FBI Agent, Forensic Crime Scene Specialist Among Prosecution’s Witnesses in Murder Trial

The prosecution called four witnesses to testify at a murder trial on July 8.

Nyekemia Everett, 35, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on April 27, 2017, on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE. The prosecution alleges that the two defendants plotted to rob and kill Heard, who was selling the drug PCP to make money after having recently been released from jail. They allege that Everett shot Heard, while Hewitt acted as the getaway driver.

Among the prosecution’s witnesses was a forensic crime scene specialist with the Department of Forensic Services (DFS). But before she took the stand, Judge Neal Kravitz informed the jury that the Office of the Inspector General has an ongoing criminal investigation into the DFS. Judge Kravitz said the competency of the DFS firearms examination unit is being questioned after ballistic evidence in a different murder case was mishandled. The DFS lost its accreditation in April and remains unaccredited today.

The prosecution showed surveillance footage of two men, who they believe to be the defendants, driving a black BMW after the shooting. The prosecution went on to show photos taken by the DFS witness, including one that showed a firearm inside the car’s glove compartment.

An FBI agent who specializes in cell phone technology testified that both defendants’ phones utilized cell towers near a 7-Eleven convenience store on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SW, at around 5:30 a.m., less than two hours after gunfire detection technology alerted police of shots fired, according to court documents.

The prosecution presented surveillance footage of a 7-Eleven parking lot, which shows two men believed to be the defendants pulling up in a black car at that time. A witness who works as a regional assistant supervisor for 7-Eleven stores in the DMV area confirmed that this was the same 7-Eleven.

The FBI witness also testified that both defendants’ cell phones utilized cell towers close to the crime scene around the time of the shooting.

The jury trial is set to resume on July 9.

Hewitt is also charged with possession of a firearm during an act of violence, felony murder while armed and conspiracy in this case.

Everett is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, fleeing a law enforcement officer, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy and obstructing justice.

Judge Holds Two Domestic Violence Defendants, One Sex Abuse Defendant During Presentments

A DC Superior Court judge held two domestic violence defendants and one sexual abuse defendant during presentments on July 8.

A total of 27 defendants were presented.

One defendant is charged with simple assault in a domestic violence case. Citing his four other pending cases, some of which involve the same victim, Judge Renee Raymond found that it would not be safe to release him.

The other domestic violence defendant is charged with threats to do bodily harm, attempted second-degree theft and simple assault. Judge Raymond decided to hold the defendant due to his lack of compliance in his other pending cases. He was also ordered to stay away from the victim.

Both domestic violence defendants are scheduled to return to court on July 27.

Another defendant was charged with first-degree child sex abuse. According to the judge, a witness in the case said she saw a video of the defendant sexually abusing the victim. Judge Raymond decided to hold him and order him to stay away from two witnesses. His next hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Crime Alerts: July 8-9

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out seven crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on July 8 and 9:00 a.m. on July 9.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:24 p.m. due to a shooting investigation at the 1200 block of 13th Street, NW. Two suspects were stopped.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:40 p.m. due to a shooting investigation at the 100 block of 49th Street, NE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A third crime alert was sent out at 11:35 p.m. due to a robbery investigation at the 4240 block of South Capitol Street, SE. Police identified the suspects as two Black males in a small silver sedan.

A fourth crime alert was sent out at 11:36 p.m. due to a shooting investigation at the 600 block of Mellon Street, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A fifth crime alert was sent out at 12:45 a.m. due to a shooting investigation at the 2200 block of Town Center Drive. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 3:07 a.m. due to a shooting at the 5600 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A final crime alert was sent out at 3:17 a.m. due to a shooting at the 3400 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

Document: Suspect Arrested in Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested a suspect in connection with a May 10 homicide.

At about 2:08 p.m. police responded to the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, due to reports of an unconscious person. The victim, 46-year-old Georgette Banks, was pronounced dead on scene from stab wounds.

On July 8, police arrested 53-year-old David Maurice Rhodes and charged him with first-degree murder.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Domestic Violence Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a domestic violence case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stealing money from the victim in her home after threatening her with a gun. He then allegedly pushed another female witness down the stairs before escaping through the back door.

During the July 8 hearing, Judge Sherry Trafford found probable cause, citing the physical evidence left at the scene. She did, however, say she was “left with some questions” about the details and sequence of the alleged events.

Defense attorney Kevin O’Sullivan noted inconsistencies between the two women’s accounts of the incident, as well as inconsistencies within the different accounts given by one of them.

O’Sullivan said these inconsistencies included details about the amount of money stolen and whether or not a neighbor saw the defendant enter the house with a gun. He also said both victims have a history of making false statements to the police.

The prosecution, however, argued that the two’s accounts differ because each of them witnessed different parts of the incident.

Judge Trafford agreed to release the defendant in this case; however, he is being held on other charges. When he picked up the domestic violence case, the defendant was on probation for assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm in a prior conviction. Shortly after his initial hearing in the domestic violence case, he was put on a probation revocation hold.

The defendant’s next hearing in his domestic violence case is scheduled for Sept. 14.

Judge Holds Three Domestic Violence Defendants During Presentments

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond held three domestic violence defendants during presentments on July 7.

In total, ten defendants presented before the court. Three of them were charged in domestic violence cases. Judge Raymond held all of them.

One domestic violence defendant was charged with simple assault, contempt and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. He was held without bond and scheduled to return to court on July 27.

A second domestic violence defendant was held due to his failure to appear for a probation hearing. The defendant is on probation for attempted threats to do bodily harm.

The last domestic violence defendant is also on probation for attempted threats to do bodily harm. He was held for a probation violation.

Both of the domestic violence defendants on probation are scheduled to return to court on July 13.

Crime Alerts: July 7-8

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on July 7 and 9:00 a.m. on July 8.

A crime alert was sent out at 12:55 a.m. due to a stabbing in the 1700 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A second crime alert was sent out at 2:28 a.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 1200 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE. Police identified the suspects as two juveniles wearing all black clothes and white shoes.

Officer’s Testimony in Murder Trial Cut Short

On July 7, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz adjourned proceedings in a murder trial after a fire alarm in the courthouse interrupted witness testimony.

Nyekemia Everett, 35, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE, on April 27, 2017.

Parties delivered opening arguments the previous day. The prosecution alleges that the two defendants plotted to rob and kill Heard, who was selling the drug PCP to make money after having recently been released from jail.

The prosecution called two members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to the witness stand.

The first witness, who was working as a patrol officer in 2017 but now has a different position in the department, said he responded to a request for assistance from officers who were at the crime scene on the night of the homicide. The prosecution admitted evidence including surveillance footage of the officer arriving in his patrol car as well as his Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage. The BWC footage shows Heard on the ground next to a vehicle with a cell phone near his left hand.

The second witness, a patrol officer, recounted arriving at the crime scene shortly after three other officers. There, he said he was instructed to grab the victim’s phone from the ground. He then put the phone back on the ground to avoid tampering with evidence. His testimony was then interrupted by the fire alarm.

Everyone present in the court was instructed to evacuate immediately. The trial is set to pick back up on July 8.

Hewitt is also charged with possession of a firearm during an act of violence, felony murder while armed and conspiracy in this case.

Defendant Initially Charged with Manslaughter Pleads Guilty to Simple Assault

A defendant initially charged with manslaughter pleaded guilty to simple assault on July 6.

In November 2020, James Williams was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death 64-year-old Saul Hernandez. At around 12:55 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2020, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 1400 block of Perry Place, NW, for the report of a man down, according to a press release. There, they found Hernandez suffering from blunt force trauma. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

According to the proffer of facts, at around 12:50 a.m. that day, the 20-year-old defendant fought with another man who was with Hernandez and threw a cup of bleach into his face, temporarily blinding him.

In exchange for Williams pleading guilty to simple assault in connection with this incident, the prosecution agreed not to seek an indictment on any greater or remaining charges arising from the facts of this case, according to court documents.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled Williams to be sentenced on Sept. 7.

Crime Alerts: July 6-7

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on July 6 and 9:00 a.m. on July 7.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:44 p.m. due to a robbery in the 1500 block of 1th, Street, NW. Police identified the suspects as two Black men.

A second alert was sent out at 12:21 a.m. due to a robbery in the 1200 block of R Street, NW. The suspects were identified as four to five men wearing blue face masks.

A final alert was sent out at 2:41 a.m. due to a stabbing in the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The suspect was identified as A black male carrying a knife.

Parties Deliver Opening Arguments in Murder Case

Parties in a murder case made their opening arguments and spoke to witnesses on July 6.

Nyekemia Everett, 35, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2700 Block of Bruce Place, SE, on April 27, 2017.

During opening statements, the prosecution said Heard had recently been released from jail and was selling the drug PCP, a powerful hallucinogen, to make money while staying with a friend.

“It’s because of that drug trade that he was targeted by the defendants,” the prosecution said.

The prosecution argued that the two defendants plotted to rob and kill Heard.

“Defendant Everett shot and killed Christopher Heard,” they said. “The getaway driver is defendant Hewitt.”

The prosecution said surveillance footage would be “the most powerful evidence in this case.” They also said a black car seen driven by the defendants in the footage was later recovered with the alleged murder weapon, a revolver, in the glove compartment.

In defense attorney Michael Madden’s opening statement, he said that, on the night of the homicide, Heard was high on PCP and attempting to rob a witness at the crime scene of $15.

Madden said this witness had initially supported this narrative when talking with police, but changed her story after a detective suggested she was potentially liable.

Defense attorney Nikki Lotze followed.

“The only evidence that Mr. Hewitt was involved in any robbery comes from [this witness], and it will become clear to you that she cannot be trusted,” she said.

The prosecution’s first witness said she was close with Heard for 10 to 15 years. She allowed Heard, who she referred to as “Fat Daddy,” to stay at her home since his release from jail. She said she was aware that Heard sold PCP, but did not allow him to sell or smoke it in her home.

Before the shooting, Heard accompanied the witness to court as she got off probation and they later went to a party to celebrate the occasion, she said. She was later awoken by her daughter around 3:30 a.m., who told her to “please go check on Uncle Fat Daddy.”

After discovering Heard was not in the house, she said she went outside, where she saw him on the ground with what she believed to be blood on his shirt. She then called 911. The prosecution played a recording of the call during the trial.

A Metropolitan Police Department lieutenant was also called to the witness stand. He did not finish his testimony, however. Judge Neal Kravitz said he will continue when the trial resumes on July 7.

Hewitt is also charged with possession of a firearm during an act of violence, felony murder while armed and conspiracy in this case. Everett is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, fleeing a law enforcement officer, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy and obstructing justice.

Judge Says He Will Issue Order on Unopposed Motion in Murder Case by July 12

A DC Superior Court judge said he will issue an order on an unopposed motion in a murder case that has been affected by forensic errors by July 12.

Ron McLeoud, 28, and his former co-defendant, Joseph Brown, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the deaths of 29-year-old Amari Jenkins on Aug. 15, 2015, on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, and 21-year-old Antwan Baker on Nov. 12, 2015, on the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, NE.

The two were indicted as co-defendants, but their cases went on to be severed due to errors with ballistic evidence. Those errors caused incorrect information to be presented to a grand jury, D.C. Witness previously reported. McLeoud’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, motioned to dismiss the indictment. Brown’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, joined the motion.

Only McLeoud’s case was heard on July 6. During the hearing, Judge Milton Lee said a short order would be issued by Monday regarding the prosecution’s motion asking the court to reconsider a decision from last November that certain Department of Forensic Services (DFS) documents withheld in response to the prosecution’s subpoena did not need to be produced, according to court documents.

The November decision, which granted only in part a motion to require the DFS to produce certain documents related to the case, was made by Judge Todd Edelman.

The defense does not oppose the prosecution’s motion for the court to reconsider Judge Edelman’s decision to withhold some of the documents.

Judge Lee agreed they should have the documents and said he will first talk to Judge Edelman before accepting the motion and sending the documents to the prosecution.

Due to these developments, Judge Lee pushed back the deadline for when the prosecution needs to respond to the defense’s motion to dismiss the indictment to July 26. The defense has until Aug. 9 to respond to the prosecution.

McLeoud and Brown are also charged with conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed in their cases. Brown is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The two defendants’ cases are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 24.

Second Teen Girl Sentenced for Murder of UberEats Driver

A teenage girl was sentenced to juvenile detention until she turns 21 for her role in the murder of a 66-year-old UberEats driver.

The girl was 13-years-old at the time of the March 23 homicide. She and another girl, who was 15-years-old at the time, attempted to carjack Mohammad Anwar on the 1200 block of Van Street, SE.

The girls were armed with a stun gun and, when Anwar accelerated the car, it ran into a tree, which flipped the car, D.C. Witness previously reported. Anwar was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The younger girl was convicted of second-degree murder.

The older defendant was sentenced as a juvenile for felony murder on June 4. She will be held under the supervision of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) until she is 21.

“He might just be a name, a victim, but let me tell you what an angel the world lost that day,” Anwar’s daughter said during the older defendant’s sentencing hearing.

Judge Holds Three Homicide Co-Defendants During Presentments

A DC Superior Court judge held three homicide defendants during presentments on July 3.

Co-defendants Malik Bynum, 21, Mark Fletcher III, 21, and Larry White, 20, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 21-year-old Rosado Miller on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

After deciding that all three defendants should be held at DC Jail, Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled their next hearings for July 22.

Judge Mckenna also held a domestic violence defendant who is charged with simple assault, destruction of property, violating a Civil Protection Order and contempt. He is accused of violating his release conditions in another case. The judge issued four stay away orders and scheduled him to return to court on July 20.

Judge McKenna released seven other domestic violence defendants. Their charges included simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon and destruction of property. Three of them were given stay away orders.

The released defendants’ next hearings are scheduled for July 22, July 29 and Oct. 29.

A total of 33 defendants were brought before the court.

Document: Police Investigate Traffic Fatality

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on July 3 at about 12:54 a.m. in the intersection of 14^th and K Street, NW.

The victim has been identified as 20-year-old Jamya Williams, according to the press release.

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