Defendant in Homicide Case Gets Time to Discusses Plea Deal with Attorney

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a status hearing for later this month to give a defense attorney time to discuss the prosecution’s plea offer with his client.

D’Aundrey Scott, 26, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly setting fire to 62-year-old Darryl Finney on the 900 block of H Street, NE on May 15, 2020.

During the May 3 hearing, defense attorney Roderick Thompson said the prosecution offered a pre-preliminary hearing plea offer to his client, but he has not had time to discuss it with Scott. Roderick requested two to three weeks to discuss the plea offer.

Counsel said they initially had a preliminary hearing scheduled a couple months ago, but they were not ready to move forward because of disclosure issues.

Since then, defense attorney Roderick Thompson said the prosecution has provided the proper disclosures and now parties are ready to move forward.

On May 13, 2020, Scott allegedly went to the 1300 block of H Street, NE around 12:36 a.m. and threw a shirt he lit on fire at a man who was lying on the sidewalk, according to court documents. The man did not sustain any injuries.

Then, less than a half hour later, Scott allegedly set Finney, a shopping cart and two bags of Finney’s belongings on fire on the 900 block of H Street, NE. Finney died from his injuries two days later.

Shortly after, Scott also allegedly set fire to a porch on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE.

Judge Milton Lee scheduled the next hearing for May 24.

Document: Two Homicides on Sunday

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating two homicides that happened on May 2.

At around 8:58 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE for the report of a shooting, according to a press release. There, they found 20-year-old Delano Harris suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

At around 9:00 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE for the report of a stabbing. There, they found 46-year-old Louis Cheeve suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was also pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Crime Alerts: May 2-3

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on May 2 and 9:00 a.m. on May 3.

The most recent alert was sent at 9:50 p.m. for a stabbing investigation on the 2100 block of I Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

Another alert for a stabbing was sent at 9:43 p.m. on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. Police are looking for two juvenile Black males. One of the suspects was light in complexion and skinny, and the other was described as heavyset.

The final alert was sent at 9:11 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Document: Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Southwest, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened in a Southwest, DC home on April 30.

According to a press release, at around 8:56 p.m., police were dispatched to a home on the 1100 block of 4^th Street, SW, for a domestic dispute.

“Officers arrived on the scene and were beginning to interview an adult male and an adult female inside of the residence,” the press release states. “The adult male suddenly brandished a firearm and pointed it at the female and one of the officers. In response, one of the officers discharged their firearm, striking the male suspect.”

The man, 36 year-old Terrance Maurice Parker, was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Judge Hears Three Domestic Violence Cases During Initial Hearings

On April 30, a DC Superior Court judge heard 21 cases, three of which were domestic violence defendants.

One of the defendants is charged with cruelty to children and aggravated assault. Defense counsel requested the release of the defendant, citing mental health concerns and noting that holding the defendant would not serve the community.

However, due to concerns for public safety, Judge Heide Herrmann ruled the defendant shall stay in custody at the DC Jail pending his next hearing. She also granted a stay-away order from the complaining witness.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for May 20.

In another domestic violence case, a defendant is charged with simple assault. The defendant is released and given a stay-away order relating to two children. Judge Herrmann also warned the defendant that he must relinquish any firearm he may have and may not purchase any firearms while the case is pending.

In the third case, the defendant is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. According to the prosecution, the defendant has a history of domestic violence, though dated.

Judge Herrmann decided to release the defendant and ordered him to stay away from the victim.

Both released defendants have their next hearings scheduled for Nov. 5.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Child Sex Abuser to 10 Years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve a decade in prison for first-degree child sex abuse.

“My remorse is sincere and profound, and I want to struggle moving forward to be better,” said Jose Chevez-Andino during the April 30 hearing. The 36-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to the charge last December.

The prosecution said the case is particularly severe because the victim was 11-years-old. The prosecution also said the charge speaks volumes about what they called the “violent nature” of the defendant.

Defense attorney Kathryn D’Adamo asked Judge Marisa Demeo to sentence her client to the minimum sentence of 7 and a half years.

“Ultimately we ask your honor, what does justice look like in a case like this?” she said.

Judge Demeo said she took into account his letters of support, work history, government representation and lack of previous criminal history in deciding the sentence.

Chevez Andino must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearing for Homicide Defendant

On April 29, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if one of the two homicide cases a defendant is charged in has enough evidence to go to trial.

Melvin Simmons, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in two separate cases. He is charged in the shooting deaths of 28-year-old William Roland on Aug. 17, 2019, on the 1500 block of 18th Street, SE, and 28-year-old Ronald Jerome Brown, Jr. on Aug. 22, 2019, on the 3400 block of 18th Street, SE.

Simmons recently rejected a global plea offer that was extended for both cases.

Judge Milton Lee scheduled a preliminary hearing for the case of Roland’s death for June 15.

Simmons’ lawyer, Matthew Davies, said he is interested in setting a trial date for the case involving Brown’s death. The prosecution said they will be working on indicting the case in order to proceed.

A status hearing for that case is set for Sept. 20.

Crime Alerts: April 29-30

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on April 29 and 9:00 a.m. on April 30.

The most recent alert was sent at 1:01 a.m. for a robbery on the 1600 block of Argonne Place, NW. Police are looking for a mid-twenties Black male, 5’11” in height, wearing all black clothing. They are also looking for a mid-twenties Black female, wearing all black clothing.

A second alert for a robbery was sent at 11:52 p.m. on the 1300 block of North Capitol Street, NW. Police are looking for a slim Black male with a dark complexion, 6’3″ in height, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a black mask.

They are also looking for an additional Black male, between 28 and 30 with a dark complexion and a medium build. The suspect is wearing dark jeans, a blue long sleeve shirt and a black mask.

The final alert was sent at 10:54 p.m. for another robbery on the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black female with a light complexion and dark clothing and a Black male with a dark complexion and dark clothing.

Document: Traffic Fatality in Southeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a traffic fatality that happened on April 23.

According to a press release, preliminary investigation revealed that, at around 10:20 p.m., a person was driving a white commercial van northbound on the 900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

“The commercial van struck a pedestrian who was seated on the roadway,” the press release states. “The striking vehicle then fled the scene.”

The decedent has been identified as 51 year-old James Turner. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Murder

Police have arrested a suspect for murder in connection with a March 31 homicide.

That day, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found four individuals suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1300 Block of Congress Street, SE.

The victims were transported to a local hospital, where a male and a female were pronounced dead. The victims who succumbed to their injuries were 25-year-old George Evans III, and 28-year-old Keosha Ferguson.

Later, police discovered there was a fifth victim seeking treatment at another hospital.

All of the other victims received treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

One of the suspects in this case has been identified as 25 year-old Tarik Turner. He was arrested for second-degree murder while armed in connection with Furguson’s death on April 28.

Crime Alerts: April 28-29

Between 9:00 p.m. on April 28 and 9:00 a.m. on April 29, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 3:52 a.m. for an attempted robbery on the 3000 block of Van Ness Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male, 5’9″ in height, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt.

An alert was sent at 9:15 p.m. for a shooting on the 200 block of L Street, SW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

The final alert was sent at 9:04 p.m. for a shooting on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s) in this case, either.

Judge Maintains Probable Cause, Releases Defendant in Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge has maintained that probable cause was established in a homicide case, but he placed the defendant on supervised release.

Quincy Johnson, 17, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting of 20-year-old Anthony Riley on the 100 block of Walnut Street, NW on July 17, 2020.

Johnson is being charged as an adult. Since receiving his charges on Aug. 21, 2020, Johnson has been held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

During the April 28 bond review hearing, defense attorney Roderick Thompson argued that the burden of proof for probable cause had not been met.

“I’m asking the court respectfully to take a look at the evidence in the case,” Thompson said. “Since it was such a slim margin, I want them to focus on the lack of credibility of the lone eyewitness in this case.”

Thompson also argued that even if Johnson purchased a firearm as a 17-year-old, it still “falls extremely short” of any indication that the purchase was part of a robbery plan.

In response, the prosecution said there was a clear intent to rob the victim, as shown through a series of text messages made by Johnson.

Judge Robert Okun held with the previous decision that probable cause had been established.

“Even under the probable cause standard it’s relatively close, but from my perspective it’s over the line, and the government did provide sufficient evidence,” he said.

On the topic of release, the defense argued that home confinement at his father and step mother’s home with an ankle monitor should be permitted.

“Mr. Johnson will be held on what the court agrees is the slimmest of margins for another three years without the benefit of a trial,” Thompson said.

The prosecution argued that Johnson has a clear motive to “intimidate his witness, or affect his testimony”.

“The defendant would pose a danger to the community, and that risk is heightened if he’s placed on home leave,” prosecutor Edward O’Connell said.

Judge Okun ruled that Johnson would be released with a GPS monitor under the condition that he can leave his home for in-person classes.

“I agree with the government that the risk is heightened, but I do believe that he should be released to the high intensity supervision program,” Okun said.

A date for Johnson’s next hearing has not been established.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Judge Releases Two Domestic Violence Defendants and Holds Two Murder Defendants During Initial Hearings

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann presided over two murder cases and two domestic violence cases during the April 28 initial hearings.

In total there were 23 defendants presented before the court.

Tarik Turner is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of 28-year-old Keosha Ferguson. Turner, 25, allegedly shot Ferguson on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on March 31.

According to court documents, the police found four victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of these victims, George Evans and Keosha Ferguson, died from their injuries. According to statements from witnesses, there was an altercation between Turner, Evans, Furguson and another victim. Turner allegedly returned fire at Furguson and the second victim after being shot during the altercation.

Judge Herrmann found probable cause and decided to hold Turner. He has a felony status conference scheduled for May 19.

The second defendant, John Philogene, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 34-year-old Evan Wood. Philogene, 23, allegedly shot Wood on March 27 during an altercation on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE.

Judge Herrmann found probable cause and decided to hold Philogene. He has a felony status conference scheduled for May 19.

The first domestic violence defendant is charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and destruction of property. The second domestic violence defendant is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm and destruction of property.

Both defendants were released on personal recognizance under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and have status hearings scheduled for Nov. 3.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Judge Holds Sex Abuse Defendant During Initial Hearings

During the April 27 initial hearings, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held a sex abuse defendant, releasing an additional sex abuse defendant and two domestic violence defendants.

Judge Herrmann held a defendant who is charged with first-degree sexual abuse. The defendant, a 33-year-old male, allegedly raped a woman on April 3 on the 500 block of B Street, SE. The defendant was ordered to stay away from the alleged victim in addition to being held at the DC Jail.

His next hearing is scheduled for May 19.

One of the released defendants was arrested for failing to appear for a court hearing in a domestic violence case. In this case, the judge released the defendant as he turned himself in on the day of the warrant being issued.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on May 18.

Two defendants, with charges related to domestic violence and sex abuse, were released. One was given a stay-away order from the alleged victim.

The domestic violence defendant is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 2, and the sex abuse defendant is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 22.

Alaina Provenza wrote this article

Prosecution Extends Another Plea Deal to Murder Defendant, Defense Says

A DC Superior Court judge continued a murder defendant’s hearing so he can have more time to consider the prosecution’s plea offer.

Diquan Lucas is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 33-year-old Brian Butler on Nov. 21, 2019, on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE.

Back in March 2020, the 25-year-old defendant rejected a plea deal the prosecution offered him last January. But, during the April 27 hearing, defense attorney Roderick Thompson said the prosecution has extended the defendant another plea deal. Parties are reportedly in plea negotiations.

Judge Lee Milton scheduled a status hearing for May 11. In the meantime, Lucas will remain held at DC Jail, where he has been since he picked up the case in December 2019.

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

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