Case Acquitted: Shortly After Murder, Witness Claims Defendant Says, ‘Your Little Man Dead’

Editor’s note: Randolph Thomas was acquitted of all charges by a jury on June 11, 2026.

A key witness testified that a defendant confessed to him that he committed a 2009 homicide in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 2.

Randolph Thomas, 43, is charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary while armed of Emmanuel Durant Jr., 19, on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE on Dec. 31, 2009.

A witness who claimed he and Thomas spent nearly every day together testified that the day of the incident, the defendant walked him and others through a robbery that turned fatal the night before.

Thomas’ friend revealed that upon picking up Thomas on New Year’s Eve, the defendant’s first words were, “Your little man dead,” referring to Durant’s brother, who the witness described as a drug dealer.

The witness then revealed the rest of what Thomas disclosed during an estimated 10-minute long conversation. The reported confession included Thomas and one accomplice allegedly waiting outside the house where the crime occurred, holding multiple victims inside the house at gunpoint, before putting a pillow over Durant’s head and fatally shooting him.

The witness additionally detailed calls between him and Thomas hours before the incident, in which Thomas reportedly asked him to contact Durant’s brother for drugs at the request of his accomplice.

Because of time limitations, the witness will finish his testimony the next day of trial.

An additional witness whose sister was in a romantic relationship with Thomas at the time told the prosecution that Thomas slept over at his residence around five-to-six times per week. He also testified that Thomas carried a 40-caliber firearm at his hip, he had named “his baby,” but usually hid it from family.

The witness testified that he was unaware of Durant’s murder at the time and the following day where the witness, Thomas, and others went to a family New Year’s Eve party.

An eyewitness, Durant’s brother’s former girlfriend, also testified who said she was in the house and was held at gunpoint during the incident. The eyewitness said she heard her then-boyfriend say to the gunmen, “That’s my girlfriend” right before the barrel was pointed at her face.

She recalled her then-boyfriend was faced down with the other gunman standing above him. According to the eyewitness, the gunman told her to call down Durant from upstairs. After Durant came downstairs, the witness said he and the gunman started to tussle.

Then, the eyewitness described hearing the fatal shot and seeing both gunmen run out the side door. After they left, she ran to her boyfriend because they both feared he was shot by the second bullet, but sustained no injuries.

During her testimony, the eyewitness revealed that when one of the suspects approached her, it “seemed like he was about to shoot me, but he didn’t.” The eyewitness added that she felt there could’ve been sympathy towards her from the gunman.

At the time, the eyewitness revealed to police that the suspect reminded her of someone who she knew and went to high school with. Thomas’ attorney, Kevin Steward, homed in on this detail and emphasized that Thomas did not attend high school with her.

During their redirect, the prosecution clarified that the eyewitness was simply using the person from her high school as a descriptive reference. The eyewitness compared her reference to, “If it was a clown, a clown has a red nose.”

The eyewitness described the suspect as someone who dressed young, talked young, and was likely 18-years-old. Both the defense and prosecution emphasized the eyewitness’ description of the suspect’s eyelashes, which she said were very “curly and girly.”

Throughout her testimony, parties questioned the eyewitness about how she described the height of the suspects. Originally, the eyewitness said the suspect was two-to-three inches taller than her height of five-foot-four.

During the redirect, the prosecution brought up height again, and asked if the eyewitness would like to read the police report to “refresh [her] memory.” After a brief moment of looking at the report, the eyewitness stated, “he was five-foot-seven.”

The jury trial is scheduled to resume on June 3.

Defense Disputes Admission of Protective Orders Ahead of Murder Trial as ‘Unduly Prejudicial’

Prosecutors in a murder case argued for the inclusion of protective orders the victim filed against the defendant as evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 3.

Wonnell 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 conviction for a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE, on July 19, 2022. Williams sustained a total of 52 gunshot wounds and other injuries.

The prosecution argued for the inclusion of multiple pieces of evidence against Jones at trial, including a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) filed by Williams against Jones on Feb. 28, 2021. There was also an arrest warrant for Jones after he allegedly unlawfully entered Williams’ address on May 5, 2022. The prosecution also mentioned a witness they expect will testify that they heard Jones threatening to kill Williams.

The prosecutor explained the purpose of these was to show the “nature and pattern of their relationship.”

Jones’ attorney, Megan Allburn, responded that these TPO’s are “unduly prejudicial” against Jones, claiming their inclusion in the trial would leave the jury to speculate allegations about the TPO itself. Allburn explained that Williams had an attorney at the time of the TPO, while Jones was proceeding “pro se,” without an attorney.

Judge Ryan suggested the prosecution wanted to use the TPO’s as proof of motive. He explained that “the fact of the [homicide] being in the midst of TPO proceedings seems pretty pertinent to me.”

Allburn refuted, claiming there would be no one to cross-examine Williams’ position which would cause details to be left out, arguing the defense would be at a disadvantage.

In response, Judge Ryan asserted that “sensible lawyers deal with these issues and eliminate speculations of the jury.”

The prosecution also argued for the inclusion of a photo of Williams’ phone containing her call log on the day of the homicide, showcasing a call from Jones that they claim was a threat. The prosecutor also wanted to elicit the location of Jones’ arrest in Florida.

Allburn stated she expected the prosecutor to make those arguments and needed to make a decision with Jones’ other attorney Steven Kiersh about their client’s testimony. Judge Ryan granted the request for more time to litigate the issue.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 23 prior to a jury trial scheduled for July 1.

Judge Gives Prosecutors More Time to Indict Non-Fatal Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted prosecutors a 45-day extension to secure an indictment against a shooting defendant on June 5, despite objections from the defense.

Derrick Carter, 33, 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 a year. The charges stem from a non-fatal shooting incident on Dec. 2, 2025 on the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW. A shot was fired toward the victim but she wasn’t injured.

The 90-day deadline for prosecutors to secure an indictment against Carter lapsed on June 4, and the prosecutors filed a motion on June 3 asking to extend the deadline.

Carter’s attorney, Emma Mlyniec, argued that the prosecution should not be granted a deadline extension based on Carter’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial. Prosecutors explained that they had not yet brought the case before a grand jury for an indictment because of a witness availability issue.

Judge Di Toro granted the motion for an extended deadline with the condition that the planned trial date of Aug. 7 would not move in order to protect Carter’s rights. The judge granted the prosecution a 45-day extension to obtain an indictment against Carter by July 19.

Mlyniec then requested that he be released from jail until the prosecution secures an indictment.

Judge Di Toro denied that motion on the grounds that the indictment extension does not violate Carter’s right to a speedy trial since he has the same trial date.

The defense also made Judge Di Toro aware of some evidentiary issues they had as a part of the discovery process.

Mlyniec stated that she was waiting on the prosecution to hand over any previous criminal complaints made against the victim in Carter’s case. Under Giglio vs. United States, any evidence which discredits a witness in a case could prove the defendant’s innocence, and the prosecution must hand such evidence over to the defence in the discovery process.

The prosecutor responded that the defense’s discovery requests regarding the victim had been too broad up to that point, and also that previous criminal complaints against the victim were themselves not Giglio material.

Mlyniec also stated that she had received footage from one body-worn camera in Carter’s arrest but not from a second camera. The prosecutor responded that footage from only one body-worn camera existed, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) had deleted the footage from the other camera in the arrest pursuant to their evidence retention policies.

Mlyniec said the defense team intended to file a motion to dismiss based on failure to preserve evidence.

The defense also had an issue with the ShotSpotter report from the night of the incident. According to Mlyniec, when ShotSpotter detected the noise allegedly from Carter’s gun, it didn’t initially label it as gunfire, but later someone manually changed the report to indicate that it had in fact picked up gunfire from the incident address.

The prosecutor denied knowing anything about any changes to the ShotSpotter report.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene July 17 for a felony status conference, two days before the new indictment deadline.

Judge Lifts Electronic Monitoring, Curfew for Homicide Defendant on Release

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted a defense request on June 5 to lift a homicide defendant’s curfew and eliminate GPS tracking because he has been compliant.

Gary Denny, 53, 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 a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Evans, 56, on April 4, 2023, on the 600 block of 46th Place SE. Evans died from a gunshot wound to his chest.

All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Denny was on release for a prior offense.

According to court records, Denny has been on a curfew, enforced by a GPS tracking system, since his release in May 2023.

Denny’s attorney, Dana Page, requested to remove both the curfew and electronic monitor on the basis of Denny’s consistent adherence to his release conditions. The prosecution opposed the removal, citing the violent nature of the case.

Page explained that lifting the curfew and removing the GPS was inspired by a suggestion from an officer of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Page emphasized that Denny has compiled on release for the last three years, accumulating no violations.

“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” the prosecutor countered.

The prosecutor argued that Denny’s conditions of release are actively benefiting the safety of the community. Citing the severity of the charges, the prosecution stressed that the limitations should not be lifted.

However, Judge Edelman said that this line of reasoning was inapplicable because he does not see a direct connection between Denny’s curfew and the safety of the community. Highlighting Denny’s compliance, Judge Edelman granted the defense’s request. Denny’s sole release condition is to attend future hearings.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 28.

Judge Asks a ‘Personal Favor,’ so Homicide Defendant Representing Himself Can Access a Computer in Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman emphasized, on June 5, the importance of self-representing defendant’s unrestricted access to necessary case documents.

Kyle Piunti, 31, is charged with second-degree murder and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon due to his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of 54-year-old Michael Hamlin. The crash occurred on Jan. 3, 2024, on Highway I-295 southbound near Mile Maker 1.

At the hearing, Piunti expressed concerns about submitting evidence and accessing password protected documents sent to him by the prosecution. The prosecution disagreed they withheld any evidence and said they plan to resubmit all relevant documents.

Judge Edelman contacted attorneys representing the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) after Piunti allegedly faced barriers accessing needed technology. The judge confirmed that Piunti will receive a computer from the DOC on June 8.

“I asked as a personal favor…they have their own rules, they don’t report to me,” emphasized Judge Edelman.

Judge Edelman explained that Piunti will be given to a computer with a “pretrial” hard drive, brought to him by his attorney advisor, David Akulian. The program will expire when the pretrial period ends and Piunti will be given a new hard drive for the trial. Judge Edelman also offered to print all evidentiary information for Piunti.

Piunti filed a motion to suppress evidence on Jan. 23, claiming the prosecution restricted his access to the material by providing password protected Apple documents.

Prosecutors explained that all the Apple documents held subscriber information, linking an account’s digital subscription to its owner, which they plan to reference during trial. The prosecution did not know the documents were password protected and emphasized that everything was disclosed in a comprehensive discovery list sent to Piunti.

This motion also included the suppression of brown slide-on shoes found at the crime scene because Piunti believes it had been disturbed.

Judge Edelman advised Piunti that the motion will be resolved when he receives the prosecution’s printed out discovery and exhibit lists.

In addition, Piunti motioned on April 7 to dismiss his indictment based on videos he was unable to submit as evidence. Piunti claims his videos contextualize the evidence presented to the grand jury. “The things they said go directly against the videos,” Piunti said.

Along with the motion to suppress evidence and dismiss his indictment, Piunti has filed multiple other motions and notices that Judge Edelman plans to review during the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 16.

Medical Examiner Has ‘Difficult Time Processing’ Autopsies She Performed in Triple Homicide

The primary medical examiner in a triple-homicide said she didn’t prepare testimony in the case because medical problems interfered with her right state of mind in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 3.

Jalonte Thompkins, 34, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, three 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 three brothers, 34-year-old James Morgan, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin on Aug. 5, 2023 on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW.

Judge Kravitz considered issuing a bench warrant on June 1 after the medical examiner failed to appear. According to court records, He ordered a subpoena to force the examiner’s testimony.

At the hearing, the examiner said she had a “difficult time processing” questions about Jamal and James’ autopsies.

The examiner failed to answer many of both parties questions, repeatedly stating that severe pain, dizziness, fatigue, and prescription pain-relievers left her cognitively impaired.

She told the prosecution she could not say with certainty that she was not on prescription medication when she authored the autopsy reports. Later, the examiner clarified that she was capable of performing her job when she signed two reports.

The examiner also confirmed her report stating that the right to left direction of the bullet wounded Jamal.

In cross examination, the medical examiner confirmed with Thompkins’ attorney, Brandi Harden, that it is likely that an individual holding a gun with both arms straight out at shoulder level would expose the abdomen to possible gunshots and the person would likely react by turning around if they were shot.

In other testimony, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who laid out the location of CCTV camera footage near the Ontario Road crime scene. The detective identified a man he allegedly recognized as Renza Bryant.

Bryant, 30, was charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the same incident. However, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun didn’t find probable cause against Bryant and dismissed his case on Jan. 16, 2024.

Without the jury, Harden questioned the legality of the detective identifying Bryant on CCTV footage. She argued that the poor video quality of the video made that impossible.

The prosecutor argued that the detective could identify Bryant because they had met at least five times before.

Judge Kravitz found that because the detective had previously met Bryant and because the suspect’s face was “partially obscured” by his hat, the detective’s testimony was permissible under Sanders, Brooks, and Robinson v. United States. That case permits a lay witness to identify a person in CCTV footage, if the witness is visually familiar with the individual depicted.

Prosecutors also called an individual whose apartment overlooked Euclid Street, NW near the crime scene. In direct examination by prosecutors she said she was sleeping in her room when she awoke to someone saying, “He right there, he right there” and heard shooting.

However, the eyewitness had difficulty recalling some details of the event, and admitted that she only looked out the corner of her window for two seconds at the shooter before returning to bed.

The prosecutor referred several times to her grand jury testimony to refresh her memory in which she identified the shooter as an African American man. The eyewitness repeatedly told prosecutors she was unsure of what she saw and heard nearly three years ago.

During cross-examination, Harden reiterated that the eyewitness had difficulty recalling the event without the aid of her grand jury testimony and that the prosecutors may have guided her responses during testimony.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 4.

Case Acquitted: ‘The Place Looked Like it Got Flipped Upside Down,’ Defendant’s, Victim’s Friend Testifies in Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: Juan Guerra was acquitted of all charges by a jury on June 15, 2026.

The prosecution called a mutual friend and key witness in a homicide trial involving two best friends before DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee on June 3.

Juan Guerra, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Peter Miller III, 32, who died from blunt force trauma on the 900 block of Maine Avenue SW on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.

The prosecution called a mutual friend of both Guerra and Miller who established that the two were “business partners” and “best friends.”

The prosecution asked the mutual friend about Guerra’s mood around October 2021. He remembered Guerra’s relationship, legal, and financial issues around the time. When responding to a question about how Guerra handled stress he said, “we all partied, maybe he partied a little harder.” He spoke of alcohol and drug usage.

The prosecution followed with specific questions pertaining to the events that occurred on the evening of Oct. 5, 2021. The mutual friend said the night included some drinking and gambling over dice with friends at Guerra and Miller’s apartment. The witness remembered the defendant being in good spirits at the time.

By 1:15 a. m., the witness, Guerra, and Miller were the only people in the apartment. The game continued, resulting in a verbal argument between Guerra and Miller. The argument became more heated, until the witness said the defendant “closed-fist” punched him. The mutual friend indicated that he was punched in the middle of his chest and recalled immediately deciding to leave, hearing the argument continue between Guerra and Miller as he left the apartment.

After the friend left, he went back to his apartment in the same building, got ready for bed, received a phone notification, and subsequently went back to the scene. The witness said, “the place looked like it got flipped upside down” and found Miller face-down on the couch.

He claimed that Guerra went to his room, and Miller was unresponsive. The witness called 911, and the operator instructed him to perform chest compressions while waiting for the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).

At some point, the friend noticed Guerra walking around. When the EMTs arrived, the witness said he left the room to allow the EMTs into the building after asking Guerra to continue doing the chest compressions. He was not sure if Guerra did the compressions.

The witness then stopped at the eighth floor to tell his roommate, another friend of the defendant and victim who was in the apartment earlier that night.

During cross-examination, Guerra’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, pointed out several inconsistencies in the friend’s testimony during trial and in previous statements made to a detective the day of the incident.

Mosley questioned the witness’ prior claims that he walked right in the unlocked apartment door upon returning, which he clarified is incorrect. Mosley also noted an inconsistency in the witness’ recollection of the whereabouts of his roommate who had been present at the apartment that night. The witness had initially claimed that he alerted his roommate on his way up after retrieving the paramedics, but Mosley claimed the roommate was already at the apartment.

The defense also presented the 911 call made by the mutual friend, in which he is heard asking Guerra to help move Miller’s body from the couch. In the call, someone in the background, presumably the defendant, is heard saying, “I got him.”

Mosley also noted a statement from the call, where the mutual friend described Miller as “unconscious and drunk.” The witness said on the stand that he had intended to convey that Miller had been drinking, but not that he was intoxicated.

Earlier, the prosecuting attorneys called a forensic scientist from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who compared their photographic evidence to a diagram of the crime scene.

Upon cross-examination, Mosley questioned the forensic scientist’s knowledge of the diagram. The forensic scientist was unable to provide exact measurements of certain locations because they were not taken at the scene. Mosley replied, “Because you don’t know, the jury doesn’t know.”

The forensic scientist identified two firearms in court, as well as a nightstand containing multiple 20 dollar and five dollar bills and a passport with the defendant’s name. Additionally, she established that a total of 45 cartridges were found at the scene.

The prosecution also called Miller’s sister, who spoke to him via phone call around 10:30 p. m. the night of the incident. She claimed to have heard voices in the background of the call and that Miller was in “good spirits.”

Prosecutors displayed an Instagram post from the night of the incident that Miller’s sister screenshotted the next day. The video shows three dice rolled onto the floor, with multiple stacks of cash visible. She recognized the floor as the same one from Guerra and Miller’s shared apartment.

Miller’s family visited him during the days Miller spent in the hospital. His sister described him as having bloodshot eyes and being physically injured.

While Miller was in the hospital, his father received a call from Guerra. In cross-examination, Guerra’s other attorney, Diana Yu alleged Guerra was asking about Miller’s condition. His father did not answer the call and the sister could not confirm the reason for the call.

According to the prosecuting attorneys, Guerra did not attend Miller’s funeral. Yu clarified with Miller’s sister that it was because he did not receive an invitation.

The parties are slated to reconvene on June 4.

Metro Homicide Trial Faces Near Year Delay After Another Attorney Joins Defense

A homicide trial was delayed nearly a year to accommodate a new addition to a defendant’s legal team before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 3.

Deonte Spicer, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated 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. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023. The incident occurred at a bus stop outside of the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, where Monroe was killed by a gunshot wound to his head.

At the hearing, the prosecution represented that they were ready for the trial scheduled to begin on July 6.

Daniel Dorsey, Spicer’s attorney, asked to delay the trial because another attorney joined Spicer’s legal team. The parties rescheduled the trial for June 21, 2027. In April, Dorsey, filed a motion to withdraw from the case. The motion was denied, but If granted, it would have been the sixth attorney that has pulled out of Spicer’s case.

The prosecution maintained their position that they were ready for trial, estimating that the proceedings should last about two weeks.

Dorsey also requested additional DNA testing, specifically Monroe’s belongings. The prosecution questioned the necessity, and the matter is expected to be further addressed at an upcoming motion hearing. The prosecutors stated that no items were reported missing from the scene, with both the knife and victim’s clothing accounted for.

The prosecution mentioned that the surveillance video was important evidence in the case, with footage reportedly showing Spicer and Monroe greeting each other with a handshake approximately 20 minutes before the murder. Both parties said they would use video evidence to support their arguments at trial.

Additionally, Spicer expressed a desire to file information and evidence on his own behalf. Judge Park cautioned that any such filing could be used against him and Spicer should consult with his attorney before taking such action.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 9.

Shooting Defendant Waives DNA Testing Rights

A shooting defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 4.

Marcus Reavenell, 48, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge, and unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction greater than one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the intersection of 58th and Foote Streets, NE on May 14, 2025. No injuries were reported but the victim’s vehicle had gunshot damage.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a notification that a ShotSpotter alert had detected one round fired near the crime scene. The police received a call from the victim, reporting that a Black male had shot at him. After reviewing the victim’s dash camera footage, detectives obtained the license plate of the suspect vehicle which they reportedly connected to Reavenell.

Reavenell’s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, mentioned that investigators recovered four DNA swabs from a vehicle connected to the incident. However, Judge Arthur confirmed that Reavenell waived his rights to independently test the DNA evidence knowingly and voluntarily.

Reavenell is scheduled to appear for a trial readiness hearing and a felony arraignment on July 7.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty of a Hate Crime in Killing of a Transgender Person

A defendant pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 5.

Edgar Arrington, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in a bias-related hate crime, 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 28-year-old Daquane Johnson on July 5, 2025 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE. Johnson sustained four gunshot wounds, three to her chest, and one to her shoulder.

The prosecutors allege Arrington shot Johnson because she was transgender.

The court formally arraigned Arrington by reading the charges against him. Arrington’s attorney, Terrence Austin, entered into a not guilty plea on his behalf and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.

The prosecution and Judge Dayson allowed Austin more time to discuss the case with Arrington and decide how to proceed because he is newly appointed as counsel

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 24.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Shooting Defendant Amid Plea Negotiations

A shooting case stalled amid plea negotiations after DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno ordered a mental competency evaluation for the defendant on June 8.

Jordan Jennings, 26, is charged with endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE on Sept. 10, 2025. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, the prosecution noted that a plea offer, which technically expired on May 26, remained on the table. However, Jennings’ attorney, Janai Reed requested additional time to consult with her client before any decisions could be made.

According to Reed, communication with her client was difficult because Jennings resides in a shelter without a reliable phone. Reed added that Jennings does not fully comprehend the sentencing guideline procedures in a plea deal, indictment process, as well as the uncertainties surrounding sentencing.

Judge Salerno ordered a mental competency evaluation as a precautionary measure, noting that additional time with counsel sometimes improves a defendant’s understanding. The evaluation will automatically toll the indictment deadline.

To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges and be able to assist in their defense.

Jennings’ pretrial compliance with the conditions of her release also emerged as a significant concern, as Judge Salerno noted she continued to test positive for cocaine and PCP.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) was present at the hearing and said he was working to arrange residential drug treatment, with one obstacle being the placement of the Jennings’ dog. Jennings stated she was willing to enter treatment voluntarily once that matter is resolved.

Judge Salerno emphasized to Jennings that her drug use cannot continue if the case proceeds to trial.

The court amended existing stay-away order to include the names of the two victims, following reports of social media contact between Jennings and one of the victims.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 30.

I Want to ‘Be There For My Daughter,’ Says Carjacker Sentenced Under Youth Act

A judge sentenced Devonte Lynch, 20, to 18 months in prison on June 8 for his involvement in two 2023 carjackings.

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced Lynch, who was 17 at the time of the offenses, under DC’s Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA provides flexible sentencing and seals the records for offenders under age 25. Judge Di Toro said she sentenced Lynch under the YRA because of his demonstrated “capacity for rehabilitation” and the progress he made while incarcerated.

Lynch pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2024 to armed carjacking, robbery, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in two carjackings. One carjacking occurred on the 900 block of Hilltop Place, SE on Nov. 12 2023 and the other on the 100 block of 12th Street, NE on Nov. 29 2023.

Both the prosecution and defense praised Lynch’s dedication to rehabilitation while detained. The prosecution said they were “thrilled” to see Lynch’s progress. Lynch’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, said he was a “changed man.”

The second carjacking was committed against an off-duty FBI agent. Given that the agent was armed and capable of defending herself, Sapirstein said it was “extraordinary” that this crime didn’t result in worse consequences for Lynch.

Lynch’s mother said she was “thankful” her son was arrested. She believed he was making dangerous life choices and incarceration “probably saved his life.”

The prosecution initially recommended sentencing Lynch to 15 years in prison for the two carjackings and an additional five for robbery. Prosecutors opposed the YRA, alleging Lynch failed to take full responsibility for his crime by continually dumping responsibility on his co-conspirator. They argued “the kind of judgment reflected in both of these cases needs to be held accountable.”

The prosecution read the impact statement of the victim of the first carjacking. Referencing Lynch and the other suspect involved in the carjacking, the victim said “those two men ruined my life.”

When Judge Di Toro asked Lynch what he planned to after prison, he said he wanted to show his community he had grown, help the youth stay on the right path, change the public perceptions of Black people, and “be there for my daughter.”

Judge Di Toro responded, “I believe you, completely.”

Lynch’s mother and one-year-old daughter attended the hearing.

Judge Di Toro noted that Lynch has certain mental processing “challenges” and a speech impediment. Lynch’s other attorney Rebecca Desta said if he had received adequate special education as a kid, “He would have never stepped in this courtroom.”

In a letter addressed to Judge Di Toro, Lynch explained that his father was not present when he was growing up, so he took care of his mother and sister. When his girlfriend became pregnant, he said he “didn’t want [his] daughter to go through the same things [he] had to go through without a father.”

With his daughter as motivation, Lynch pursued rehabiliation through prison programs, specifically the Young Men Emerging Program (YME). He said YME has equipped him with the skills to succeed when he returns to his community.

Lynch concluded, “I can’t take back the things that I did because they already happened. I want to come home with a purpose. I hope the court can give me a second chance in my life and my daughter’s life.”

Judge Di Toro ultimately decided that the YRA was “appropriate” because of Lynch’s age, lack of previous criminal history, demonstrated participation in rehabiliation programs, close family ties, and his emerging sense of personal responsibility.

Lynch was sentenced to 72 months in prison with all but 18 suspended for carjacking, 18 months for robbery and 18 months for carrying a pistol without a liscense. All sentences will run concurrently, followed by 18 months of probation.

After prison, Lynch must register as a gun offender in DC, participate in a drug treatment program, and complete 90 hours of community service. He will participate in a VOTEE (Vocational Opportunities for Training, Education, and Employment) program to fulfill his terms of probation.

No further dates were set.

Prosecutors Will Retry Murder Suspect After Judge Says he, ‘Got a Bite at the Apple’

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 5, prosecuting attorneys announced their intention to retry a homicide defendant after the previous trial ended in a mistrial.

Cotey Wynn, 44, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a massing shooting, which resulted in the death of Blake Bozeman, 31, and injured three others. The shooting occurred at CRU Lounge, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2023.

According to prosecutors, Wynn allegedly aided and abetted the shooter by facilitating his entry into the club with the firearm.

Wynn appeared at the hearing alongside the alleged shooter, 44-year-old Frank Johnson, who is charged with first-degree murder. Johnson and Wynn are not co-defendants yet, per a previous ruling issued by Judge Brandt. Johnson is currently awaiting his indictment, which prosecutors said they expect to issue by the end of this calendar year.

Brian McDaniel, Wynn’s attorney, asserted that the defendant is in “the same posture” as his initial trial date. McDaniel established that Wynn’s speedy trial rights were invoked at the onset of the original trial, and he argued that he should have a trial “sooner.” According to McDaniel, having a later trial “materially affects” Wynn’s right to a speedy trial, especially in the case of a mistrial.

McDaniel requested for trial this year. Both Judge Brandt and prosecuting attorneys could not accommodate a 2026 trial date. Judge Brandt encouraged both parties to consider the reasons that the previous trial resulted in a mistrial and listen to feedback from previous jurors.

Judge Brandt reminded both parties that the jury voted 10-to-two in favor of convicting Wynn of the lesser-included offense of second-degree murder but were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill charges.

Judge Brandt maintained that Wynn had his “bite at the apple” as he already had a jury trial. McDaniel countered that it was actually the prosecuting attorney’s “bite at the apple” and urged the judge to consider an earlier trial date. Judge Brandt established that the earliest trial could be in May 2027.

The defense attorney for Johnson, David Akulian, indicated that he had intended to move forward with a motion for his client’s release at this hearing prior to Johnson’s indictment. Judge Brandt reminded both parties that she does not consider oral release motions, asserting that “both gentlemen are presumed dangerous by the law.” She requested that any release review motions be put in writing for the upcoming hearings. McDaniel and Akulian agreed to the stipulation.

Wynn is scheduled to return on July 31. Johnson is scheduled to return on Sept. 4. Both defendants are expected to appear before Judge Brandt.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 5 Charges in Fatal Shooting Case

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh entered into a not guilty plea on behalf of homicide defendant Andre Townsend at an arraignment on June 5 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Townsend, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Derrick Howard, 39, on March 18, 2025 at the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Howard died from a gunshot wound to his back.

After the charges were read in court, Kiersh pleaded not guilty on Towsend’s behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.

Townsend’s trial is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2027. Both parties said they expected to complete forensic testing of DNA to present at trial. Kiersh also consented to the standard protective orders the prosecution requested for their witnesses. Nonetheless Townsend remains detained.

Before returning to the DC Jail, Townsend said, “I love y’all,” expressing his admiration for family members present in the courtroom.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 2.

Judge Tells Jurors to ‘Remember Bubblewrap’ After Tapping Third Alternate in Triple-Homicide Trial

On the fifth day of the prosecution’s case in a triple-homicide trial, on June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz called upon the third alternate juror because of another panel member’s continued illness.

Jalonte Thompkins, 34, is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three 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 a fatal shooting on Aug. 5, 2023, of three brothers, 34-year-old James Morgan, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin, on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW.

The trial that was scheduled to resume in the morning was postponed to the afternoon due to a juror’s health issue. Parties agreed to excuse the missing member, and noted that they had now called on three of the four alternate jury members. Judge Kravitz commented that perhaps the jurors should be bubble wrapped so they do not lose more of them. Later, before proceedings closed for the day, Judge Kravitz reminded the jury to “remember bubblewrap.”

In the afternoon, the prosecution called a bystander who was close to James and testified to going out with him on the night of Aug. 4, 2023. She said she drove James to a club and gave him her car keys before they entered. James’ friend said she did not see James with a gun that night, nor did she see a gun in her car at any point that night.

On cross examination, Thompkins’ attorney, Brandi Harden, confirmed with the witness that since she gave her car keys to James, she did not know whether any gun was put in or taken out of her car.

An expert in forensic pathology who conducted Martin’s autopsy concluded he died from complications of gunshot wounds, ruling it as a homicide.

The prosecution called a firearms and tool markings analyst who tested two firearms and 52 bullet casings found at the crime scene to determine if the casings matched the firearms. The firearms expert found that 11 casings were consistent with markings from the 40 caliber gun recovered, and that 12 casings were consistent with the nine millimeter firearm.

In cross-examination, Harden noted that the firearms examiner’s company earned $1.5 million from the prosecution’s contracts alone. In addition, Harden revealed that despite working hundreds of court cases, the examiner had only testified for the defense on three occasions.

The prosecution also called a crime scene analyst who worked for the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) in 2023. He testified to collecting DNA samples, blood cards, and projectiles from the crime scene.

Judge Kravitiz concluded the proceedings by asking the parties whether he should order a subpoena to a medical examiner who performed two of the three autopsies. The parties previously discussed at a June 1 hearing that the witness refused to testify in-person until June 19.

The prosecution stated that while this order would be helpful, they didn’t want to create a precedent that forces people to testify. While parties agreed that a subpoena was unnecessary, court documents show that Judge Kravitz issued an order forcing an in-person testimony after the hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 3.

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