Stabbing Defendant Released to Care For Her Relative

D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno released a stabbing defendant on electronic monitoring for two days to care for her relative on Oct. 20.

Rhonda Fleming, 58, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Oct. 2, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.

Fleming’s court appearance was delayed due to understaffing of jail transport personnel. Howard McEachern, Fleming’s attorney, stated the defendant might want to accept a plea deal from the prosecution, which was not discussed in open court

McEachern requested her temporary release until Oct. 22, citing the need for her to care for a relative with a severe illness. Her attorney assured the judge that Fleming had been informed of the consequences if she failed to return to court as required.

The prosecution acknowledged her desire to assist her relative but opposed the release based on strong evidence presented during the preliminary hearing, as well as her prior conduct and convictions.

Despite the prosecution’s objection, the judge ruled in favor of temporary release, stating he would “make this work.”

Fleming will be released under several conditions, including GPS monitoring, maintaining medications prescribed, and adhering to the stay-away order from the victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 22.

Brothers’ Troubled Relationship Leads to a Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in his brother’s homicide on Oct. 20.

Solaiman Richardson, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his brother, Allen Shropshire, 41, on July 18 on the 100 block of Fort Drive, NE.

The prosecution called the lead detective who testified that he had spoken to five witnesses, three of whom were Shropshire and Richardson’s family members, about the nature of their relationship and to the July shooting.

According to the detective, Richardson stated that he was going to turn himself in, but he did not.

The detective also said that police initially perceived Shropshire’s injuries as the result of a stabbing, until an autopsy was performed the next day and buckshot was found in his neck, revealing it was a shooting. A “silver dollar” sized hole was found in the bedroom door of the apartment upon further investigation which the detective found to be consistent with the size of a bullet from a shotgun, revealing that Shropshire had apparently been shot through the door.

In cross examination, the detective stated that officers did not initially indicate the hole in the door as being caused by a gunshot.

Richardson’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, suggested that Richardson was acting in self-defense. She stated that Richardson initially reached out to law enforcement asking if he could turn himself in, but the detective did not reply.

According to Cicurel, Richardson told law enforcement the address of the incident’s apartment, gave them a key, told them the body was inside, and indicated that officers should go to the apartment. The detective agreed to the account.

She explained that the relationship between Richardson and Shropshire had been strained according to statements from a witness and Richardson.

In Richardson’s version, Shropshire had attempted to attack him with knives and had a prior conviction for a stabbing. Richardson stated that he believed Shropshire had been plotting to kill him since 2007.

Shropshire’s daughter, who was on FaceTime with Shropshire during the incident, told the detective that the relationship between Richardson and Shropshire was “hot and cold” based on her own experiences with the two.

Cicurel also noted that when Richardson approached law enforcement after the incident, he had cuts on his hands. He told law enforcement that Shropshire attacked him with a silver knife that had a wooden handle. A knife matching this description was found in Shropshire’s hand, according to Cicurel.

Another witness claimed that knives, swords, and boxcutters in the home belonged to Shropshire. Richardson told officers Shropshire was a “knife guy.”

Richardson told officers that Shropshire was a heavy drinker and used PCP. The detective stated that the preliminary toxicology report done on Shropshire after the incident showed no signs of intoxication.

Other witnesses claimed Shropshire drank occasionally after work, with one claiming he used marijuana and that Shropshire was not drunk during the incident.

Cicurel mentioned that Richardson had two rules for Shropshire: that he not touch Richardson.. Cicurel argued that there were signs that Shropshire had abused Richardson both physically and sexually, though there was never a formal investigation despite police being informed.

As the defense questioned the detective about his past, Richardson began to cry openly in court. Cicurel asked for a break to give him some time to compose himself. After the break, Richardson still appeared visibly distressed as this line of questioning was continued.

Cicurel also noted that on July 18, one day after the incident, Richardson spoke with police but was released the same day. The detective stated that they didn’t arrest him because they did not believe they had enough evidence.

The prosecution argued that Richardson could not have been acting in self-defense, evidenced by the bullet hole through the door. The prosecutor said that Shropshire was behaving normally on the day of the incident, compared to Richardson’s “bizarre” but unspecified behavior in the weeks leading to the incident, according to one witness.

They claimed that no matter the history of abuse, Richardson didn’t act in self-defense.

Judge Park found probable cause for the charge of second-degree murder while armed, as some of Richardson’s statements were inconsistent along with the physical evidence in the case including the bullet damaged door.

The hearing was continued so that parties could make their arguments for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 22.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in 2023 Triple Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on Aug. 5, 2023, in Southeast. The victims, 27-year-old Tymea Cook, 35-year-old Bernard Hodges, and 34-year-old Reginald Gilbert, were found deceased at the scene. On Oct. 22, 28-year-old Rahsaan Smith was arrested and charged with three counts of First-Degree Murder While Armed.

Document: MPD Investigating 15th Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 18 in the 3200 block of 15th Place, SE. The victim, identified as 37-year-old Eric Jones of Southeast, D.C., was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutor Challenges Argumentative Witness

A recalcitrant witness for the prosecution cut off a lawyer’s probing questions during testimony in a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Oct. 15.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, ten counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW, on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, where no individuals sustained injuries.

The killing and serial shootings are said to be the result of a feud between rival criminal gangs from different neighborhoods.

A witness returned to the stand after his credibility was challenged multiple times during his testimony the previous week. Through the use of police body-worn camera footage when his recollection apparently failed him, the witness testified that he spoke to officers about four people he saw in a vehicle that may have been a Kia Soul on Feb. 22, 2020.

As the vehicle pulled away, the witness heard multiple shots fired and ran into his girlfriend’s house for safety.

The witness obstinately answered some of the prosecutor’s questions interrupting with his own queries but not providing specific answers. For example, why he did not want to come out of the house to speak to police after hearing shots fired.

“Would you come outside if you heard shots?” he responded. He would not explain further, even when asked by both the prosecution and the judge to answer without a question.

Additionally, he interrupted the prosecutor several times in frustration when asked follow-up questions about his statement to the police, which had been adopted as part of his grand jury testimony. It was used several times during the hearing to impeach his credibility when he answered “I don’t know” to several questions, including whether he’d spoken to a second officer.

In his grand jury testimony, the witness testified that he spoke to multiple officers. This statement was corroborated by body-worn camera footage from the officers he spoke to on the day of the incident.

The witness admitted earlier during his testimony that he did not want to be in court testifying. He also told defense attorney Megan Allburn that he had not wanted to talk to the police on the day of the shooting either, because he did not think he had anything to say that would help them.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 16.

Document: MPD Seeking Shooting Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking community assistance to locate two suspects involved in a shooting on Aug. 7 on the 5000 block of H Street, SE. An adult female victim, who is conscious and breathing, was found with gunshot wounds at a hospital. Surveillance footage of the suspects is available for public viewing.

Judge Claims Stabbing Defendant is ‘Malingering’ in Mental Evaluations

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Oct 21., a new mental competency evaluation failed to resolve issues surrounding a defendant’s competency to stand trial.

Leon Bryant, 35, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 8, 2025 on the 1700 block of Lincoln Rd, NE, leaving one person injured.

The court ordered a second competency evaluation on Sept. 19, after Bryant initially refused to engage with the doctor. Once more, the results from the second competency evaluation were inconclusive.

Judge Israel noted that the doctor conducting the evaluation “cannot get him [Bryant] to be forthright” and could not generate an opinion on his competency.

Judge Israel stated that she “is not pleased” with Bryant’s behavior and expressed frustration with what she described as Bryant’s “malingering,” emphasizing that he behaves differently with the competency evaluator than he does with other corrections staff.

Though Judge Israel ordered a third mental competency evaluation, she warned no further evaluation would be granted if Bryant again refuses to participate. Based on the available evidence, a judge has to rule on whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial–meaning he has to understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 20.

Shooting Defendant Considers Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a shooting defendant more time to review a revised plea deal extended by the prosecution during a hearing on Oct. 23.

Martez Robinson, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 3400 block of 15th Street, SE on June 8.

According to court documents, Robinson reportedly fired two shots towards a group of unknown individuals but no injuries were reported.

The defense stated they needed more time in this case to go over new discovery of evidence and body-worn camera footage with Robinson. In addition to discovery, the defense asked for extra time to go over a new plea deal with Robinson.

During the hearing, prosecution extended a plea deal that was negotiated by both parties, which would require Robinson to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license.

If Robinson accepts the offer, prosecutors would not pursue an indictment or charge Robinson with additional counts related to the incident.

A continuation of the case was granted for the defense to review the new information they had received.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 31.

Fewer Carjacking Cases in DC This Year Than 2024

Prosecuted carjacking cases in Washington, DC have declined overall in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to D.C. Witness data.

Carjacking charges in the District of Columbia steadily dropped in the early part of 2025 before significantly rising in May, according to D.C. Witness data. This surge came months before the Aug. 11 deployment of National Guard troops to the city in response to President Trump’s Executive Order declaring a crime emergency.

From January to April, prosecuted carjacking cases dropped by half, averaging 3.75 cases per month. But in May, cases skyrocketed more than double the previous monthly average, before falling over the summer and ultimately reaching an 80% decrease in August from May’s peak.

D.C. Witness data recorded 43 prosecuted carjacking cases, fewer than the 69 cases tracked over the same nine-month period in 2024. Early 2025 trends resumed going into October, even after the deployment of National Guard troops to address the city’s “increase in violent crime.”

Among the 2025 carjacking cases that have been resolved this year, the average time from arrest to resolution was just under 120 days. The shortest resolution being four days and the longest being 180 days.

Mark Edwards, 18, was charged with robbery and unarmed carjacking this year. Edwards accepted a plea deal and is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 14. He was linked to at least four carjackings and robberies occurring between May 22 and 28, aligning with the time period when DC saw its highest spike in carjacking prosecutions. Edwards faces a maximum penalty of 21 years in prison, with a seven-year mandatory minimum and a $75,000 fine.

In further examining the ages of carjacking perpetrators from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, half of all perpetrators were between 18 and 24 years old. Juveniles account for another 22%. In total, young perpetrators make up 72% of carjacking cases this year. Although perpetrators’ ages range from as young as 16 years old to as old as 51 years, the majority of cases involve younger offenders.

While overall carjacking charges have notably decreased since May, spring surges in both the 2024 and 2025 highlight that carjackings cases remain present in the court system.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A defendant accused of stabbing his brother waived his preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct. 16.

Matthew Harrison, 56, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 13 at the 200 block of 37th Street, SE. Harrison’s brother sustained injuries.

Harrison waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His attorney, Derrick Page, motioned for Harrison’s release. The court denied ruling that he would remain held.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 5.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A non-fatal shooting defendant, also accused of second-degree cruelty to children, waived her right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct. 16.

Jamira Guillory, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, second-degree cruelty to children, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges are in connection to her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the intersection of 18th and Bryant Street, NE.

The incident occurred on Aug. 24. One individual sustained injuries and a five-year-old was put at “grave risk of bodily injury,” according to court documents.

Guillory’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, informed the court that Guillory would be waiving her preliminary hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 18.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Shooting Teenager

A defendant pleaded guilty for shooting a 15-year-old before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 17.

Christ Tchakounte, 20, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three 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 involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 19, 2024 at the intersection of 16th and A Streets, SE. A 15-year-old boy sustained three gunshot wounds on his left side to his head, shoulder, and armpit.

Rachel Cicurel, Tchakounte’s attorney, informed Judge Edelman that he accepted a plea deal from the prosecution that required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The prosecution, in exchange, agreed to dismiss the remaining charges.

As part of the plea agreement, the prosecutor agreed to request a maximum sentence of seven years of imprisonment for each charge and to not oppose concurrent sentences. The agreed-upon sentence is contingent upon Judge Edelman’s approval at sentencing.

Absent the plea agreement, Tchakounte could have faced a maximum of 45 years of imprisonment for the two charges.

If the case had proceeded to trial, the prosecutor said he would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Tchakounte exited a vehicle at the incident address and shot the victim. Tchakounte’s actions caused serious bodily injury to the victim, were voluntary and on purpose, and had no legal justification.

Tchakounte’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19.

Tesla Charger Shooter Acquitted of Most Charges

A jury found that a shooting defendant acted in self-defense and acquitted him of nine out of ten charges on Oct. 17 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson. .

Ato Ocran, 46, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and malicious destruction of property for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 2600 block of 10th Street, NE, on June 3.

In the end, a jury found that Ocran acted in self-defense and acquitted him of all charges except for carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. The maximum penalty for Ocran’s conviction is five years imprisonment and a $12,500 fine. Judge Dayson is scheduled to sentence Ocran for that charge on Dec. 18.

Parties also talked about what to do with five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm that defense attorneys Elizabeth Paige White and Kevann Gardner had successfully severed from the list of charges brought to trial. Prosecutors filed the charges after police retrieved several firearms from Ocran’s home more than a month after the shooting, according to court documents.

White and Gardner had sought to dismiss the charges during pre-trial motions, but Judge Dayson only went so far as to sever them, without objection from the prosecution. When charges are severed, they are separated into different cases before the court.

Judge Dayson accepted White’s request to call a jury for the matter and put the case before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on the misdemeanor schedule. Parties are scheduled to convene for a status hearing before Judge Hertzfeld on Nov. 12.

Prosecutors also objected to White and Gardner’s request to release Ocran’s Tesla and phone from evidence until at least the Dec. 18 sentencing, and said that they might hold the items as they prosecute the remaining gun charges.

Judge Dayson said that she could not see how Ocran’s Tesla and phone were relevant to the ongoing case but allowed prosecutors to hold them until sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Oct. 20.

Michael Douglas, 42, was originally charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These charges stem from Douglas’ firing a shot while officers were patrolling the 4900 block of C Street, SE on Jan. 1, 2022. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, when he was apprehended by police he was found with Cocaine and the prescription painkiller Percocet.

During the hearing, Douglas pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license and misdemeanor unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Maximum sentences for the charge is five years in prison and or a $12,500 fine. On the charge of possession the maximum sentence is 180 days in jail and or a $1,000 fine.

Douglas must register as a gun offender and will be on supervised release.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on Jan. 1, 2022 the defendant knowingly and voluntarily carried a pistol without a license in DC. He knew he was not licensed at the time of the incident. Additionally, he knowingly and voluntarily possessed an unlawful substance, cocaine.

Parties are set for sentencing on Dec. 18.

Hit-And-Run Murder Defendant Asks to Represent Himself

A defendant accused of a hit-and-run murder asked DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman to dismiss his attorney and allow him to represent himself during a hearing on Oct. 17.

Kyle Piunti, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a vehicular accident that killed 54-year-old Michael Hamlin on Jan. 3, 2024 on Highway I-295 southbound around Mile Marker 1.

According to court documents, Piunti was reportedly driving over 100 miles per hour shortly before the crash. The speed limit in the area was 50 miles per hour.

At the hearing, Kevin Irving, Piunti’s attorney, informed Judge Edelman that Piunti wanted to represent himself in the case. According to Irving, Piunti would allow Irving to remain an attorney advisor in the case.

According to court records, Piunti’s had five different attorneys since the case was opened in September 2024.

Following an ex-parte discussion under seal, Judge Edelman asked Piunti to spend additional time considering his request and discussing it with Irving.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 28.

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