Judge Finds Probable Cause in Double Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled there was evidence against a double homicide defendant to bring his case to trial.

Antoine Turner, 27, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed in connection with the shootings of Demetrius Benson and Demeitri Anderson. On Nov. 3, 2020, Benson, 24, was shot in the armpit on 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. Then, on Nov. 29, 2020, Anderson, 23, was shot 13 times on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE.

During the May 5 hearing, the prosecution argued video surveillance footage and cellphone tower pings place Turner at the scene of Benson’s death.

The prosecution also noted that the shooter’s car, which was caught in video surveillance, was later identified by license plate recognition software and linked to Turner. The car was determined to be an Enterprise rental registered under Turner’s relative’s name with Turner’s number used as the contact number.

The prosecution said, based on forensic evidence, it was determined the shooter was in the driver’s seat and DNA evidence suggests Turner’s DNA was all over the gear shift, steering wheel and driver door panel. She ended by emphasizing that, although Turner’s relative was also in the car at the time of the shooting, video surveillance points to Turner as the shooter based on their distinctive haircut differences.

Defense attorney Matthew Davies argued, based on the prosecution’s case, one would have to assume Turner was the shooter. Davies pointed out that the DNA evidence did not definitely place Turner in the driver’s seat and could not distinguish Turner from his relative. Davies said the DNA expert’s actual opinion was that he could not exclude Turner from the DNA profile, which also included three other people’s DNA profiles.

Davies ended by saying the prosecution’s evidence was scant in this case and that the evidence only roughly pinpoints where the gunshots came from but cannot definitively rule out that the shots did not come from another car. He also said the only fingerprints lifted from the vehicle were on the driver’s side and belonged to Turner’s relative.

In the arguments regarding Anderson’s death, the prosecution said the distinctive red car identified in the shooting was discovered to be another Enterprise rental again linked to Turner. The prosecution played over 26 surveillance clips that showed the clothes Turner wore the day of the shooting and a rough time frame of his “comings and goings.” The prosecution said these clips were important because they establish that he consistently wore the same black shoes, white socks and black pants, which differentiates him from another subject in this case and fits the description of the shooter.

The prosecution said cell phone tower pings again placed Turner near the shooting at the time it occurred. She also said the firearm found discarded at the scene has DNA evidence that strongly supports Turner to be the biggest DNA contributor out of four other people’s DNA found on the gun.

The prosecution ended by noting that, closely after the shooting, Turner changed his phone number, which was the number used on record for the Enterprise rental. She also said that when the rental was returned, it was cleaned out with many chemicals but that experts were still able to get forensics that could not exclude Turner.

Davies again argued the court would have to make an assumption that Turner was the shooter in this case. He pointed out that a second subject could also be a major contributor to the DNA found on the firearm because the expert could not definitively say that the DNA was Turner’s over the other subject.

After hearing both sides, Judge Marisa Demeo agreed with the prosecution’s arguments and found probable cause. She ruled that Turner is to remain held at DC Jail.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 6.

Document: 14-Year-Old Arrested for Murder

A juvenile was arrested in connection with a homicide that happened on May 2.

At around 9:00 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, for the report of a stabbing.

There, they found 46-year-old Louis Cheeves suffering from multiple stab wounds. He died at an area hospital.

On May 6, a 14-year-old boy was arrested in connection with Cheeves’ death.

Crime Alerts: May 6-7

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on May 6 and 9:00 a.m. on May 7.

The alert was sent at 3:31 a.m. for a stabbing on the 1200 block of 13th Street, NW.

Police are looking for a Black male with a heavy build.

Crime Alerts: May 5-6

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on May 5 and 9:00 a.m. on May 6.

The alert was sent at 11:22 p.m. for an armed robbery on the 800 block of Ingraham Street, NW.

Police are looking for two Black males wearing dark clothing. They were last seen in a red Mercedes Benz with Maryland tags 7EJ5619.

Judge Holds Domestic Violence Defendant During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on May 5, a DC Superior Court judge held one domestic violence defendant.

In total, there were five domestic violence defendants presented before Judge Sean Staples.

The domestic violence defendant that the judge decided to hold was brought in on seven bench warrants for failing to appear at probation and pretrial hearings.

All seven of the defendant’s cases are domestic violence related, and the underlying charges are violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO), violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO), unlawful entry, destruction of property and contempt of court.

The defendant will be held at the DC Jail until he can be seen by the judge on his cases. The hearing is scheduled for May 11.

Judge Staples released four additional domestic violence defendants and ordered them all to stay away from the alleged victims, the locations of the incidents or both.

The underlying charges in the cases consist of simple assault and violation of a CPO.

Those defendants have their next hearings scheduled for Nov. 10.

Judge Hears Only One Domestic Violence Case During Arraignments

During initial hearings on May 4, a DC Superior Court judge presided over one domestic violence case.

In total, there were 14 cases presented before the court with an additional defendant whose cases could not be heard because they are in the hospital.

Judge Sean Staples presided over a domestic violence defendant who is charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, which was a set of keys.

The prosecution requested that the judge release the defendant on the condition that he be ordered to stay away from the alleged victim and the location of the incident, which was in Northeast, DC.

Judge Staples agreed to release the defendant, ordering him to return to court on Nov. 9. He also granted the prosecution’s request for a stay-away order.

Crime Alerts: May 4-5

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on May 4 and 9:00 a.m. on May 5.

The most recent alert was sent at 11:37 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 8100 block of Eastern Avenue, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

An alert for a stabbing investigation was sent at 10:37 p.m. on the 1100 block of Howard Road, SE. Police are looking for a Black male with red hair.

The final alert was sent at 9:42 p.m. for a confirmed stabbing on the 2700 block of New York Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing an orange hoodie.

Judge Holds Off on Setting Trial Dates for Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge continued a May 4 trial readiness hearing, so the defense attorney could have more time to go over recent evidence disclosures with his client.

Kavonte Richardson is charged with felony murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery in connection with the stabbing of 24-year-old Matthew Scott Rooker on the 600 block of 7th Street, NW, on May 23, 2018.

Richardson, 27, is also charged with armed robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon in this case.

Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled the next hearing for July 1.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that there was evidence against a homicide defendant to bring his case to trial.

Jamall Thornton, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 35-year-old Antoine Pierce. On Dec. 11, 2020, Pierce was found unconscious in a vehicle at the intersection of 21st Street and Benning Road, NE, suffering from three gunshot wounds.

Before the May 4 hearing began, the prosecution said a pre-preliminary hearing plea deal was offered to Thornton, which would be off the table at the start of the hearing. After speaking to his client, defense attorney Kevann Gardner said that Thornton was not ready to give up the option of the plea and would like to continue plea discussions. After speaking with supervisors, the prosecution was able to keep the plea deal on the table while still continuing with the preliminary hearing.

Gardner argued that the prosecution’s case largely relies on Thornton’s account of events during police interviews, but there is evidence that the defendant made statements involuntary with the promise that Thornton would be released if he incriminated himself.

Gardner also said there is no physical evidence tying Thornton to the crime, pieces of evidence were not sufficiently investigated, the only witnesses found were two ear-witnesses and there was no indication Thornton was a gun owner or had access to guns.

The defense also noted that one of the witnesses gained access to the crime scene before authorities arrived and retrieved an infant in Pierce’s car. He argued that this suggests other people who the detectives did not know about could have tampered with the scene or been present before authorities arrived at the scene.

The prosecution argued that Thornton admitted he shot at Pierce’s car in the middle of the day and successively endangered numerous bystanders. She also clarified that Thornton’s statements are corroborated by Pierce’s wounds, the holes in Pierce’s car, the ear-witnesses and video surveillance.

The prosecution ended by pointing out the car Thornton was using at the time of the shooting was found abandoned with its tags missing, even though the tags were present in the surveillance footage at the time of the shooting. She said this suggested there was an effort made to cover something up.

Judge Marisa Demeo said she did not find that Thornton’s statements were made involuntarily, only that there was some sanctioned investigative trickery involved. She also agreed with the prosecution that Thornton’s statements were corroborated by multiple pieces of evidence.

After the ruling, Gardner asked Judge Demeo to release his client into home confinement, arguing that he had demonstrated he was not a flight risk because he could have fled before his arrest in the days after the shooting. The prosecution asked that Thornton be held in DC Jail due to dangerous nature of the alleged offence.

Judge Demeo said she recognized Thornton has no history of alcohol or substance use and has a stable work history, but she also noted that he has a prior robbery conviction. She ultimately decided that Thornton should remain held at DC Jail.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 7.

Document: Man Killed in Apparent Hit-and-Run

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a traffic fatality that happened on April 29.

According to a press release, preliminary investigation revealed that, at around 6:33 p.m., a driver was traveling westbound on the 5100 block of Lee Street, NE in a Lincoln Town car.

At the same time, someone was traveling northbound on the 1000 block of 51^st Street, NE in a scooter.

Both of the vehicles then approached the intersection of 51^st Street and Lee Street, NE.

“The Lincoln Town Car failed to stop at the 4-way intersection and collided with the scooter,” the press release states. “The Lincoln Town Car continued to skid through the intersection striking a parked vehicle in the 5100 block of Lee Street, Northeast.”

The striking vehicle then fled the scene.

Edgar Delcid, 20, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Judge Holds Sex Abuse Defendant During Initial Hearings

On May 3, a DC Superior Court judge held a defendant charged with sex abuse.

In total, there were 28 cases presented before the court with an additional defendant who was in the hospital, so their case could not be heard.

The defendant that was held is charged with second-degree child sex abuse and simple assault. A victim in this case, who is 12 years old, reported that the defendant went into a room with her and sexually abused her. The other victim, an 11-year-old girl, reported that the defendant also went into a room with her and started pulling on her shirt.

The defense attorney in this case requested for the defendant to be released under the High-Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), so the defendant could continue to participate in group counseling and therapy, which were ordered by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

Judge Sean Staples denied the defense attorney’s request considering the defendant’s criminal history which includes crimes of violence. The defendant also has other previous sexual offenses.

The defendant has a felony status conference scheduled for May 24.

Two additional defendants are charged with sex abuse. Judge Staples released these defendants and issued stay-away orders as a condition of release. One of the defendants was ordered to call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

These defendants are scheduled to return to court on Nov. 8.

Four domestic violence cases were presented before the court.

One of those defendants is charged with simple assault. The prosecution requested that the defendant be held because he has various pending cases, including three other domestic violence cases.

Judge Staples released this defendant because the defendant has been reporting to PSA for his pending cases. Additionally, the victim in this case is not a victim from a prior case.

Judge Staples issued a stay-away order and informed the defendant that he must comply with the conditions of release imposed by PSA, including a mental health assessment.

A status hearing is scheduled for May 26.

The other three defendants charged in domestic violence cases were also released with stay-away orders. Their charges include simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

All three are scheduled to return to court on Nov. 8.

Crime Alerts: May 3-4

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out four crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on May 3 and 9:00 a.m. on May 4.

The most recent alert was sent at 3:30 a.m. for a shooting on the 5000 block of Kimi Gray Court, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

An alert for a stabbing was sent at 1:48 a.m. on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE. Police are looking for a 26 year-old Black male with dreads, faded on the side. He was wearing a gray jacket, dark pants and dark shoes with red and green on them.

An alert for an armed robbery was sent at 10:54 p.m. on the 4000 block of 4th Street, SE. Police are looking for three Black males, wearing all dark clothing and armed with handguns.

The final alert was sent at 9:39 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Judge Continues Homicide Case for Possible Resolution

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing for a first-degree murder case that is currently undergoing plea negotiations.

George Miller, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 48-year-old Elias Flores on Nov. 18, 2020 on the 1600 block of Olive Street, NE.

The prosecution said plea discussions were continuing with the defense during the April 21 hearing.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the next hearing for June 10. In the meantime, Miller will remain held at DC Jail, where he has been since he picked up the case in December 2020.

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

Judge Continues Hearing for Murder Defendant Awaiting Indictment

A DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing for a murder defendant who is awaiting an indictment.

Davon Patterson, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 46-year-old Bryant McClain, on the 800 block of Crittenden Street, NW, on June 8, 2019.

During the May 3 proceedings, Defense attorney Pierce Suen said his client has been held for 14 months without an indictment. The prosecution said they are making this case a priority, but could not confirm when there would be an indictment.

All in-person juries have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Suen asked Judge Yvonne Williams to release Patterson if the prosecution couldn’t indict him soon.

Judge Williams said she would not rule on the defendant’s release status but said she hopes there will be an indictment before the next hearing, which she scheduled for Sept. 27.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Judge Sets 2023 Trial Dates for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled trial dates for a defendant who was charged with murder in 2014.

Mark Bowser, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the stabbing of 39-year-old Tracy Womack. On Sept. 20, 2014, Womack was found unconscious with multiple stab wounds on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE.

During the May 3 proceedings, defense attorney Dorsey Jones said he just got appointed to the case but has familiarized himself with most of the facts. He also said he was having trouble visiting his client at the DC Jail due to pandemic restrictions.

Judge Juliet McKenna said all of 2021 and 2022 is booked for felony jury trials.

“The reality is we will know a lot more in two months if additional courtrooms will open up,” she said.

Judge McKenna suggested setting another hearing in 60 to 75 days when parties had a better sense of courtroom availability.

Parties asked Judge McKenna to set trial dates as well as a status hearing because they were worried that the case would be pushed back much later. She agreed to do so but emphasized that she was making an exception due to the age of the case and the fact that previous defense counsel had abruptly dropped it.

Jury selection is set for Feb. 22 and 23, 2023. The trial is to begin on Feb. 24, 2023, and end on March 10, 2023.

According to court documents, Bowser’s trial dates have been rescheduled several times throughout the trajectory of his case. He has been indicted twice: once in 2015 and then again in 2018.

Bowser received two additional charges in 2018 for obstructing justice when he allegedly tried to intimidate a witness from testifying. He is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon in this case.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 23.

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