Judge Arraigns Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge arraigned a homicide defendant on seven counts.

The defendant, 47-year-old Raymond Davis, is accused of shooting 39-year-old Henry Hackett on June 3, 2020, on the 2000 block of Langston Place, SE.

During the Oct. 20 hearing, Davis was arraigned on charges of first-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of ammunition, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and destruction of property less than $1,000.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the next hearing for Nov. 29. In the meantime, Davis will remain held at DC Jail.

Judge Continues Domestic Violence Case

A DC Superior Court judge continued an Oct. 20 hearing for a domestic violence defendant to give parties time to decide how they want to proceed with the case.

The defendant was charged with first-degree child sex abuse on Nov. 11, 2020.

Judge Milton Lee scheduled parties to reconvene on Dec. 8 to discuss the state of the case and the ongoing process regarding the exchange of evidence.

The defendant is currently released on his promise to return to court.

Case Acquitted: Judge Postpones Preliminary Hearing for Murder Defendant

Green was acquitted of the murder charge on Aug. 24, 2023.

A hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial was postponed after the defense argued that the prosecution was unprepared to go forward with it.

Tamika Green, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 37-year-old Bryan Tate Jr. on Feb. 20, 2020, on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

The victim and the defendant were in a domestic relationship, according to court documents.

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner said the prosecution is not ready to go forward with the Oct. 18 preliminary hearing and requested his client’s release.

Gardner argued that Green’s belongings were illegally searched and that she was illegally detained. He also said the detective who would testify at the hearing does not know which evidence is inadmissible.

The prosecution opposed the release request, citing the evidence against Green, which they say is circumstantial, but strong. They also cited her previous arrest record, and said she exhibits “volatile and aggressive behavior.”

The prosecution referred to a previous assault case, but Gardner said the case occurred because Tate was attacking a member of her family with a broken glass bottle, prompting Green to brandish a knife.

Green cares for two members of her family, Gardner said.

Gardner also said Green was fed fish products in jail, despite notifying them she was allergic. At one point, the defendant had a severe reaction and was rushed to the hospital, he said.

Judge Juliet McKenna ultimately denied the defense’s request for a release. The preliminary hearing is now set for Nov. 2.

Man Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Robert J. Contee III informed the public of an officer-involved shooting on Oct. 18 that resulted in the death of a 30-year-old man.

Just after 11:00 p.m. on Oct. 16, police received a report alleging that 30-year-old Deandre Johnson had placed a firearm to a woman’s head and threatened her. Contee said there was a prior history of domestic violence between the two. Officers searched Johnson’s vehicle and found a pistol and extended magazine. Johnson was not on the scene and no arrest was made.

On Oct. 18 at about 4:35 p.m., officers responded to an apartment complex on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE, to serve Johnson with a Temporary Protective Order, according to a press release.

After entering the apartment, officers decided to arrest Johnson for assault with a dangerous weapon.

After an officer began to place Johnson in handcuffs, he allegedly resisted, resulting in what Contee called “an intense physical struggle.” During the struggle, an officer’s Body Worn Camera (BWC) became deactivated and later reactivated.

Contee said he’s had the opportunity to watch BWC footage and receive an initial briefing from investigating officials.

“Based upon initial interviews, it was reported that Mr. Johnson grabbed one of the officer’s firearms while in the holster,” Contee said. “It can be heard on the Body Worn Camera on officer stating, ‘he’s got my’ while almost simultaneously an officer discharged their weapon, striking Mr. Johnson in the back.”

However, Contee said that the BWC footage does not “conclusively” show Johnson grabbing the gun from the officer’s holster.

Johnson did not have any weapons on him and no guns were found in the apartment, Contee said.

The incident is currently under investigation by the US attorney’s office and the three officers involved in the incident are on administrative leave.

Crime Alerts: October 19-20

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

a crime alert was sent out at 9:06 p.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 4500 block of Sheriff Road, NE. Police identified the suspect as a Black male wearing a slim build black mask, black and blue jacket and black and grey pants. He was armed with a black handgun and in a red Acura TL sedan.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:40 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 3400 block 13th Place, SE. Police identified the suspects as two Black males wearing all back clothing and driving a silver Van/SUV.

A crime alert was sent out at 9:41 p.m. due to a stabbing investigation in the 2700 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 12:36 a.m. due to a robbery investigation in the 100 block of Florida Avenue, NE. Police identified the suspect as a Black male with medium-length dreadlocks and a black and blue jacket tied around his waist.

Document: Man Dies After Traffic Accident

A victim from an Oct. 16 traffic accident succumbed to their injuries.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigation revealed that on Oct.16 at 10:30 a.m. a Yamaha TT-R215 dirt bike was travelling at a high rate of speed in the 4700 block of Southern Avenue, SE, at the same time as a Chevrolet Equinox. The driver of the dirt bike struck the passenger door of the Chevrolet vehicle as it attempted to make a left turn onto Boones Hill Road. The impact caused the driver of the dirt bike to be ejected, according to the press release.

The driver of the dirt bike, 21-year-old Shaun Robinson Jr, was taken to a local hospital where on Oct. 18, he succumbed to his injuries, according to the press release.

Document: Suspect Sought in Assault with Intent to Commit First Degree Sexual Abuse Offense

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating an assault with intent to commit a first-degree sexual abuse offense that occurred on Oct. 16.

At approximately 1:00 a.m. the suspect assaulted the victim with the intent to force the victim to engage in a sexual act. The suspect fled the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was described as a male who was approximately 50-60 years old with a thin build and gray, unkempt hair. He was last seen wearing shorts and a blue surgical mask, according to the press release.

Judge Sentences Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a man for two misdemeanor sexual abuse charges.

In June, Quentin Mercer was charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse on the accusation that he groped a woman on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on June 28. The following month, he was charged with second-degree child sex abuse on the accusation that he groped a 14-year-old girl in the same location on July 22.

After making a deal with prosecutors the 41-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sex abuse in his first case and misdemeanor sex abuse of a child or minor in his second case.

During the Oct. 19 hearing, Judge Juliet McKenna sentenced Mercer to 120 days, all of which were suspended, plus five years of supervised probation for the misdemeanor sex abuse charge.

For the charge of misdemeanor sex abuse of a child or minor, Judge McKenna sentenced Mercer to six months, half of which were suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation. He will have the opportunity to petition to either terminate the probation altogether or to end the supervision after two years of compliance.

Since the defendant has been held at DC Jail since late July and will be receiving credit for time served, he is set to be released once he finishes the quarantine period he is currently in.

Mercer will also be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and stay away from the location of the offenses. Mercer is also expected to comply with mental health services as part of his probation.

Although defense attorney Terrence Austin requested a shorter probation time, Judge McKenna granted the prosecution’s request for a five-year probation period due to Mercer’s past criminal record and the fact that he was on probation when he picked up the cases.

Document: Additional Arrest Made in Mass Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives have made an additional arrest in relation to a Sept. 4 mass shooting that killed three people.

At approximately 7:33 p.m. police responded to the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW. On arrival, MPD found multiple gunshot victims. According to the press release, three victims were found dead on arrival, and three other victims were transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

The three deceased victims were identified as Donnetta Dyson, 31, Keenan Braxton, 24, and Johnny Joyner, 37, according to the press release.

On Oct. 13, officers arrested 27-year-old Erwin Dubose, Jr., and 24-year-old Kamar Queen. They were charged with first-degree murder while armed, DC Witness previously reported.

On Oct. 18, officers arrested 49-year-old Toyia Johnson and charged her with accessory after the fact, according to the press release.

Murder Defendants Sentenced to 30 and 33 Years

Two co-defendants who were convicted of murder in the DC Superior Court’s first homicide trial of 2021 were sentenced to 30 and 33 years, respectively.

Nyekemia Everett, 36, and Malik Hewitt, 41, are convicted in the murder of 37-year-old Christopher Heard during an attempted robbery on April 27, 2017, on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE.

On July 26, a jury found Everett guilty of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, attempted robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, fleeing a law enforcement officer and four counts of obstruction of justice. Hewitt was found guilty of felony murder while armed, conspiracy and attempted robbery while armed. Hewitt was also found not guilty of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and first-degree murder while armed. Everett was found not guilty of two counts of obstruction of justice.

According to the prosecution, Heard was targeted because of the money he made selling PCP after falling on hard times.

No victim impact statements were read during the Oct. 19 sentencing hearing, but Judge Neal Kravitz said he had received and read emails from the victim’s family as well as the families of the defendants.

The prosecution requested a 47-year sentence for Everett since he was, in their words, the “architect of the plot.” They asked that Hewitt be sentenced to 37-and-one-third years for his role in contacting the victim and driving the getaway car.

Hewitt’s attorney, Nikki Lotze, argued that the mandatory minimum for first-degree murder, 30 years, was more than sufficient for her client. She said that there have been similar cases in which defendants have served far less time. Everett’s attorney, Michael Madden, argued that his client should not be punished for using his right to go to trial.

The prosecution said that, had the defendants taken a plea deal, they likely would have faced less time.

Judge Kravitz said that, while Everett is more culpable than Hewitt, the mandatory minimum sentence for first-degree murder made it impossible for him to address the difference in culpability in sentencing. He sentenced Everett to 33 years of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release with credit for time served. He sentenced Hewitt to 30 years of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release with credit for time served.

The defense counsel for both defendants said they are planning to appeal the convictions.

Document: October 15 Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating an OCt. 15 homicide.

At approximately 10:50 p.m. officers responded to the 1000 Block of 17^th Street, NE, due to a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, police located 48-year-old Dabney Graham with stab wounds and transported her to a local hospital. On Oct. 18, she succumbed to her injuries, according to the press release.

Murder Case Set to Go to Trial in May

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial for a defendant charged in the death of an 81-year-old man.

Tyrone Williams was charged with assault with intent to commit armed robbery for allegedly trying to rob Bobby Poole Jr. on March 29, 2020, on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Poole lying on the ground bleeding from the head. After Poole died due to complications with a subdural hemorrhage due to blunt force trauma on May, 6, 2020, the robbery case was dismissed and Williams was charged with first-degree murder – felony murder.

During the Oct. 18 hearing, defense counsel Stephen Logerfo and Carrie Weletz said they spoke with the prosecution about why they have not indicted Williams. They also said they do not understand why it has taken so long.

The prosecution said they do not plan to indict until at least January 2022 but are willing to start a trial as soon as possible.

The prosecution said plea negotiations have taken place, but no official offer has been made. The defense said Williams is not willing to accept any plea offer.

Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled jury selection to begin on May 17, 2022. Parties expect the trial to take approximately three weeks.

Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to 40 Years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a murder defendant to 40 years in prison.

In February 2020, a jury found Herman Cook, Jr. guilty of first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 45-year-old Donald Johnson Jr. on the 5700 block of George Avenue, NW, on Aug. 8, 2016. Cook, 50, was also convicted of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Johnson’s family was present in court during the Oct. 18 sentencing. His father said the defendant “does not deserve mercy” and called him a coward. Johnson’s mother said the defendant has broken her heart.

According to a Department of Justice press release, Johnson was struck once in the neck and twice in the back.

Johnson’s brother and sister also made statements. His sister called Cook a “danger to society”.

Cook made a brief statement, saying he did not plan on murdering Johnson. He said they had talked on the phone multiple times to discuss their disagreement and he had a lot to lose.

Defense attorney William Buie III said mutual friends of the defendant and the victim said they were like brothers, but there had been a disagreement between the two. Buie asked Judge Juliet McKenna to sentence the defendant to the minimum sentence of 30 years for first-degree murder while armed.

The prosecution, however, recommended a 40-year sentence. They said the case was unusual because, while most murder cases are young people acting reckless, Cook was in his mid-40s when he killed Johnson. The two had met in college and stayed friends for over 25 years. The prosecution said the defendant put other people, including children, at risk because of his actions.

Judge McKenna called the crime a “senseless act.” She sentenced the Cook to 40 years in prison for murder, seven years for the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge and three years for the unlawful possession of a firearm charge. The sentences are to run concurrent. The defendant was given five years of supervised release and must register as a gun offender.

Crime Alerts: October 18-19

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Oct. 18 and 9:00 a.m. on Oct. 19.

A crime alert was sent out at 10:27 p.m. due to a stabbing in the Unit block of Longfellow Street, NW. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

A crime alert was sent out at 11:55 p.m. due to a shooting investigation in the 300 block of Bryant Street, NW. Police do not have information on the suspect(s).

Judge Sentences Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a man for two sex offenses involving underage victims.

According to the prosecution, the defendant, John Santiago, met the girls online and invited them to a hotel where he was staying while looking for permanent housing in DC.

“The real problem here is we have gotten to a place in this world where the internet allows us to do things like this,” Judge Milton Lee said.

Santiago, 44, was initially charged with first-degree child sex abuse and first-degree sexual abuse of a minor. In June, he pleaded down to attempted first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and attempted first-degree child sex abuse.

Judge Lee sentenced the defendant to two years, one of which was suspended, followed by three years of supervised probation for the attempted first-degree sexual abuse of a minor charge. For the attempted first-degree child sex abuse charge, Judge Lee sentenced him to 40 months, 20 of which were suspended, followed by three years of supervised probation.

The sentences will run consecutive, putting his total amount to serve at 32 months. The probation periods, however, will run concurrent.

During the Oct. 15 sentencing hearing, defense attorney Shawn Sukumar said his client would be better-rehabilitated by mental health therapy and spending time with his family, rather than prison time.

Sukumar also said that, unlike other child sex abuse cases he had seen before, this is not one where manipulation took place.

The prosecution said they do not have an issue with Santiago receiving counseling but, due to him appearing to have more encounters with the victims after finding out their age, they feel prison time is necessary.

Santiago will be required to complete a mental health evaluation as part of his probation. He must also complete sex offender treatment and remain employed.

Judge Lee also said Santiago is a good man and has come a long way since his initial arrest. The arrest, according to Judge Lee, was a day that turned around Santiago’s life and made him come to terms with his issues.

Santiago also spoke at the hearing and said he is remorseful for his actions.

No victim impact statements were read during the hearing, as they prosecution said they were unable to obtain any despite multiple attempts.

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