Homicide Case Awaits Indictment

A DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing for a homicide case awaiting indictment.

Terrell Poe, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

During the May 25 hearing, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey asked the prosecution to give an estimate of when the case would be indicted.

The prosecutor said a grand jury is currently looking at the case and the results should come soon.

Harvey also said she still needs to receive discovery evidence from the prosecution.

“I’ve raised this at every hearing, and I don’t have any discovery other than what I saw at the preliminary hearing,” she said.

Judge Yvonne Williams set the next hearing for Sept. 7.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Trial for Juvenile Charged with Murder and Accessory After the Fact Delayed Once Again

During a trial readiness hearing on May 25, a DC Superior Court Judge granted a request to delay a juvenile’s trial once again due to evidence delays.

The juvenile is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 36-year-old Antonio Gardiner on July 4. Additionally, he has been charged with accessory after the fact, among other charges, in the death of 53-year-old Everett King on July 6.

Previously, on April 20, Judge Andrea Hertzfeld joined the juvenile’s two pending cases, scheduling both to go to trial on June 1.

Defense counsel, Kevin O’Sullivan and Christen Philips, requested a delay in the trial as they are still awaiting results from independent testing of some of the DNA in the cases. Philips requested the trial to begin after June 11, which is when they expect to receive the results.

Judge Hertzfeld granted the motion, but was unable to schedule the trial before July 19 due to scheduling conflicts.

Additionally, a motion from defense counsel requesting an explanation of charges from the prosecution in the juvenile’s accessory after the fact case was denied by the judge.

The purpose of the motion is to inform the accused, the juvenile in this case, of the nature of the charge or charges so that they may prepare well for trial and not be surprised at the time of trial of the facts in their case.

O’Sullivan argued that the affidavit in the juvenile’s accessory case outlines how King died but not how the juvenile was involved in disposing of the firearm or being an accessory to the murder.

The prosecution briefly outlined the case from the report, saying the juvenile was the shooter in King’s death, as well.

O’Sullivan said the report does not put the juvenile on notice as to how he acted as an accessory after the fact in the murder since the prosecution only speaks about him being the shooter. He said the prosecution can’t say he was the shooter and just charge him with accessory. “That’s not how the accessory law works,” O’Sullivan said.

Judge Hertzfeld denied the defense’s motion, saying the purpose of the motion is not to provide the theory of the prosecution’s case but to put them on notice of the facts of the case, which she believes has been done.

At the end of the hearing, defense counsel once again requested the juvenile’s release from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), but the request was denied by the judge.

Another hearing was scheduled for June 18 to discuss additional motions, including a Motion for Recusal from the defense. The parties will reconvene then.

Read D.C. Witness’ previous articles on this case.

This article was written by Krystin Roehl

Crime Alerts: May 24-25

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on May 24 and 9:00 a.m. on May 25.

The alert was sent at 9:48 p.m. for a robbery snatch on the 2300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Police are looking for a 25 year-old Black male wearing a white mask. He was last seen walking toward the park area.

Judge Sets Trial Readiness Hearing for Felony Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial readiness hearing for a homicide case.

Tyrone Williams is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 81-year-old Bobby Poole Jr. On March 29, 2020, Williams, 51, and an unidentified accomplice allegedly assaulted Poole while trying to rob him on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Poole died from his injuries on May 6, 2020.

During the May 24 status hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt said motions and expert notice are due Sept. 13.

The next trial readiness hearing is scheduled for Oct. 18. In the meantime, Williams will remain held at DC Jail.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Assault with Intent to Commit First-Degree Sex Abuse

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect for assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse.

At around 8:45 a.m. on May 22, the suspect allegedly approached a woman on a trail on the 2900 Block of Adams Mill Road, NW, according to a press release. He then allegedly assaulted her and fled the scene. He was arrested that same day.

Document: Suspect Wanted for Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking for the public’s help locating a suspect in connection with a homicide from earlier this month that, according to a press release, detectives’ investigation revealed to be domestic in nature.

At around 2:08 a.m. on May 10, officers responded to the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, for the report of an unconscious person, according to a press release.

There, they found 47-year-old Georgette Banks in a residential building suffering from an apparent stab wound. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

The suspect, 52-year-old David Maurice Rhodes, is wanted for first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Homicide in Northeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on May 22.

At around 12:23 a.m., officers responded to the 3600 block of Jay Street, NE, upon hearing the sound of gunshots, according to a press release. There, they found 45-year-old Tyrone Curtis suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Crime Alerts: May 23-24

Between 9:00 p.m. on May 23 and 9:00 a.m. on May 24, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 3:16 a.m. for an armed robbery on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

Police are looking for a Black male, 5’7″ in height, wearing all black clothing.

Document: Suspect Wanted for Murder

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help locating a suspect in connection with a homicide that happened on March 13.

At around 10:43 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of O Street, NW for the report of a shooting. There, they found 29-year-old Nicolas Hawkins suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Anthony Antonio Whitted, 26, is wanted for second-degree murder while armed.

Crime Alerts: May 20-21

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on May 20 and 9:00 a.m. on May 21.

At 9:11 p.m., police alerted the public of a shooting on the 200 Block of I Street, SW. Police reported to be looking for two Black, male juveniles wearing black last seen fleeing on foot on 3rd street SW to G Street, SW.

Then, at 3:28 a.m., police alerted the public of a robbery of an establishment on the 1900 block of Wyoming Avenue, NW. Police reported to be looking for a Black man last seen fleeing in an unknown direction. He was reported to be around 5’7″ wearing tan pants, a black hooded sweatshirt, a black Nike ball cap, a red and black mask and a red, white and black backpack.

Document: Vehicle of Interest Sought in Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking the public’s help identifying and locating a vehicle of interest in a homicide that happened on May 19.

Ella-Mae Neal, 65, was fatally shot on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.

The vehicle of interest was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

Murder Case Awaits Indictment, Exchange of Evidence

A DC Superior Court judge continued a May 18 hearing for a murder case that is currently awaiting indictment.

Dajuan Jones, 20, and Michael Mason, 17, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 21-year-old Brea Moon on April 7, 2020, on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Mason is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed.

The prosecutor said she is still working on returning an indictment, which is why she objected to the defense’s request for a trial date. She said she is prioritizing her oldest cases for indictment.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said the court is setting trial dates in order of detention.

Jones’ defense attorney, Prescott Loveland, asked the prosecution to disclose forensic files. He also said he hasn’t received any Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage for his client’s case.

Judge Dayson set a May 31 deadline for the footage. Parties have until Aug. 18 to file discovery motions.

Crime Alerts: May 18-19

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out six crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on May 19 and 9:00 a.m. on May 20.

At 10:38 p.m., police alerted the public of a stabbing on the 500 block of 21st Street, NE.

Then, at 10:55 p.m., police alerted the public of a shooting investigation on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

At 11:02 p.m., police sent out a crime alert on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE. Police reported they are looking for a Black man around 40-50 years of age with a dark complexion, wearing a black shirt with phantom firework logo and black pants. They also reported to be looking for a Black man with a light complexion, balding with very little hair and white shirt.

At 11:18 p.m., police alerted the public of a shooting on the 1800 block of Q St, SE. They sent a lookout for a four door Silver or Grey Lexus with no front tag with three unknown men all armed with guns in it.

At 12:27 a.m., police sent out an alert for a robbery on the 2000 block of Florida Ave, NW. They reported to be looking for a Black man wearing a dark hood and dark jeans, armed with a handgun.

At 4:02 a.m., police sent out another crime alert for a robbery at 15th and U Street, NW. Police reported to be looking for Black man with a tall, thin build.

Judge Holds Four Domestic Violence Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on May 19, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples held four domestic violence defendants.

In total, there were 22 cases presented before the court, and eight of these were domestic violence related.

The first domestic violence defendant held is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in a felony case. Defense counsel, Kevin O’Sullivan, requested the judge to not find probable cause, outlining many inconsistencies in the police report.

However, Judge Staples found probable cause and decided to hold the defendant at the jail pending his next hearing.

The second held defendant is charged with violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO), assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.

Defense counsel requested his release, saying he is supposed to be escorted by two individuals at all times as he is under the care of the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). She said he has significant cognitive issues, and those who are caring for him should know he is not allowed to go to the location he allegedly went to.

Judge Staples decided to hold the defendant because he was just found competent on May 17. He said he is concerned by his pending cases and recent assaults on police officers.

The judge held a defendant who is charged with violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO), attempted threats to do bodily harm and contempt.

Judge Staples held the defendant because he has a pending domestic violence case involving the same complaining witness, and he allegedly violated the stay-away order multiple times.

These three held defendants are scheduled to return to court on June 8 and 9.

The final defendant held is charged with simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and attempted threats in two cases. Judge Staples released the defendant in that case with an order not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the alleged victim, but he was held on an unrelated parole warrant.

Three of the released defendants have charges including simple assault, attempted second-degree cruelty to children and destruction of property. All three defendants were ordered to stay-away from the complaining witnesses and to return to court on Nov. 23.

A defendant, who was also released, was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing. The judge released him with a new court date for June 18.

Counsel Changes Terms of Plea Deal in Sex Abuse Case

Parties in a sex abuse case changed the sentencing range in their plea agreement.

Paul Johnson pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree child sexual abuse in January 2019. He is currently waiting to be sentenced.

The plea agreement originally included an agreed upon sentencing range of two to three years. Parties have now changed that range to zero to four years.

During the May 19 hearing, defense attorney Ronald Resetarits also asked Judge Marisa Demeo to relax the home confinement requirement, which he said the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) also recommended due to his client’s compliance.

Resetaris said he’s never seen someone successfully spend this much time on home confinement.

Johnson was on pretrial release until he entered his guilty plea. In March of last year, he was released from jail into home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the prosecution’s opposition, Judge Demeo agreed to put Johnson under less restrictive release conditions.

She ordered him to comply with an 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew, have no unsupervised contact with children and none at all with the victim and stay away from parks, schools and playgrounds.

Johnson is set to be sentenced on Aug. 5.

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