Judge Holds Murder Defendant and Domestic Violence Defendant During Initial Hearings

On April 19, a DC Superior Court judge held a defendant charged with second-degree murder and a defendant charged with a felony in a domestic violence case.

In total, there were 20 cases presented before the court with an additional two defendants who were in the hospital, so their cases could not be heard.

Nathan Hunter, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 44-year-old Ronald McKnight on April 18 on the 1600 block of 7th Street, NW.

According to the police report, on the day of the homicide, a manager at the DC International Hostel reported to authorities that a male victim was bleeding inside of a bathroom. The male victim was identified as McKnight who was suffering from gunshot wounds to the left side of the head.

Hunter’s defense attorney argued that there may be probable cause for manslaughter but not second-degree murder.

She said that it is clear from the defendant’s accounts that there was a physical confrontation where both Hunter and McKnight were injured. She said McKnight was the aggressor since he entered the bathroom with a bag that contained a gun. Hunter was then able to take the gun away from McKnight and shot him.

Judge Lloyd Nolan did find probable cause in this case after the prosecution said that Hunter’s accounts are not consistent with police reports and the autopsy report. For example, Hunter said he allegedly shot McKnight one time, but the autopsy report showed that McKnight had four gunshot wounds. The prosecution also pointed out that Hunter had minimal injuries during the altercation.

Hunter’s defense attorney requested for the defendant to be released considering that he does not have a lengthy criminal record and because he turned himself in to the authorities after the homicide occurred, which suggests that there is no risk of flight.

Judge Nolan decided to hold the defendant, saying Hunter has violated the conditions of release in his past cases which suggests that releasing him in this case under conditions would not be appropriate.

A felony status conference is scheduled for May 10.

Judge Nolan also held a defendant charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in a domestic violence case.

The defense attorney argued that the defendant has a good track record of completing probation periods which suggests that he can comply with conditions of release.

The prosecution asked for the defendant to be held considering the violent nature of the crime.

Judge Nolan said that even though the defendant may not have been the initial aggressor in this case, he elevated the situation by pulling a knife on his girlfriend and stabbing her in the back of the head. The defendant also has a history of violence including charges for attempted threats.

This defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for May 10.

Judge Nolan released eight defendants charged in domestic violence cases. Stay-away orders were issued for all eight defendants as a condition of release and, they were also ordered them to call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

Five of these defendants are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 25. The others are scheduled to return to court in May.

Dalvyn Velez wrote this article.

Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Teenager’s Death

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a homicide that happened on Nov. 7 of last year.

At around 2:56 a.m., officers responded to the the 3300 block of Water Street, NW for the sounds of gunshots. There, they found 19 year-old Franklin Hernandez Arevalo suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on scene.

On April 19, 20 year-old Roberto Cayetano-Mejia was arrested for second-degree murder while armed.

Crime Alerts: April 19-20

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

The most recent alert was sent at 12:54 a.m. for a stabbing on the 3300 block of Mt. Pleasant Street, SW. Police are looking for a Hispanic female in her early thirties wearing a beige jacket and black pants.

Another alert for a stabbing was sent at 12:41 a.m. at the intersection of 4th and Kennedy Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

The final alert was sent at 10:50 p.m. for a confirmed stabbing on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect in this case, either.

Defendant Accused of Stabbing Stranger Arraigned

A DC Superior Court judge arraigned a homicide defendant and granted the new defense attorney’s request to continue a status hearing so he would have time to get up to date on the case.

Lance Ammons, a 42-year-old army veteran, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 62-year-old Robert Bolich on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge on Aug. 22, 2019.

According to court documents, the two were strangers.

Ammons is currently being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. His case is awaiting a ruling based on whether he is competent to stand trial.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled a status hearing for Aug. 25.

Ammons is also charged with carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business in this case.

Judge Gives Defense More Time in Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to continue a hearing in a homicide case, so the defense attorney could have more time to speak with his client.

Eliyas Aregahedne, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 27-year-old Margery Magill on the 400 block of Irving Street, NW, on Aug. 27, 2019.

Defense attorney David Knight said he needs more time to review the evidence and speak to his client about how this case should proceed. He said this case may be on track to go to trial, but it’s not definite.

The prosecution has not offered a plea deal.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the next hearing for July 8.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Keith Hudson, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of Isaiah Glover. On Feb. 6, Glover, 30, was found on the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE with a gunshot wound to the head.

Judge Milton Lee found probable cause based on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective’s testimony.

During the April 19 hearing, the prosecution asked the detective about security footage of the area around the crime. The detective said the grey jeans, silver shoes, keychain and black adidas sweatshirt seen on the suspect in surveillance footage is a match with recent pictures of Hudson.

The prosecution asked that Hudson be held because he was a “flight risk” and had a history of being violent.

Defense attorney Michael Madden disagreed with the prosecution’s characterization of his client, saying the pandemic has made it dangerous for Hudson to stay in jail.

“Mr. Hudson is asking the court to release him on high intensity supervision,” Madden said.

But, Judge Lee declined the request. He said Hudson will continue to be held at DC Jail.

A status hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Judge Continues Hearing for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing for a murder defendant.

Mohamed Goodwin, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 25-year-old Devonte Wilson on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW, on Dec. 3, 2020.

Goodwin also has another open case in which he is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The prosecution asked Judge Marisa Demeo to set another hearing three months out as they pursue an indictment.

Judge Demeo scheduled a status hearing for July 20 for both cases to let the defense review evidence, and so both parties could determine an appropriate way to move forward.

Homicide Case Prepares for New Trial

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled another trial readiness hearing to allow parties time to determine if it would be feasible to hold a jury trial this coming July for a re-opened homicide case.

Mark Beasley, 48, was sentenced to 30 years for first-degree murder while armed in the 2015 fatal shooting of 39-year-old Darryn Conte. A jury also convicted him of assault with intent to kill while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, bringing his total sentence to 40 years.

His conviction was reversed in November 2019 due to issues regarding the exclusion of Black jurors during the jury selection process. He is now awaiting a new trial on charges of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm.

During the April 19 proceedings, defense attorney Anthony Matthews said he would like to schedule trial dates. Judge Rainey Brandt said parties could set a trial to begin March 2023 or choose one of two trial dates set aside in 2021. Judge Brandt noted that the only reason the case qualified for a 2021 trial was because it was a retrial but she emphasized that the two dates had strict end dates.

Both attorneys said the 2021 dates would not work for them due to scheduling conflicts, but they hesitated to choose 2023 trial dates.

Judge Brandt suggested parties return in two week after they had time to potentially shift their schedules and discuss the issue with co-counsel. She also said she would hold one of the trial dates that parties found could work better for them.

On April 26, 2015, Conte and another victim were found on the 400 block of Butternut Street, NW suffering from gunshot wounds. Conte was pronounced dead on the scene, but the other victim was taken to a nearby hospital and discharged later that day.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 4.

Judge Sets Status Hearing for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a status hearing for a homicide defendant.

Thomas Fields Jr., 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the stabbing of 24-year-old Marquita Lucas on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE on Aug. 17.

Defense attorney Ronald Resetarits stressed his concern for setting a trial date as soon as possible.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 15. No trial readiness hearing is currently scheduled but, according to court documents, this case is on the trial readiness course.

The prosecution said they have not offered a plea deal, though they are open to one at the defense’s request.

Fields is also charged with possessing of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, kidnapping while armed and tampering with physical evidence in this case.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on April 16, DC Superior Court Judge John Fisher held a domestic abuse defendant and released a homicide defendant.

In total, there were 26 cases presented before the court with five domestic violence cases and one homicide case.

Judge Fisher held one domestic violence defendant who is charged with simple assault, second-degree theft and obstruction of justice.

The prosecution requested the hold, citing the defendant’s three pending domestic violence cases, one of which involves the same complaining witness in his new case.

During his ruling, the judge said he was worried that the defendant would not abide by court orders as he allegedly violated a stay-away in his pending case. The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for May 4.

Judge Fisher released four domestic abuse defendants. Their charges include simple assault, destruction of property, armed kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice.

Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders from the alleged victims, and the final defendant was given an order not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk the victim in his case.

They were ordered to return to court in October.

Judge Fisher released Bernard Matthews, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 22 year-old Diamonte Green. The offense occurred on Feb. 16 on the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE.

“I don’t think this is a particularly strong case,” said Judge Fisher, even though he did end up finding probable cause. He said that, given the circumstances of the case itself, he did not feel that Matthews, 41, would be a danger to anyone else in the community.

Matthews was released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring and a stay-away order. He was also ordered to return to court in October.

According to DC Courts, Matthews reported for GPS installation on April 19. His case is pending a grand jury,

Matthews next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 22.

Judge Reschedules Motion Hearing for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a motion hearing for a homicide defendant.

James Mayfield, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the deaths of Jermaine Bowens and Elijah Henry. On Dec. 26, 2017, 38-year-old Bowens was found on the 2200 block of Douglas Street, NE suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The next day, 21-year-old Henry was found unconscious in a residence on the 1800 block of Bryant Street, NE.

Judge Neal Kravitz rescheduled the hearing for June 2.

Mayfield has 23 additional charges in this case including assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threats to kidnap or injure a person, robbery while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a licence and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Mayfield has another pending case with his co-defendant, 21-year-old Robert Moses. The two are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor. Sydnor was reportedly shot while driving on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE on Aug. 12, 2017.

Mayfield and Moses are also charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed in a drive-by or random shooting offense committed during release, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill, drive-by or random shooting, aggravated assault with grave risk while armed, obstruction of justice and conspiracy in that case.

Document: Two Suspects Arrested for Murder

Two suspects have recently been arrested in connection with homicides that happened this month.

On April 16, Keanan Christopher Turner, 32, was arrested for first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed in connection with a double homicide that happened on April 12.

At around 7:33 p.m. that day, DC Fire and EMS responded to the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE for the report of a fire, according to a press release. Moments later, police were dispatched there for the report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a woman in a parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Two other women were found with gunshot wounds as well. One of them was pronounced dead on the scene. The other died at an area hospital.

The decedents have been identified as 48-year-old Wanda Wright and 32-year old Ebony Wright, both of Southeast, DC.

On April 18, 39 year-old Nathan Hunter was arrested for second-degree murder while armed in connection with a homicide that happened that same day.

At around 1:31 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of 7^th Street, NW for the report of an unconscious person.

There, they found 44-year-old Ronald McKnight suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Crime Alerts: April 18-19

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on April 18 and 9:00 a.m. on April 19.

The most recent alert was sent at 1:01 a.m. for a shooting on the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SW.

Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Judge Holds Two Domestic Violence Defendants and One Sex Abuse Defendant During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on April 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held two of four domestic violence defendants and one sex abuse defendant.

The two domestic violence defendants held are both alleged to have violated a condition of release in their cases.

The first defendant is charged with simple assault, second-degree theft, and obstruction of justice, and the second defendant is charged with contempt.

The first defendant returned to his victim’s home where he allegedly assaulted her within a month of being released from jail. The second defendant allegedly repeatedly attempted to make contact with the victim and went as far as kicking in her apartment door.

In both cases, the judge said it was very concerning that the defendants not only violated their stay-away orders but committed violent acts in the process. The judge said she could not release either defendant as they are a danger to the victims and the community.

Both defendants are scheduled for status hearings on May 4.

The third defendant held is charged with first-degree sex abuse while armed for allegedly committing the offense in 2006.

The prosecution requested the defendant be held due to the serious nature of the case and because the defendant already pleaded guilty to a similar offense in the past involving sex abuse and the use of a firearm.

Furthermore, the prosecution stated the DNA in this new offense allegedly matches the DNA found in the defendant’s previous sex abuse case.

The defense argued that the defendant’s DNA sample was not taken recently, calling into question the reliability of the results. The defense also said the victim knew the assailant and her client did not match the victim’s description.

The judge did not agree with the defense.

Judge Herrmann said a new DNA sample does not have to be taken to show probable cause. The judge did say that a confirmation DNA test with a recent sample might be warranted, but she said it has no bearing on this hearing nor her ruling.

The judge ruled to hold the defendant based on the DNA evidence and his criminal history. The judge said the age of the case does not make the defendant any less dangerous, and she could not release him.

A status hearing is scheduled for May 3.

The remaining two domestic violence defendants have charges of attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted threats to do bodily harm and destruction of property. The second defendant was brought in on a bench warrant for missing his hearing.

The first defendant was released with an order to stay away from the victim and has to return court on Oct. 21. The other defendant was released on his own recognizance with a hearing scheduled for June 1.

This article was written by Alaina Provenza

Document: Arrest Made in Armed Kidnapping Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested a suspect in connection to an armed kidnapping offense that occurred on April 14.

According to an MPD press release, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 3300 block of V Street, NE and forced the victim inside of a vehicle.

The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim, drove to a secondary location and assaulted the victim again while brandishing a handgun.

The detectives’ investigation has revealed that the offense was domestic in nature.

A 27 year-old male was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

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