Murder Defendant Still Awaiting Trial 4 Years Later

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to prioritize setting a trial date for a defendant who is charged with the death of a police officer in 2016.

Dewayne Chatman is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Special Police Officer (SPO) Evan Williams. On Sept. 8, 2016, Williams, 29, and another victim were found on the 4000 block 3rd Street, SE. The other victim survived and was taken to a nearby hospital.

During the Feb. 22 proceeding, defense attorney Dominique Winters asked Judge Juliet Mckenna to set a trial date for as soon as possible.

Although Judge Mckenna agreed to prioritize the case because of how long it has gone without a trial, she also said that COVID-19 restrictions have greatly backlogged the calendar and, therefore, the trial would still not be able to start until later this year.

Chatman, 34, has been held at DC Jail for over four years. He’s had several trial dates continued throughout the trajectory of his case.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 14.

Chatman is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, mayhem while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, threat to kidnap or injure a person and obstructing justice.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case Involving Cousins

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

On the evening of Dec. 11, 2020, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1700 block of 29th Street, SE. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s cousin, 26-year-old Lewkus Turner, was arrested later that month. He is charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Defense Attorney Jon Norris argued that there was “ample evidence of self defense” in this homicide case.

“The government simply can’t meet its burden of proving probable cause for a murder two,” he said.

However, Judge Micheal Ryan did find probable cause, pointing out that Turner and Gyamfi “had prior contact of a significant amount.”

The next hearing is scheduled for April 7. Turner is currently being held at DC Jail.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Judge Modifies Domestic Violence Defendant’s Home Confinement Orders

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to modify a domestic violence defendant’s home confinement orders, so he can leave his house to go to work.

The defendant is charged with felony assault with the intent to kill while armed.

Judge Marisa Demeo said the lack of violations on the defendant’s record showed that he “demonstrates that he needs to comply with orders of the court.”

Judge Demeo said that she can reasonably agree that GPS tracking will allow the defendant’s whereabouts to be monitored and provide safety to the victim.

The defendant was charged and detained at DC Jail in February 2020. He was released into home confinement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) in March.

His next hearing is scheduled for July 27.

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

Document: Third Arrest Made for August 2020 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department has made its third arrest in a homicide that occurred on Aug. 10 of 2020.

At approximately 9:34 p.m., officers found 17 year-old Taijhon Wyatt, Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

An additional victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

On Dec. 31, 2020, a 19 year-old adult male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

On Feb. 6, a 17 year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

On Feb. 19, 16 year-old Trey Prillerman of Chillum, MD was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Homicide and Officer Involved Shooting In Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide and an officer involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 19.

At approximately 5:58 p.m., officers responded to the 6000 block of Chillum Place, NE for the report of an unconscious person.

Upon arrival, officers observed a suspect who was armed with a firearm. After the suspect allegedly ignored multiple commands from the officers, one of the officers discharged their firearm, striking the suspect.

Officers also located an adult male, now identified as 60 year-old Geno Freeman from Hyattsville, MD, suffering from a gunshot wound. Freeman was pronounced dead on the scene.

The suspect was transferred to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

An investigation revealed that the armed suspect shot Freeman, so the police arrested 66 year-old John Woods and charged him with first-degree murder while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or business and possession of unregistered ammunition.

The MPD officer who shot Woods has been placed on administrative leave, pursuant to MPD policy. Body worn cameras were activated, and the footage is currently under review.

Crime Alerts: February 21-22

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between the 12-hour period of 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 22.

The alert was sent at 9:07 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 3100 block of 17th Street, NW.

Police are looking for two Black males, both skinny, wearing dark face masks and black hoodies.

They were last seen running north.

Preliminary Hearing for 17-year-old Murder Defendant Begins

Feb. 19 marked the first day of a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial. A DC Superior Court judge continued it due to time constraints.

Deon Walters is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 42 year-old Arthur Daniels IV on Oct. 1, 2020, on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW.

During the proceeding, the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case testified that surveillance footage taken from a nearby building shows Walters vehicle circling the neighborhood multiple times before parking outside of the victim’s residence.

According to the same detective, the victim and defendant began arguing; however, this is not shown on screen in the security footage. The victim can be heard saying he is unarmed and begging the individual alleged to be Walters not to shoot him.

Six gunshots are then heard in the background of the video.

According to text messages between Walters and Daniels, the victim agreed to sell the defendant a firearm prior to the homicide.

A witness interviewed by detectives on the scene described the assailant as being a slim-build, Black male with a medium complexion in his late teens. The witness’ description of the shooter matched Walters.

Evidence taken from an FBI cellular analysis on the defendant’s cellphone placed Walters’ phone at the crime scene during the time of the incident.

Shortly after the defense began its cross-examination of the MPD detective, the hearing was put on recess due to time constraints. The hearing is scheduled to resume on Feb. 25.

Walters, who is being charged as an adult, is currently being held in the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), where he has been since his presentment hearing on Dec. 19, 2020.

Judge Neal Kravitz denied the defense’s request for Walters to be released into house confinement.

At an earlier hearing in January, defense attorney Ronald Resetarits asked that the preliminary hearing be scheduled for the earliest possible date, raising doubts that probable cause could be found.

This article was written by McKenzie Beard.

Judge Denies Transfer for Sex Abuse and Kidnapping Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge denied a motion to transfer a defendant, who is charged with kidnapping and sexual abuse, from the DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution.

The defendant is charged with kidnapping while armed, first-degree sex abuse while armed with a dangerous weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon. Though he was indicted towards the beginning of last year, The defendant is alleged to have committed these crimes in 2012.

The defendant wanted to be transferred to St. Elizabeth’s to receive immediate treatment. He said he had spent some time there earlier in his case before he was sent to the Jail.

Judge Danya Dayson said, based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health, the defendant is competent and the psychiatric treatment he’s receiving at the jail seems to be sufficient.

However, the defendant’s defense counsel requested time to obtain their own expert.

Another mental observation hearing is set for April 7.

This was written by Adriana Montes.

Judge Continues Sex Abuse Case to Discuss Plea Offer

On Feb. 19, a DC Superior Court judge continued a misdemeanor sex abuse case so the defense can have more time to discuss a plea offer.

The 27-year-old defendant was sentenced to probation for simple assault last September. He also picked up another case the following December, in which he is charged with misdemeanor sex abuse, attempted misdemeanor sex abuse and unlawful entry.

The prosecution said they have extended a global plea offer.

Defense attorney Stephen Logerfo asked Judge Steven Wellner for two weeks to review it with his client.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 12.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Judge Sets Prelim Hearing for Murder Suspect, 2 Years After Missing Woman Presumed Dead

A defendant accused of murdering a victim who was presumed dead after being missing for around eight years was scheduled for a hearing to determine if the case against him has enough evidence to go to trial.

Isaac Moye, 43, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 24-year-old Unique Harris.

On Oct. 10, 2010, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was notified of a woman who went missing from her home on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE. A missing persons report was filed.

In October 2018, the court granted a petition for Presumption of Death of a Missing Person, and a death certificate was issued.

Moye, 43, was arrested last December.

Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled the preliminary hearing for April 2.

Document: Virginia Resident Killed in Northwest, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Feb. 18.

At around 3:13 p.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW for the report of a shooting.

There, they found 30 year-old Youness Zarouaki suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Crime Alerts: February 18-19

Between 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 18 and 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 19, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:08 a.m. for a carjacking on the 2000 block of Savannah Street, SE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing glasses and dark clothing.

The second alert was sent at 12:26 a.m. for a carjacking on the 1300 block of 14th Street, NW. Police are looking for three Black males in their 20s or 30s, wearing all black clothing. They were seen in a brown Nissan Murano with DC tags CX6016.

Judge Holds Two Murder Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Feb. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond held two murder defendants.

In total, the judge presided over 21 defendants, including three defendants who faced charges for domestic violence-related cases and two defendants who faced charges for homicide cases.

The two homicide defendants, Delonta Stevenson and Vorreze Thomas are both charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 32 year-old Terrence Allen. The offense occurred on Jan. 18 in an apartment complex on the 3000 block of Stanton Road in Southeast, DC.

In addition to Allen, two other victims were also shot, though they sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Stevenson, 26, and Thomas, 23, allegedly cut Allen off in a vehicle and shot close to 50 rounds at Allen’s car.

According to the police report, Stevenson is alleged to have been in the passenger seat and is believed to be the individual who shot at Allen and the other victims.

Judge Raymond ordered that both defendants be held at the DC Jail pending their next hearing, which is scheduled for March 10.

Judge Raymond also held two domestic violence defendants, who were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings. Both defendants are on probation for simple assault. Their next hearings are scheduled for Feb. 23.

The judge also released another domestic violence defendant who is charged with simple assault. He was given a stay-away order, and his next hearing is scheduled for July 22.

Judge Lifts Stay Away Order After Hearing from Victim

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to lift a stay away order after hearing a victim’s impact statement.

The defendant is charged with simple assault in a misdemeanor domestic violence case. He was convicted of simple assault in another. He is also convicted of assault with significant bodily injury in a felony case that is not a domestic violence matter.

Due to court rules regarding domestic violence matters, D.C. Witness does not know which domestic violence case pertained to the victim who spoke during the Feb. 18 hearing. D.C. Witness does know that the speaker was a victim in at least one of the domestic violence cases.

During his statement to the judge, the victim said the defendant completed anger management classes. He also said that, without the defendant, he struggles with home upkeep and running errands and he misses the defendant’s companionship.

Though initially hesitant, Judge Neal Kravitiz decided that vacating the stay away order was more beneficial to the victim than the order itself.

He did, however, issue a No Harass, Assault, Threaten or Stalk (HATS) order. The defendant will also be allowed to live with the victim while under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

A hearing for the cases is scheduled for April 20.

Alaina Provenza wrote this article.

Judge Hears 3 Murder Cases

On Feb. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Jonathan Pittman presided over hearings for three murder cases.

Christian Arndt, 28, is accused of beating his 54-year-old father, Donald Arndt, to death with a bat on Jan. 28 on the 3000 block of Newark Street, NW. The defendant was apprehended by responding officers and is now charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Defense attorneys Philip Andonian and Joseph Caleb requested an earlier hearing date to review the findings of a mental competency exam.

However, Judge Pittman said the date that was set is the earliest available date, but an earlier date may exist if the defense chooses to waive Arndt’s presence in the hearing.

Parties decided to keep the date, March 10, and continue discussing changing dates with the case judge.

Darnell Rackett, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Antonio Gardiner. Gardnier, who was 36 years-old, when he was found unconscious on the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE on July 4, 2020. He suffered from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

During the proceedings, defense attorney Betty Ballester requested a full competency evaluation for Rackett, with no objection from the prosecution.

Judge Pittman agreed to order the evaluation and scheduled the next hearing for March 30 to allow enough time for the evaluation report to be completed and examined by parties.

Terrance Oxner, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting of 22-year-old Edward Wade on Jan. 25 on the 1400 block Good Hope Road, SE.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey asked Judge Pittman to schedule a preliminary hearing to determine if the case against her client has enough evidence to go to trial.

He scheduled one for April 6.

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