The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 21-year-old Gerniya Duncan, who was allegedly involved in a shooting on Aug. 2., on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. The incident resulted in 1 surviving victim, an adult female, who was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Duncan has been charged with Assault With A Dangerous Weapon (Gun).
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 19-year-old Lorenzo Covington, who was charged with Assault With A Dangerous Weapon in connection to a shooting incident that occurred on Oct. 14., 2024, on the 700 block of N Street, NW. No injuries were reported from the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two suspects following an assault on Oct. 4 in Northeast. Kenyon Davis, 38, was charged with Threats to Kidnap or Injure and Simple Assault, while Leon Clark Jr., 51, was charged with Assault With A Dangerous Weapon (Knife) and Possession of a Controlled Substance. The incident involved a stabbing during a dispute on the 800 block of 10th Street, NE, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to one individual.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Antone Whitaker, alleged to be involved in a fatal shooting on Oct. 4. on the 1400 block of Clifton Street, NW. The victim, identified as 26-year-old Jerome Myles, was found deceased at the scene. A second suspect is still being sought by authorities.
A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Oct. 17.
George Sydnor, 46, was originally charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed in an especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel offense, first-degree burglary while armed, and kidnapping while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, 2023, at the Ivy City Hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.
During the hearing, Jesse Winograd, Sydnor’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal extended by prosecutors – a week before his trial was slated to begin with DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman. Sydnor specifically requested to accept the deal before Judge Kravitz.
According to Winograd, the deal required Sydnor to plead guilty to first-degree premeditated murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The parties agreed to a sentencing range of 35-to-40 years of imprisonment.
The prosecution stated that, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Sydnor, who had a warrant out for his arrest due to a failure to appear at a sentencing, broke into Bautista’s ground-level hotel room on the night of the incident after having watched her through an open window shade. When he was in the room, according to the prosecution, he attacked Bautista.
According to the prosecution, Bautista was able to open the room door and scream for help before she was pulled back into the room. A witness called 911, and when officers arrived, Sydnor answered the door and told them everything was fine.
An officer looked into the room through the window, and saw blood on Sydnor’s hands – they entered the room and located Bautista suffering from 34 stab wounds to the head, neck and torso, according to the prosecution.
They insisted Sydnor did not act in self-defense and did not have a legal justification for his actions.
Bautista’s family and friends filled the courtroom as Sydnor accepted the deal.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Jan. 16.
Two women charged in connection to a Metro bus stabbing and assault accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Oct. 17.
Ashley Brown, 27, and Donea Williams, 31, were originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for their involvement in a physical assault that turned into a stabbing aboard a bus at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and 28th Street, SE on Dec. 8, 2024. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
During the hearing, Russell Hairston, Williams’ attorney, and Peter Cooper, Brown’s attorney, alerted the court of their intent to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution.
According to the defense, the deal required both defendants plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Parties agreed that each defendant’s sentence will be based on the voluntary sentencing guidelines, dependent on their criminal history. The maximum penalty Brown and Williams face is ten years in prison, and/or a fine of $25,000.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Brown boarded a bus in which the victim was a passenger.
Prosecutors claimed that Brown called Williams to meet the bus at the incident location, and as the bus approached the location, Brown punched the victim multiple times. As Williams boarded the bus, she brandished a knife and stabbed the victim twice on his head and three times in the back. Prosecutors argued Brown told Williams to “stab him up,” as she attacked the victim.
“You encouraged Ms. Williams to continue stabbing [the victim],” Judge Kravitz asked Brown – she said yes, but insisted she never personally attacked him with a weapon.
Cooper and Hairston requested Williams and Brown be released pending sentencing, stating that they could utilize the time to prove their ability to serve a sentence through a probationary period.
“[Brown’s] future depends a lot on her performance between now and then,” Cooper told Judge Kravitz.
Hairston added that Williams has a young child whom she would like to spend time with before her sentencing. According to Hairston, Williams has gotten 25 educational certificates and vocational training during her incarceration.
The prosecution opposed the request, stating that they accepted a plea deal, which was a conviction, and they continue to pose a threat to the victim.
“I’ll be very interested in learning more about [the defendants] at sentencing,” Judge Kravitz said. However, he denied the requests for release.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Dec. 19.
Prosecution and defense attorneys agreed to sever a defendant’s murder charge from three other counts in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Oct. 17.
Seth Andrews, 38, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020.
According to court documents, an autopsy revealed that Evans’ injuries were consistent with strangulation.
In addition to the homicide, Andrews is accused of two counts of assaulting a police officer and destruction of property of less than $1,000.
During the hearing, Judge Ryan said that Andrews’ attorney, Kevin Irving had filed an “interesting” motion to bifurcate the charges in the case between the murder accusation and the other three counts.
While the prosecutor said she had not gotten prior notice, she was not opposed to the request. “That was very graceful on the part of the government,” Judge Ryan replied.
Meanwhile, the prosecution plans to call as many as 20 witnesses in the case, including police, as well as those with specialized knowledge of DNA, cell phone records and a forensic anthropologist who can testify about human remains. Irving anticipates calling two witnesses for the defense.
The trial date is set for Nov. 12
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 16 on Benning Road, NE. The victim, identified as 51-year-old Timothy Sistrunk, was found with stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. No suspect information is available at this time.
A report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found a murder defendant remains mentally incompetent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Oct. 10.
Christopher Holness, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed of a senior citizen for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his grandmother, 83-year-old Sandra Mundle, which occurred on Jan. 17 on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW.
According to court documents, Holness was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia or delusional thinking. In order to stand trail a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his lawyer defend the case.
The DBH report said that despite being currently incompetent, there is substantial reason to believe Holness will be restored to competency or make significant progress. They recommended he remain hospitalized for inpatient restoration.
Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 12.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz said he will consider allowing a murder defendant to work while on pretrial release on Oct. 10.
Lamar Wright, 21, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2, 2023, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, NE.
According to court records, Wright was released into home confinement in January 2024.
Defense attorney Sylvia Smith requested that Wright be allowed to work for DoorDash, since he had been compliant since his release.
Both the prosecution and Judge Kravitz voiced concerns about working for DoorDash, as Wright would not have control over where he goes for deliveries. Judge Kravitz did not rule on the request, however, and asked that Smith file a motion so he can consider.
The prosecution also said they are waiting for additional DNA test results to come back. They said that while testing was done before Wright was arrested in 2023, they decided to test new materials in July. They said they anticipate the results to come back in December.
Smith inquired about the reason for new testing and what materials are being tested. Judge Kravitz said he wants the prosecution to explain during another hearing.
Smith further said that the defense intends to conduct independent testing of these materials.
Due to this delay, Judge Kravitz expressed concern about the case’s being ready for the May 2026 trial date.
Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 24 for further discussion,
A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Oct. 10.
Maurice Ford, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terrell West, 32, that occurred on Jan. 16 at the unit block of Ridge Square, NW.
In addition to pleading not guilty, Ford’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, asserted Ford’s rights to a speedy trial and requested evidence in discovery from the prosecution.
O’Sullivan said they intend to conduct independent testing of DNA evidence once the prosecution’s results are turned over to them.
Parties also set a trial date of March 15, 2027.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 21.
A plea offer was rejected as a stabbing case heads for trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Oct. 15.
Anthony Jacobs, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that took place on the 1300 Block of Howard Road, SE on Aug. 28.
Jacobs rejected an offer that would have required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for midline sentencing recommendations and for no further charges brought related to the facts in the case.
With the rejection of the plea offer, the matter now heads to trial.
A trial readiness hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 7, 2026.
A homicide defendant took a plea deal for the shooting death of a teenager in an Oct. 17 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.
Maurice Corbin, 47, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Daquan Gardner on April 30, 2024 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE.
Corbin’s attorney, Julie Swaney, told the court that Corbin had agreed to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed with a sentencing range of 20-to-24 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. In return, the prosecution agreed to dismiss an indictment on the remaining counts.
The agreement includes a five year minimum mandatory term.
In accepting the plea deal the prosecutor said that had the case gone to trial, a jury would have convicted Corbin of Gardner’s murder.
Reading from a proffer of facts, the prosecutor said Corbin approached Garder who was stopped in a car and fired multiple times at the victim who was in the driver’s seat. Further, Corbin did so willingly, voluntarily and not in self-defense.
Judge Ryan asked Corbin if he understood that he was waiving his right to trial and a possible appeal of a conviction by accepting the plea. Corbin acknowledged that he understood the deal outlined in a three page letter and had discussed it thoroughly with his lawyer.
It will take the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) sixty days to prepare a pre-sentencing report.
Sentencing is set for Dec. 19.
DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld told parties she’d consider a carjacking co-defendant’s request to sever his case from the rest on Oct. 16.
Jason Benitez-Umanzor, 25, and Orlin Lemus-Cruz, 21, are charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
These charges stem from their alleged involvement in an armed carjacking and assault of a victim on the 3100 Block of Hiatt Place, NW on March 26.
According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, there is a warrant out for 21-year-old Julio Villafranco for his alleged involvement in the incident.
Defense attorney Quiana Harris, representing Lemus-Cruz, filed the motion to sever her client in order to have a fairer trial to all defendants by preventing the jury from being prejudiced toward any of the defendants.
According to Harris, the video used to identify the defendants is incredibly blurry, and the only witness identification of the defendants was of “three young Hispanic males”. According to her, neither ethnicity nor race could be made out based on the video alone.
Harris also claimed that the prosecution only has desperate evidence. In the same video an individual was identified as Lemus-Cruz, only for that same individual to be later identified as Benitez-Umanzor.
Harris stated that her client was “guilty by association”. There was so much evidence against Benitez-Umanzor that it was spilling over to Lemus-Cruz.
The prosecution argued that the video surveillance was not the only identification of Lemus-Cruz. He was allegedly identified in a photo array and was arrested wearing the victim’s jacket.
Defense attorney Claudine Harrison, representing Benitez-Umanzor, gave an additional set of reasons why the severance was warranted.
She argued that there is exculpatory information that could be used in Benitez-Umanzor’s trial. In a trial where the defendants are severed, she would call Lemus-Cruz to testify on behalf of Benitez-Umanzor.
Additionally, she stated that 45 days was not enough time for her to be prepared for trial. Lemus-Cruz and his counsel are prepared to go to trial on Oct. 29.
The prosecuting attorney argued that it is “premature” for defense counsel to claim that 45 days was not enough time to prepare for trial. He added that if it got close to the trial date and that was still the Harrison’s position, parties could reevaluate then.
Judge Hertzfeld is slated to rule on the severance on Oct. 17.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a homicide defendant to 10 years of imprisonment after carefully considering the purpose of criminal sentences on Oct. 10.
Craig McKinney, 48, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for shooting 45-year-old Adam Dove on March 8, 2024 on the 1400 block of Ridge Place, SE. Dove died from four gunshot wounds to his head, chest, forearm, and hip.
McKinney pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed on May 7. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to sentence him between seven-and-a-half-to-10-and-a-half years of imprisonment.
At sentencing, Judge Ryan said punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation are the three purposes of sentencing in a criminal case. “Rehabilitation is not an afterthought, but it is something that has to follow the appropriate punishment and deterrence for the crime,” said the judge.
“No sentence I impose will bring back Adam Dove,” said Judge Ryan, acknowledging there will be a lack of satisfaction on either side following the sentencing.
The prosecutor requested McKinney serve 10-and-a-half years for “the tragic and really unnecessary loss of Adam Dove’s life.”
Dove’s mother said her son went through his own trials and tribulations throughout his life, but “there’s nothing on this earth that warrants a person to take another person’s life.”
“I miss my father,” said Dove’s daughter, continuing as tears streamed down her face, “I miss him very much. He was a great person, a great dad.”
Although she acknowledged it would not bring her brother back, Dove’s sister requested McKinney serve the maximum sentence.
“The day my brother died, a part of me died that day with him. The way he left this earth, so violently, and so harshly, that’s what breaks my heart for him,” said Dove’s sister.
“It’s inexcusable to pull out a firearm and deal with confrontation in that manner,” the prosecutor said.
Terrance Austin, McKinney’s attorney, asked for a seven-and-a-half year sentence.
Austin said “chaos” is the only way to describe McKinney’s life experiences. Austin asserted that McKinney did not feel safe in his home or community growing up because his father abused his mother and he was bullied in school.
According to Austin, McKinney’s substance abuse started when he was eight and continued his entire life. McKinney also struggles with mental health issues including bipolar and anxiety disorders, said Austin.
Austin also noted this is McKinney’s first felony conviction, despite his trauma, and his last case was a misdemeanor in 2008.
“I want to take responsibility for the part I played,” said McKinney, “I’m sorry for the mistake I made. I hurt a lot of people. I know not now, but hopefully in the future, I can be forgiven.”
Austin said McKinney needs further assistance and support to deal with his substance abuse, mental health and trauma. “A life caged in a prison cell, for this person, is not the goal of the prison system,” concluded Austin.
Judge Ryan accepted the agreed-upon range in the plea agreement and sentenced McKinney to 10 years of imprisonment with five years of supervised release. McKinney will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.
Judge Ryan also granted Austin’s request to recommend McKinney serve his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland. In addition, McKinney was recommended for the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a nine-month intensive treatment program conducted in a dedicated unit within the prison.
No further dates were set.
