construction jobs. “He has more than shown that he can be fully compliant with any amount of conditions that the court sets and he is going to use that time not only to apply to jobs but also again to provide childcare for his young child,” Bunke said.

The prosecution objected to any changes, arguing that the current three-hour window has been “adequate” for the defendant to apply for jobs and secure an interview. The prosecutor noted that Paulino-Del Rosario’s existing conditions already allow him to leave his home for confirmed interviews or employment.

Judge Dayson declined to modify the release conditions at this time but expressed satisfaction with the defendant’s efforts. “I am glad to hear that he’s using that time well and that it’s leading to some fruitful endeavors,” Judge Dayson said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 28.

In Prosecution Video, Vehicular Homicide Defendant Says He Doesn’t Care if Victims Died

The prosecution played a video of a vehicular homicide defendant apparently telling a detective he did not care whether the victims survived the accident in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 4.

Spiro Stafilatos, 35, is charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in a fatal car accident on Dec. 30, 2022 at the intersection of 14th Street and New York Avenue, NW. The incident caused the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui, and critically injured another pedestrian, Sui’s wife.

The prosecution continued their cross-examination of Stafilatos. They walked him through surveillance footage of the moments before impact, pointing to multiple red lights, pedestrians visible in the crosswalk, and extended stretches without brake lights engaged on Stafilatos’ vehicle.

Stafilatos frequently said he could not recall specific details, citing brain damage from a prior incident. When prosecutors asked if his car spun and hit the two victims, Stafilatos first responded that he didn’t know the answer, then said he didn’t want to respond to the prosecutor anymore. Judge Brandt sharply reminded Stafilatos he would not be permitted to address an officer of the court in that manner, and directed him to respond.

Stafilatos refused to watch crash footage played by the prosecution, prompting the judge to intervene and instruct the prosecutor to move on. The prosecution then played footage of Stafilatos being interrogated by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective. The detective did not ask Stafilatos any questions about the incident, as Stafilatos began describing the incident from his perspective, without being prompted. The recording ended after Stafilatos made a statement that he did not care whether the victims were dead.

Stafilatos’ attorney, Brian McDaniel, remarked that, while the prosecution spent two hours going through the incident’s video frame-by-frame, this was not a fair representation about how fast these events actually occurred. McDaniel played the video at full speed one time, and noted because the incident unfolded within a few seconds of Stafilatos allegedly fleeing officers, it is reasonable to conclude that he did not see the pedestrians in the crosswalk, and that he had no intention of harming anyone.

McDaniel asked about the recorded statement played by the prosecution, Stafilatos said he was impaired from consuming an entire bottle of pills after the accident, and that he was regretful over what occurred.

Stafilatos apologized to the victims’ families, and reiterated that he had no intention of hurting anyone, and when he realized he had, he attempted to take his own life.

The prosecution then presented their rebuttal by calling a retired corporal from the Arlington County Police Department who testified about a 2009 hit-and-run incident where Stafilatos was in an accident on the highway, and did not pull over upon hitting another vehicle.

After the police were alerted, Stafilatos complied and was pulled over. He testified that Stafilatos failed all field sobriety tests and denied taking more than one drink. The corporal acknowledged he had no clear recollection of the encounter and based his testimony entirely on contemporaneous reports.

On cross-examination, McDaniel noted that the corporal conducted hundreds of sobriety exams over his career, and it was not uncommon for someone to underestimate the amount of drinks they had. He also emphasized that the corporal had no independent recollection of the encounter.

On redirect, the prosecution established that the notes and paperwork filed following the hit-and-run incident were accurate and detailed. They said that this suggests that the corporal’s testimony was still reliable, regardless of his personal recollection of the incident.

The prosecution then called an MPD detective who testified about his post-arrest interview with Stafilatos, presenting an aerial map of the incident area and footage from the interview itself. He noted that Stafilatos voluntarily spoke with him for 30-to-40 minutes after being read his Miranda rights. The detective mentioned that Stafilatos did not indicate experiencing suicidal ideation, and if he had, the detective would have been required to report it.

McDaniel highlighted that the detective sat back and allowed Stafilatos to speak at length even after he raised mental health concerns, and confirmed that Stafilatos raised his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the interview.

The prosecution’s final rebuttal witness, an MPD patrol officer, testified that he accompanied Stafilatos in the ambulance to the hospital following the crash, wearing the same standard uniform and firearm he had on at the scene. The prosecution noted that Stafilatos seemed calm, even in the presence of the officer.

McDaniel established that the officer had no recollection reaching for a gun, which would’ve been a triggering act for Stafilatos’ PTSD. McDaniel said that the officer’s sole purpose was to ensure Stafilatos received medical care, and that he had no knowledge of the accident itself.

The prosecution then rested its rebuttal case, and Judge Brandt began her instructions to the jury.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene for closing arguments on May 5.

Parties Reschedule Stabbing Defendant’s Sentencing Acknowledging She Didn’t Act in Self-Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz rescheduled a stabbing defendant’s sentencing after he confirmed she did not act in self-defense in a hearing on May 1.

Daniyah Dailey, 36, pleaded guilty on Feb. 6 to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 27, 2021 on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. The victim sustained wounds to their neck and forehead.

Before Dailey’s scheduled sentencing, Judge Kravitz said the prosecutor contacted his chambers with a concern about Dailey’s statements to the pre-sentence report writers. Judge Kravitz said it appeared Dailey indicated that she stabbed the victim in self-defense or in defense of her former boyfriend.

“I want to keep my guilty plea,” affirmed Dailey. When Judge Kravitz asked whether Dailey was comfortable with her decision she responded,“I am your honor.”

The prosecutor thanked parties for scheduling the hearing. He explained that the victim and their caretaker’s travel required approval and he wanted to ensure the sentencing would be held when they are present.

The parties started to discuss a sentencing date in June when Dailey asked “Your honor, please, can we schedule something sooner. I don’t want to wait until June if possible.”

Dailey’s new sentencing date is scheduled for May 29.

Judge Kravitz told Dailey to “hang in there.”

Experts Describe Vehicular Homicide Suspect’s Actions Related to PTSD

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt presided over testimony from a homicide defendant and clinical psychologists claiming the suspect has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a trial on April 30.

Spiro Stafilatos, 35, is charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in a fatal car accident on December 30, 2022 at the intersection of 14th Street and New York Avenue, NW. The incident caused the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui, and critically injured another pedestrian.

Brian McDaniel, the defense attorney, called Stalilatos to testify on his own behalf.

He began by acknowledging his prior convictions for robbery, reckless driving, unauthorized use of a vehicle, violation of a protective order, and carrying a firearm. Stafilatos testified that in April 2020, while serving time in Maryland’s Montgomery County Jail, correctional officers assaulted him, leaving him with a broken nose, two broken eye sockets, and a broken cheekbone. He said that these events triggered PTSD around police officers and brain damage requiring medical treatment.

Stafilatos testified that on the day of the incident, he took his mother’s car without her knowledge to pick up her heart medication and dropped off a female friend at work. The vehicle was apparently without a front license tage and missing a registration sticker on the back plate. He said the sight of an officer dismounting a bike triggered his PTSD, and that he stepped on the accelerator for fear of being shot when the officer reached toward him three times. He maintained he did not see pedestrians on the crosswalk, did not intend to harm anyone, and consumed a full bottle of Klonopin, a medication used to treat panic disorders, to kill himself after realizing someone was hurt.

On cross-examination, the prosecution focused on Stafilatos’ alleged use of cocaine before the incident. Stafilatos maintained that he did not have any cocaine the day of the incident, and that anything in his system was left over from prior use.

Stafilatos said he could not recall how much cocaine he had used, attributing memory loss to the police damaging his brain. He said he did not remember where he picked up the woman, where she lived, or where he picked up the car.

McDaniel also called a clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor, who testified that the defendant met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD with the April 2020 assault as the source of trauma. The expert said PTSD causes fear-driven parts of the brain to run unchecked, which allegedly distorted Stafilatos’ sense of reality and made him act impulsively in the moment and causing him to flee law enforcement.

On cross-examination, the expert acknowledged he could not rule out a motive to escape or cocaine use as other potential factors. The prosecution noted that the expert did not know if Stafilatos was on medications at the times that the witness met with Stafilatos during his original diagnosis. The expert responded that he was judging Stafilatos’ behavior as a study of probabilities, and that the pattern of symptoms made it highly probable PTSD was at play.

The prosecution then called its own clinical psychologist, who concurred that the defendant met PTSD diagnostic criteria, but characterized his behavior after the crash as “goal-directed.” She testified that bodyworn camera footage from the ambulance did not show the defendant appearing fearful of police, and assuming his PTSD was triggered, it would not have caused him to flee as he did. The expert said she could not rule out cocaine use as an alternative explanation.

On cross-examination, the expert agreed PTSD can cloud judgment and contribute to decision-making. McDaniel mentioned that her own reports after meeting with Stafilatos stated the relevant factors could have been reasonably caused by PTSD. She agreed with the defense expert that the source of the defendant’s PTSD was the April 2020 assault.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 4.

Road Rage Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 60 Months

A defendant responsible for shooting 11 rounds at a victim for a fender bender was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1 to 60 months of confinement.

On Feb. 10, Earl Harris, 45, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in a shooting that occurred at the intersection of 23rd and R Streets, SE on Aug. 21, 2025. No injuries were reported.

The incident, a fender bender gone awry, was a response in anger, according to Harris’ attorney Rachel Cicurel. She said Harris shot 11 times into the air, not to hurt anyone, but to warn the victim to “leave [him] alone.” She argued Harris would not have shot into the air if he intended to harm anyone.

Harris reportedly had not possessed a gun in more than 20 years. Cicurel said that in the time just before the incident, he became paranoid due to his existing mental health issues and spiraled downward, feeling he needed to protect himself. Cicurel argued for a lighter sentence, saying Harris has learned that any time he possesses a weapon either he or others get harmed.

Cicurel addressed Harris’ criminal history, saying it “wreaks of drug abuse” and emotional issues due to an unresolved traumatic experience as a child.

According to Cicurel, Harris’ mother was shot and killed by her boyfriend when Harris was just five-years-old. Cicurel claimed Harris’ grief went untreated, and said it is common for developmental issues to arise in people with a similar loss. She informed the court Harris was diagnosed with manic depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia, and went untreated until he was 30-years-old.

Cicurel stated Harris began abusing substances at the age of 13 and has since struggled with substance abuse.

Additionally, Harris was involved in a romantic relationship with a woman who was reportedly a source of stress and toxicity. Judge Brandt acknowledged the relationship, telling the parties Harris’ partner appeared before her on a bench warrant.

Cicurel argued for a year of confinement and for both charges to run concurrently. She also requested Harris be sent to FCI-Allenwood, a prison in Pennsylvania that has a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP).

Harris apologized to the court and thanked DC Jail for the substance abuse treatment they have provided him. Harris said he was addicted to fentanyl and cocaine.

“The day I was arrested was the day I was going nwhere fast,” Harris said.

Since then, Harris has worked toward sobriety and joined a Jehovah’s Witness Bible study group which has changed his life. When he is released, Harris intends to create a program for unhoused addicts to “keep them from going down the path I have.”

Harris thanked his father for his continued support given that at age 72, “he needs my support more than I need his.”

The prosecution presented two videos of the incident for Judge Brandt. The videos depicted the accident, Harris escalating the situation, shooting at the victim, and subsequently pursuing the victim as they drove away.

The prosecution emphasized their concern about the severity of Harris’ actions, informing the court the shooting was near a school where teachers were preparing for the children’s arrival. They argued the 11 shots fired were certainly with the intent to kill.

The prosecution suggested a sentence of 78 months of confinement.

Judge Brandt, after hearing the parties’ arguments, expressed sympathy to Harris for the loss of his mother. However, she stated, “I see the situation you found yourself in a different way.”

“It’s not about why you had the gun, but about what you did with the gun,” she said. Judge Brandt continued, saying shooting a handgun 11 times is not right and “not how adult humans settle their differences.” She said bystanders could have been put in harm’s way.

She acknowledged Harris’ effort and considered that in her sentencing. “I both see and hear you. I am proud of the fact that instead of just sitting in jail and not doing anything, you have made progress in turning your life around,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt imposed a 36 months sentence for the unlawful possession of a firearm charge, and 60 months for the assault charge, which will be served concurrently. Harris is also required to serve five years of supervised release, and must register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Requests Transfer to Treatment Center

A homicide defendant rejected a plea deal and requested he be transferred to a treatment center before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1.

Richard Holmes, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom at the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE on Aug. 26, 2025.

Holmes’ attorney, Michael Bruckheim, alerted Judge Brandt of Holmes’ intent to reject a plea deal extended by prosecutors, which would require Holmes plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to not seek additional charges, and parties would agree to an 18 years sentence.

Bruckheim also requested Judge Brandt make a recommendation to the Department of Corrections (DOC) that Holmes return to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), as opposed to detention in the DC Jail. According to Bruckheim, they do not know why he was transferred, but Holmes would like to return to CTF in order to continue receiving mental health treatment and attending cosmetology classes.

Judge Brandt agreed but reminded Bruckheim DOC does not have to follow her recommendation.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 21.

Judge Warns Probationer– it’s Drug Treatment or ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ on Cell Floor

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel bluntly warned a stabbing probationer to get mandatory drug treatment or “shake, rattle and roll” on the jail floor. Doctors have used the phrase to indicate the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Lenare Leath, 22, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to assault with intent to commit robbery. He was originally charged with that crime as well as a stabbing that occurred on May 2, 2025 on the 1200 block of W Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

In August, Leath was sentenced to 36 months with all time suspended under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which allows judges some discretion in sentencing and seals information about the defendant’s record when completed successfully.

In addition, Leath was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and two years on probation under the condition of regular drug testing supervised by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

During the proceeding, a CSOSA representative alerted Judge Israel that Leath had tested positive for fentanyl as an outpatient and was having trouble abstaining from drugs.

“That doesn’t shock me one iota,” said Judge Israel who said she was in favor of moving Leath to in-patient status.

“The reality is actually I’m worried we’re going to lose you,” said the judge.

Leath’s attorney, Quiana Harris, said she had located a treatment facility willing to take Leath as a patient.

However, Judge Israel ordered Leath to in-patient treatment at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW) and said she expected to hear back on May 4 that Leath complied.

“I know it doesn’t sound like it, but your judge cares very much about you,” said Judge Israel.

According to court records, a CSOSA officer confirmed as of May 4 Leath is an in-patient at PIW.

Leath’s next probation hearing is scheduled for May 26.

Judge Delays Sentencing Stabbing Defendant After Defense Makes Improper Request

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz delayed sentencing for a stabbing defendant on May 1 to allow his attorney time to request a sentence allowed under the plea agreement.

Christopher Moore, 32, pleaded guilty on March 5 to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on March 1, 2024 on the 1900 block of I Street, NE. The victim sustained life-threatening lacerations that required treatment at a hospital.

At Moore’s scheduled sentencing, Judge Kravitz noted the victim reportedly killed Moore’s father.

Judge Kravitz explained that Moore’s recommended sentence based on the guidelines and his criminal history score was 48-to-120 months for aggravated assault and 18-to-60 months for assault with a dangerous weapon.

The prosecution requested Moore serve a total of 102 months in prison, 84 months for aggravated assault and 18 months for assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge Kravitz said the request from Moore’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, was unclear.

Simmons said, “We’re asking that Moore not serve another day in jail.”

Judge Kravitz said he could sentence Moore as requested, but Simmons did not have the authority to ask for the outcome. As part of the plea deal, the parties agreed to not seek an upward or downward decision outside of Moore’s guideline range.

“The court still has discretion and I’ll leave it at that,” said Simmons, but acknowledged Judge Kravitz was correct about the plea deal requirements.

Judge Kravitz granted the prosecutor’s request to strike Simmons’ request from the record.

As a result, Judge Kravitz delayed sentencing to allow Simmons to file a request that’s permissible under the agreement.

Moore’s new sentencing date is scheduled for June 26.

Defendant Accepts Guilt in Gas Station Shooting

A gas station shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1.

Brandon Ross, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a nonfatal shooting at a BP Gas Station on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on Dec. 17, 2024. A victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the incident.

All of Ross’ original charges had an aggravating factor of being committed after he was convicted of at least two felonies.

Ross’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, notified Judge Brandt of Ross’ intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a range of eight-to-10 years of confinement.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing July 2.

Prosecutors May Provide Evidence of Defendant’s Work as Violence Interrupter in a Murder Trial

A homicide defendant’s attorneys raised concerns before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 1 about the prosecution’s usage of his prior statements and work as a violence interrupter.

Cotey Wynn, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting at CRU Lounge on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2024 injuring three and killed one. Blake Bozeman, 31, sustained two gunshot wounds to his chest, and died on Sept. 24, 2024.

Wynn’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, raised concern the prosecution will use Wynn’s previous homicide cases against him. According to court records, in 2020, Wynn was charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Eric Wright. However, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found no probable cause on Feb. 8, 2021.

The prosecution said they intend to use a statement reportedly made by Wynn at CRU. According to the prosecution, Wynn told someone at CRU “I beat a murder,” allegedly referencing the ruling by Judge Dayson in 2021.

Additionally, McDaniel said the defense is concerned the prosecution will use Wynn’s history working as a violence interrupter against him. A violence interrupter is an outreach worker, responsible for de-escalating incidents and serving as mentors to high-risk members of the community.

Reportedly, there were recovered text messages in evidence between Wynn and co-defendant Frank Johnson, 44, thanking Wynn for “putting him on.”

Judge Brandt told the defense that they cannot prevent the prosecution from using any relevant evidence in their case. However, she acknowledged the prosecution using the statement may be problematic as it deals with an unrelated case. She warned the prosecution not to use any evidence that falls into the “other case’s bucket.”

The judge told the defense to file a motion, detailing their arguments against the usage of statements at trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 5.

Judge Tells Hung Jury, ‘You Have Not Failed,’ Declares Mistrial in Catholic University Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz declared a mistrial in a homicide case on May 4 after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on four out of the five counts.

Jaime Macedo, 25, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson on The Catholic University of America campus, on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023. Emerson sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

After approximately eight days of deliberations, the jury unanimously found Macedo guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Although the defense objected, Judge Kravitz declared a mistrial on the remaining counts because of the “unacceptable risk” of coercion if he instructed the jury to continue their deliberations. The jury sent Judge Kravitz a definitive note that they made “every reasonable effort possible” to reach a verdict.

“You have not failed in your mission in this case,” Judge Kravitz told the jury. He explained that the legal issues are complicated, especially in Macedo’s case, and the length of their deliberations reflected their effort.

More than a month prior, on March 24, parties presented opening statements. Throughout the trial, the prosecution attempted to prove Macedo shot and killed Emerson during an attempted robbery. Macedo’s attorneys, Rachel Cicurel and Jessica Willis, argued the incident was an accident that “haunted” their client.

Judge Kravitz speculated that jurors disagreed on whether the evidence proved there was an attempted robbery. At the request of the defense, Judge Kravitz inquired whether the jury could reach a unanimous verdict as to the lesser-included offenses of second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter while armed. The jury responded that they could not reach a verdict on any of the three homicide counts.

After Judge Kravitz dismissed the jurors, Willis noted her intent to file a motion for Macedo’s release. Cicurel, who is leaving the Public Defender Service (PDS) for the District of Columbia, will not be present for the next hearing.

The parties scheduled a status hearing for May 29.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Exam For Defendant Accused of Fatal Beating and Strangulation

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a mental competency examination for a homicide defendant at the request of his attorney on May 1.

Rico Barnes, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 40-year-old Syed Hussain on Feb. 11 on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Hussain died from blunt force trauma and ligature strangulation, meaning tying something around the victim’s neck.

Alphonso Walker, 39, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the same incident.

According to court documents, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) responded to a report of smoke detection. When they arrived, they extinguished a small fire and found Hussain bound at the wrists and ankles by neckties.

According to court records, Carrie Weletz, Barnes’ attorney, filed a motion on April 15 requesting a forensic competency screening for her client. To stand trial, Barnes must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz apologized for the delay in the order. When Weletz filed the motion, Judge Kravitz said he was on leave and it “fell through the cracks.”

Judge Kravitz ordered a preliminary competency screening for Barnes and parties scheduled a mental observation hearing for May 12.

A preliminary hearing for Barnes and Walker is also scheduled on June 2.

Eyewitness Testifies About U Street Bar Homicide

An eyewitness to a fatal bar shooting testified she was intoxicated at the time of the incident in a homicide trial in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom, April 30.

Robert Lowe, 42, 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 greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Kenneth Goins inside Desperados Burgers & Bar, at the 1300 block of U Street, NW on April 27, 2024. Goins sustained a gunshot wound to the middle of his abdomen.

The prosecution called an eyewitness who reported seeing the fight between individuals who prosecutors identified as Lowe and Goins. The eyewitness, a Howard alumna, testified she was familiar with U Street and frequently went out with her best friend to the clubs and bars. The night of the incident, she was highly intoxicated on Tequila, the only type of alcohol she drinks. The eyewitness claimed she, despite being intoxicated, was able to stand, see, and understand what was going on around her.

She recalled the events before the incident, testifying that she and her best friend were outside of the bar when a Black man with dreads, Goins, approached and invited them inside. They did not know the Goins prior to that night.

The group went inside the bar. The eyewitness described the establishment as very small with the tops at the entrance only eight feet from the bar in the back. The group was at the high top nearest to the door. The eyewitness said she faced the bar, her best friend faced her, and Goins was between them, facing a wall, reportedly having a good conversation.

“Out of the blue,” the eyewitness testified, Goins was punched in the right side of the face by a White man, who prosecutors claim was Lowe. The men began fighting.

The eyewitness could not recall whether words were exchanged prior to the punch but assumed they were talking while fighting. She testified that security likely got involved and she, after prompting from the prosecution, was certain a woman was kicking the person prosecutors claim was Lowe while he was on the ground under Goins. She said Goins was winning the fight.

After a time, the eyewitness decided to leave with her best friend, saying the fight took too long. When they were in the doorway of the establishment, she testified hearing gunshots. She took off running with her best friend.

In cross-examination, defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein challenged the credibility of the witness’ testimony. She began, asking the witness whether her best friend was old enough to enter the clubs and bars on U Street that night. The eyewitness claimed she could not recall. Sapirstein asked if the best friend had a fake ID. The eyewitness again claimed she could not recall. Finally, Sapirstein, frustrated with the perceived evasions, said the eyewitness was 23-years-old at that night making her best friend only 20-years-old.

Sapirstein then brought up that on June 24, 2023, the eyewitness totaled her car. Sapirstein questioned her, bringing up the police report which stated the eyewitness claimed the accident was actually an armed carjacking by three-to-six unknown individuals. Sapirstein noted the eyewitness’ attorney in that case was present in the courtroom and claimed she concocted a false story to police. The witness claimed she could not recall ever speaking to police. Further she claimed she could not remember anything more than totaling her car.

“So you drank so much that you could not remember and do not remember now?” Sapirstein questioned, inferring the eyewitness was drunk when she totaled her car.

A medical examiner, called by the prosecution, testified she performed an autopsy on Goins. The prosecution presented images of Goins’ autopsy. The medical examiner reported he had a gunshot wound just above his naval. She recovered bullet fragments from within Goins’ body and he had 1250 milliliters of blood in his abdominal cavity. Goins also had noticeable bruising on his right and left eyes along with on his shin.

The prosecution asked if the wound could have occurred with Goins positioned on his knees, bent at a 45 or 90 degree angle. The medical examiner said it was possible.

Sapirstein then asked the medical examiner if it was possible for Goins to have been in any position for the wound to appear as such. The medical examiner said Goins could have been in any position so long as the gun was in front of him.

A firearms specialist was called as a witness, he reported he processed a firearm provided to him by the prosecution. He said his results came back that a G2 RIP 9 millimeter bullet was likely used in the incident. “RIP” stands for “radically invasive projectile.” The specific type of bullet has petals, or legs, that upon impact with a hydraulic target expands and fragments the petals for multi penetration within the target.

The firearms specialist noted that it is possible for this bullet to fragment upon hitting a solid, but the copper, being a soft metal, in the bullet would likely crush into a ball rather than fragment.

A DNA analyst was called by the prosecution. The analyst reported the lab was sent a backpack, two bottles, swabs from a revolver, a buccal swab from Lowe, nail clippings and a blood stain card from Goins.

She reported the results from the backpack straps were inconclusive. The revolver test results were found incompatible, meaning not suitable for any reference. The buccal swabs, nail clippings, and blood stain card traced back to their original contributors. Finally, the second bottle rim traced back with an octillian chance of including Goins than not.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify. She created an array of suspects for a witness to identify. The witness reportedly identified Lowe from the array.

Sapirstein pointed out that a few of the suspects on the array looked very similar to Lowe, to which the detective agreed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 4.

Judge Releases Domestic Violence Homicide Defendant Claiming Years of Abuse

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a homicide defendant’s request for release to home confinement during a hearing on May 1.

Shawnta Aiken, 52, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 56-year-old Richard Walker on Nov. 2, 2025 on the 3000 block of P Street, SE.

Dominique Winters, Aiken’s attorney, filed a motion to reconsider release, after Judge Kravitz denied her original motion on Jan. 29, stating they had failed to provide sufficient information for a release plan.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman had also denied release on Nov. 18, 2025 after he found probable cause that Aiken was the perpetrator. According to a detective’s testimony on Nov. 18, Aiken allegedly told a 911 dispatcher “he told me he had HIV, now he’s dead.”

At the hearing on May 1, Winters requested Aiken be released on 24 hour home confinement at her mom’s house, which is located outside of DC.

Winters provided context into Aiken and Walker’s relationship, which she described as tumultuous, highlighting recurring allegations of domestic violence. According to Winters, six days before the shooting, Aiken went to a domestic violence organization seeking emergency housing for fear of Walker.

Winters argued Aiken has no violent, assaultive, or weapon related history, and Aiken had attempted to do everything she could to get away from the relationship with Walker while he was allegedly incarcerated in 2022.

Winters cited records from domestic violence organizations that provided Aiken resources when Walker allegedly repeatedly threatened Aiken while he was in prison, and she attempted to divorce him.

Winters also highlighted Aiken’s front teeth missing, stating she lost them when Walker allegedly hit her face with a gun, telling her “if I can’t have you, no one can.”

“This is a woman that was doing everything in her power to get away from him,” Winters cried. She further argued that Walker, who was allegedly known to be a drug dealer, worsened Aiken’s substance abuse by using her to test laced drugs.

According to Winters, Walker would force Aiken “to test the laced drugs to see the effect it would have on her before selling it on the streets.” Winters stated Aiken’s medical records show multiple overdoses.

“What was particularly sickening, is we have information that he would keep Narcan to bring her back so she didn’t have to go to the hospital as frequently,” Winters told Judge Kravitz.

She presented the court with a certificate of completion, which stated Aiken successfully completed a 120-day in-patient treatment plan while she was detained at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) in the Department of Corrections (DoC).

“She’s been incredibly proud of the work she’s been putting in to get sober,” Winters stated about Aiken, adding “I think because [Walker] is no longer in her life, she has a much better chance at staying sober. It’s something she cares about and has been working really really hard to achieve it.”

The defense requested Aiken be given the chance to work with health services for domestic violence survivors in the community, which would include access to psychiatrists, case managers, weekly therapy appointments, employment services, and referral to additional resources as needed.

The prosecution disagreed with the request for release, stating “to the government’s view, this is murder,” and “there is no meaningful argument against those facts.”

The prosecution further stated, “no one has meaningfully refuted that in a house with at least eight people, four of which were children, [Aiken] picked up a gun and shot someone.”

According to the prosecution, not a single witness in the house has stated they heard arguing, conversations, scuffles or a commotion prior to the shooting. “They all woke up that morning to two gunshots, and they saw the defendant standing near [Walker] with a firearm.”

“Anger and weapons resulted in a murder, or at least the death of someone, in a house,” the prosecutor continued, highlighting Aiken’s criminal history, which includes a conviction for attempted perjury.

Walker’s daughter, who provided a statement to the court, stated she is “overwhelmed with grief,” adding, “the harm that was done cannot be undone.” She further stated she lives with fear, because she has allegedly seen Aiken’s aggression and anger, and she’s worried about her family and the community’s safety.

Judge Kravitz stated the defense “has made a very strong presentation that Aiken’s relationship with [Walker] was a uniquely toxic relationship,” adding that it makes it less likely that Aiken, who doesn’t have assaultive convictions, would attack anyone else in the community.

“Her violence towards [Walker], I feel comfortable saying on this record, is not likely to be repeated towards anyone else,” Judge Kravitz stated.

“This is the opposite of an invitation to be loose about how you’re doing. This is an expression on my part, that because you’ve done well at CTF and the drug program, and additional information has been presented to me that I wasn’t aware of three months ago, I now trust that you’ll be able to comply with these conditions,” Judge Kravitz told Aiken, adding, “If I were to learn that I was wrong about that, I’m going to change my mind.”

Judge Kravitz released Aiken to home confinement with the Specialized Supervision Unit (SSU) through the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), and GPS monitoring.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Prosecutors Allege Vehicular Homicide Defendant Turned Away From Victims ‘Clinging to Life in the Streets’

Parties disagreed about whether a defendant’s apparently reckless choices or his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) led to a fatal crash in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 28.

Spiro Stafilatos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in a pedestrian crash at the intersection of New York Avenue and 14th Street, NW on Dec. 30, 2022 that resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui also known as Sophie and life threatening injuries to a second victim, Sui’s wife.

“It should have been an ordinary afternoon” for Sui and her wife, said prosecutors in their opening statements. The couple walked down 14th Street where “their lives would be changed forever.”

According to prosecutors, the United States Secret Service (USSS) stopped Stafilatos because he had no front license plate and an out of date registration. At the traffic stop, Stafilatos kept his vehicle running and in drive. In a “critical 15 seconds,” prosecutors said Stafilatos fled the traffic stop, turned into a gap in traffic, collided with another vehicle, and “launched [the victims] down New York Avenue.”

The prosecutor inquired what jurors would do if they were involved in a crash and argued it would differ from Stafilatos’ response. Stafilatos looked at the “shattered bodies of the two women who were clinging to life in the streets” and turned his back on them, said the prosecutor.

Prosecutors said telematics evidence shows that Stafilatos accelerated over 50 miles per hour—twice the speed limit— and video footage offers proof he ran a red light.

The jury will not see evidence of Stafilatos’ intent to kill, but prosecutors said that doesn’t matter for second-degree murder. The case is about a series of Stafilatos’ choices that led to Sui’s death, concluded prosecutors.

Brian McDaniel, Stafilatos’ attorney, emphasized the presumption of innocence and argued that prosecutors “overcharged Stafilatos.” According to McDaniel, it is relevant that his client didn’t intend to cause harm.

When Stafilatos was detained in April 2020, McDaniel said he was “assaulted by law enforcement, beaten by police.” As a result, Stafilatos has PTSD from his interactions with authorities. McDaniel asserted that Stafilatos’ PTSD informed his decisions as he tried to escape the police when the crash occurred.

The video of the crash is “hard to watch, it’s bad,” said McDaniel, and emphasized it’s “a sad case all around” but asked the jury to consider “the good, the bad, the ugly,” and find Stafilatos not guilty of the charges against him.

The prosecutors called the surviving victim to testify. “My memory is super bad,” said the victim and noted she carries a notebook to help her recall. The victim does not remember the crash but from photos, she knows she celebrated her wedding anniversary with Sui that day.

“Whenever I think of her I start crying,” said the surviving victim about her wife. She described Sui as nice to everyone and mentioned a cat they adopted together.

A doctor and expert in the field of trauma surgery who treated the surviving victim also testified. The expert said the victim’s probability of death was extremely high and without care, she would have died within an hour of the crash. The expert said the victim sustained a very severe brain injury with bleeding, a broken skull, punctured lungs, and fractured hands, among other injuries.

According to the expert, the victim spent approximately six months in the intensive care unit (ICU) and approximately 12 months at George Washington University Hospital.

The prosecution also called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case from the Major Crash Investigations Unit to testify. The detective said he responded to an incident involving two pedestrians in an area with a speed limit of 20 miles per hour. According to the detective, the distance from where the vehicle impacted the victims to their final resting place was between 80-to-100 feet.

The detective identified the suspect vehicle’s path in video footage played by prosecutors. In the videos, officers on bikes conducted a traffic stop, the vehicle pulled away, and a police vehicle turned on their lights and followed the vehicle. Then, the video showed that the suspect vehicle drove through a red light and was hit by another vehicle that had a green light.

The suspect vehicle then hit two pedestrians as they walked across the street. The driver exited the car and started to run away before police arrived and the suspect raised his hands in the air as he dropped to the ground.

In cross-examination, McDaniel noted that police found three prescription bottles in the suspect vehicle and one nearby, all labeled with Stafilatos’ name. The detective said he was unsure what the prescription was. McDaniel confirmed that the detective took notes on elements of importance in his investigations. Therefore, McDaniel concluded if the detective did not write the prescription down it was not important.

McDaniel asked the detective whether Stafilatos would have struck the victims if the other car had not hit the back of his vehicle. The prosecution objected to the question and after a brief conversation, Judge Brandt struck the question from the record.

The accident was not a high speed chase but it occurred about a block away from the traffic stop, McDaniel confirmed with the detective.

An eyewitness who drove the other vehicle involved in the crash also testified. The eyewitness described the accident–she was in stop-and-go traffic and as she hit her breaks another vehicle hit hers. Her car was toatled and she was “shaken but physically okay,” said the eyewitness.

McDaniel asserted that the eyewitness hit the other car, not the opposite. She affirmed her previous statement that a vehicle from her right hit her front passenger side. The eyewitness said she had a green light and confirmed she never watched a video of the crash.

The trial is scheduled to resume on April 29.

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