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Judge Vacates Trial Readiness Hearing in Sex Abuse Case

A DC Superior Court judge vacated a March 16 trial readiness hearing for a defendant charged with sex abuse among several other felony offenses. 

The defendant, 45, is charged with first-degree sex abuse, assault with intent to commit first-degree sex abuse, robbery, kidnapping, and first-degree burglary.

Although he was arrested in 2019, the alleged offense stems back to 2010.  On June 12 of that year at around midnight, the defendant allegedly entered an occupied residence on the 1700 block of Lanier Place, NW, sexually assaulted the victim, and then fled the scene, according to a press release issued shortly after his arrest. 

Parties were not in a rush to set a trial date due to the defendant’s pending sentencing in another sex abuse case. In that case, a jury convicted him in March 2020 of kidnapping and first-degree sexual abuse.

Judge Juliet McKenna scheduled another trial readiness hearing for July 8.

Crime Alerts: March 15-16

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on March 15 and 9:00 a.m. on March 16.

The most recent alert was sent at 11:09 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE. Police are looking for a black sedan, which was last seen fleeing the scene.

The second alert was sent at 9:49 p.m. for a shooting on the 3000 block of Naylor Road, SE. Police are looking for a gold Mercedes Benz with tinted windows.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal Connected to 1993 Homicide Case

More than four years after he was arrested for a homicide that happened in the early 90s, a defendant accepted a plea deal. 

Therion Bryant, 53, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for stabbing 25-year-old Charlene Johnson on the 3600 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW, on October 16, 1993. 

Bryant was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed. 

DC Witness previously reported that Bryant became a person of interest in 2014 after DNA from the crime scene was uploaded to an FBI database. Bryant’s DNA, which was already in the system, was a match. However, the FBI lost several samples of DNA related to the case and potential witnesses died. 

But in 2016, WUSA9 reported that DNA from the victim’s sexual assault kit matched Bryant’s, prompting his arrest. 

There were three other suspects in the case, including Johnson’s boyfriend; Daryl Turner, and a third suspect, who confessed to the stabbing while he was at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital, but later took back his confession. Both victims were ruled out because their DNA was not found on the scene. 

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna accepted the plea offer and its terms indicating that Bryant could face 4-12 years in prison and one year of probation. 

The prosecution agreed to waive all remaining charges in the case.

Bryant is scheduled to be sentenced on June 14. 

Dalvyn Velez wrote this article. 

Judge Sets Jury Trial for 2009 Homicide Case


A DC Superior Court judge scheduled trial dates in a homicide that occurred in 2009. 

Saeve Evans, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, armed kidnapping and armed robbery for allegedly shooting Kareem Ware. On May 2, 2009, Ware was killed in a shootout between two cars on the 3800 block of Halley Terrace. 

Evans was charged in Ware’s death in May of 2019. Earlier that year, he was aquitted of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and obstruction of justice in connection to the death of 16-year-old Breyona McMillian on the 1200 block of I Street, SE in 2016. He was however, convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

During the March 15 trial readiness hearing, the prosecution said they anticipate eight expert witnesses, six to nine civilian witnesses, four to six officers and up to three custodians of records.

Judge Neal Kravitz set aside Jan. 31 through Feb. 3, 2022 for the trial. Jury selection for the trial is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2022 and Feb. 1, 2022.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearing for Domestic Violence Case

On March 15, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a domestic violence case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with significant bodily injury. 

The prosecution is allowing a plea offer to remain on the table until March 24. 

Defense attorney Linden Fry said that her client would like his bond to be reviewed.

Judge James Crowell told Fry to contact the chambers of the judge assigned to the case in order to schedule a bond review hearing. 

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7. 

Judge Congratulates Homicide Defendant for Doing Well on Probation

A homicide defendant, who was recently granted a compassionate release, was reported not to be having any issues with his probation.

In 2009, Aaron Williams was sentenced to 18.75 years with credit for time served for second-degree murder while armed and conspiracy after making a plea deal with the prosecution.

During the March 15 probation review hearing, a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) agent said Williams has been removed from GPS monitoring and has been in full compliance with his probation and has no issues. It was also mentioned that he has been working a job for the past three weeks and is enjoying being with his family.

Judge Julie Becker told Williams she will not be setting another court date unless something goes wrong.

“I wish you the best of luck, congratulations,” she said.

Williams and his defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, asked for a compassionate release in September 2020.

Williams wrote a letter to Judge Becker discussing the medical conditions that could put him at a greater risk if he gets the coronavirus. 

“I have been almost a model inmate who is currently at a minimum status with a lot of family support,” he wrote.

Judge Becker granted the request, placing the defendant on five years of supervised probation the following December.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Prosecution Hopes to Get Indictment Within 2 Months for 2019 Homicide Case

A prosecutor is hoping to indict a homicide defendant who was arrested in November 2019 within the next two months. 

Terrance Prue, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting of 39 -year-old Bruce Gilmore on the 3500 block of 22nd Street, SE on June 5, 2019. 

Back in October, defense attorney Brandi Harden filed a motion for the case to be dismissed, in part due to allegations that her client’s speedy trial rights were violated. 

During the March 15 hearing, the prosecution reported that they have extended a global plea deal that would apply to both this case and another in which he is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

However, Harden said she cannot say that the plea deal has been adequatley communicated to Prue due to lack of availability at the jail.

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith continued the felony status conference to May 21 for both of Prue’s open cases.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article. 

Judge Schedules Trials for Two Murder Cases

A DC Superior Court judge continued two trial readiness hearings and scheduled trial dates for two murder cases.

Due to the slow opening of courthouse operations throughout the next year, only two trial courtrooms will be opened for class one felony cases, according to Judge Danya Dayson. More courtrooms will begin to open after.

John McRae, 43, is charged first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 22-year-old Marty McMillan on Mar. 23, 2017, on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE.

He is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Judge Dayson scheduled his trial readiness hearing to be Aug. 23.  McRae’s codefendant, Shaniah Davis, who is charged with accessory after the fact in the murder, is also scheduled for the hearing.

Davis, 24, was released from jail in 2018.  

Tony White, 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Daquan Hooks on Mar. 23 2017, on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE.

He is also charged with robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license.

Judge Dayson scheduled White’s trial readiness hearing for Sept. 7.

The judge also set aside Jan. 30 to Feb. 21 2023, for McRae’s jury trial. White’s jury trial will be Jan. 19 to 27, 2023. 

Eileen Chen wrote this article.


Document: Homicide in Northeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a March 13 homicide that killed an 18 year-old.

At around 9:04 p.m. that day, officers responded to the 1200 block of Irving Street, NE for the report of the sounds of gunshots.

There, they found 18 year-old Isaiah Armstead suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Document: Maryland Resident Killed in Northwest, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide that happened on the night of March 13.

At around 10:43 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of O Street, NW for the report of the sounds of gunshots.

There, they found 29 year-old Nicolas Hawkins on a sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Document: Second Suspect Arrested in Connection with Dec. 2020 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that happened on Dec. 21, 2020.

At around 2:32 p.m. that day, officers responded to the intersection of 51st Street and Bass Place, SE for a vehicle stopped in the roadway.

There, they found 25 year-old Maryland resident Tyree Brox inside of a vehicle, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

On March 13, 22 year-old Keshawn Taylor was arrested for first-degree murder while armed.

Previously, on Dec. 30, 2020, 24 year-old Rashad Winston was arrested for the same charge.

Crime Alerts: March 14-15

Between 9:00 p.m. on March 14 and 9:00 a.m. on March 15, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 4:22 a.m. for a stabbing investigation on the 200 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

Police are looking for a Black female wearing a black shirt and black sweatpants.

Judge Releases All Domestic Violence Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on March 12, DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan released six defendants charged in domestic violence cases.

Overall, a total of 22 cases were presented before the court, and the judge only held one of these defendants.

Five of the domestic violence defendants were brought in on new charges involving simple assault, destruction of property, leaving after colliding, possession of a controlled substance and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

These defendants were all given stay-away orders and told to call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

They all have status hearings scheduled for Aug. 13.

The final domestic violence defendant, Malik Lewis, was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at a probation hearing in two closed cases. In those cases, he was convicted of simple assault and violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO).

The judge released Lewis and re-scheduled his probation hearing for April 20.

Preliminary Hearing for Homicide Defendant Begins

March 12 marked the first day of a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Marvin Smith, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting of 41-year-old Eugene Miller on Oct 9, 2020, on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. 

At the start of the hearing, defense attorney Jason Tulley requested the name of one of the prosecutions’ undisclosed witnesses to cross-examine due to their importance in the case. 

“If you hear the witness, your honor, you will not find probable cause,” he told DC Superior Court Judge Yvonne Williams.


From the interview transcript between the persecution’s witness and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives, the witness repeatedly asked about a monetary reward for giving information about the incident.

Tulley said the witness’ statement is questionable due to a possible motive to agree with the government for reward benefits.

Later in the preliminary hearing, an MPD detective said revenge was a probable motive for the homicide. The detective said he believes Smith stole something from the victim months prior. The victim was allegedly fighting with Smith when he was shot.

The detective also noted that the undisclosed witness revealed that Smith said he was the shooter.

After receiving a search warrant, police found a gun in Smith’s home, but it did not match the shell cases from the scene of the crime. There was also no blood found on Smith’s clothing nor any physical evidencing linking the defendant to the shooting. 

Due to time constraints, the proceeding did not finish. Judge Williams scheduled the hearing to pick back up on March 23.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.