‘This Will Not Be Justice,’ Says Defense Attorney Protesting 7-Year Carjacking Sentence

DC Superior Court Carmen McLean sentenced Elias Robertson, 30, to seven years in prison for unarmed carjacking following an emotional proceeding on July 11.

Robertson pleaded guilty in May to unarmed carjacking for his role in a Feb. 25, 2024, incident on the 1000 block of F Street NE. He and a co-defendant, Eligah Hughes, threatened a woman with a knife while she was parking outside her home, chasing her away, and driving away in her rental car.

During the hearing, the prosecution read an impact statement from the victim, who described how the event altered her daily life.

“This incident changed the way I live,” she wrote. “I started searching for housing with 24/7 security… I cross the street when I see strangers.”

Though she emphasized the emotional toll the crime still has on her, the letter ended on a note of compassion.

“I understand people commit acts like this under difficult circumstances… I hope he receives the help he needs. I do not hold on to anger, but I believe accountability is important.”

The prosecution recommended 84 months of incarceration, the statutory minimum agreed upon in the plea deal.

Robertson’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, acknowledged the minimum required sentence for Robertson’s plea, but spoke about the life circumstances that led his client to this point.

“Mr. Robertson has faced unimaginable battles and pain throughout his life,” McCoy said, describing how his client was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at a young age. The chronic autoimmune nerve condition causes fatigue, pain, vision loss, and motor dysfunction, severely impacting daily life.

Partially to cope with these challenges, Robertson developed a serious drug addiction, unable to recover despite support from his family and attempted inpatient treatment seven times.

McCoy thanked the victim for her empathy and criticized DC law for imposing harsh mandatory minimums that leave no room for nuance.

“I don’t understand how the victim of a crime can show more compassion than the DC Council, which sets these sentences,” McCoy said.

Ending his statement with visible emotion, McCoy told the court, “What we receive here today will not be justice. He will be punished, but it will not be justice… If Mr. Robertson ever needs my help again, I will be there for him.”

Judge McLean imposed the 84-month sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, noting that she had no choice in the matter. Robertson’s family was in attendance for the sentencing.

McClean ended the hearing by telling Robertson that “this does not have to define you.”

No further dates were set.

Defense Expert Says Carjacking Defendant Mentally Incompetent to Stand Trial

An expert witness for the defense testified before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 18 that a carjacking defendant was unable to meet the minimum mental standards to stand trial.

That after an initial finding of mental competence by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Dontrell Davis, 18, is charged with conspiracy, four counts of armed carjacking, eight counts of robbery while armed, three counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, unarmed carjacking, two counts of receiving stolen property misdemeanors, 12 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in five incidents that occurred in September 2023.

According to court documents, the five incidents include:

Theft of a vehicle on Sept. 1 on the 1900 block of 2nd Street, NE
Armed robbery on Sept. 3 on the 3800 block of 9th Street, SE
Armed robbery on Sept. 10 at the intersection of 18th and Erie Streets, SE
Armed robbery on Sept. 11 on the 1200 block of Savannah Street, SE
Two armed carjackings on Sept. 11 on the 3300 block of 4th Street, SE, and the 2900 block of Erie Street, SE

Davis’ defense attorney, Christen Philips, brought in a neuropsychologist to testify regarding his findings about Davis’ competency to stand trial. The witness said he used the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool (MacCAT) during his evaluation.

During competency evaluations, the witness said, he examines a defendant’s level of rational and factual understanding, which includes their abilities to understand court proceedings and make rational decisions about their cases. The witness said these factors were crucial to a defendant’s abilities to assist their attorneys in staging a defense.

According to the witness, Davis exhibited cognitive deficits, including verbal difficulties and problem solving. He referenced his own report as well as findings from two other psychologists, which found Davis has borderline low IQ and memory scores, developmental immaturity, and difficulty understanding a plea offer.

Philips asked the witness how he detected malingering or faking responses by patients to manipulate an investigator. The witness said uses a special set of exams to thwart malingers. He reported that Davis showed no signs of malingering.

Judge Salerno asked the witness if the evaluations were holding Davis to too high of a standard.

“It’s not a very high bar,” said the witness. He stated that some intellectually disabled individuals could pass it.

The witness concluded that Davis was currently incompetent to stand trial, but that his competence could likely be restored through weekly meetings with psychologists.

The prosecution told Judge Salerno that they intended to cross-examine the witness during the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sep. 26.

‘It’s Your Responsibility Who You Hang Out With,’ Judge Tells Shooter at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean imposed a suspended sentence along with two years of probation in a shooting case under the accommodation of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on July 18.

However, she administered an admonition to the young defendant.

“It’s your responsibility who you hang out with,” said the judge.

De’ Adrian Davis,19, pleaded guilty on May 7 to endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for involvement in a shooting on the unit block of S Street, NE, on March 21.

Prosecutors said Davis was caught on surveillance camera footage firing a weapon multiple times. They said he was “extremely lucky” not to be facing homicide charges, as he aimed at an individual before firing.

The prosecution requested 12 months of incarceration for this gun case and another infraction, arguing that Davis’ actions posed an immediate and serious risk to others.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki urged the court to consider probation, arguing that Davis did not intend to hurt anyone and only fired to break up an ongoing fight. She described his actions as immature but not malicious, noting that Davis had a firearm because he lives in a violent area and fears retaliation.

“Being in jail the last two months has changed my life,” Davis told Judge McLean, saying he has recognized the serious consequences of his actions. “Last week someone got stabbed in my unit,” Davis added.

Judge McLean received letters on Davis’ behalf from his family and school vice-principal.

“Be the person your vice-principal described,” she said, warning Davis that any future firearms offense would carry a mandatory 12-month prison term.

Judge Mclean imposed a 12-month sentence for each count but suspended the execution of both sentences under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which is a DC law designed to give individuals under the age of 25 a chance at rehabilitation rather than incarceration. It allows judges to impose lighter sentences and seal records in certain cases, if the defendant fulfills the court’s conditions.

Davis received two years of supervised probation and a suspended sentence of three years supervised release for each count. The sentences are to run concurrently with each other and with the sentence from Davis’ other case.

No further dates have been set.

Judge Warns Stabbing Defendant to Comply With Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno admonished a stabbing defendant to follow probation requirements during a hearing on July 14.

Tywanna Johnson, 33, is charged with robbery while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from her alleged involvement in a stabbing on a bus on the 400 block of 15th Street, NE on Jan. 23 that left one person with a wound to his right side. The charges include a crime of violence against a mass transit passenger.

During the hearing, a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer stated that Johnson had violated probation by testing positive for phencyclidine two times since May 27. However, in the two most recent drug tests, Johnson tested negative. Johnson also has been compliant with GPS monitoring and been going to mental health group sessions. But, the officer mentioned that she has not been engaging in the program.

Judge Salerno ordered Johnson to comply with drug testing and be present in treatment group sessions.

Derrick Page, Johnson’s attorney, also argued that because of Johnson’s current rehab and housing issues, she needs more time to decide whether or not to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution. The prosecution responded by saying the plea deal offer would be open for one more status hearing – the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 15.

Judge Requests Mental Evaluation in Pending Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz requested that a defendant have a criminal responsibility exam performed by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) before concluding a plea deal on July 11.

Kelly Williams, 52, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the intersection of Independence Avenue and L’Enfant Plaza, SW on Jan. 12. One victim was harmed during the incident. At issue is whether Williams could be held legally responsible for her actions and understands the plea agreement given her state of mind.

Williams agreed to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Defense attorney Darryl Daniels and the prosecution agreed that a sentence of six years with five years of supervised release is appropriate.

If Williams were to plead not guilty she would be facing a maximum sentence of 30 years with years of supervised release.

Before accepting the plea deal, Judge Kravitz asked the defendant if she fully understood the terms of the agreement. Williams said she wrote a letter a week earlier from the DC Jail to Judge Kravitz, requesting more time to speak with her lawyer.

Judge Kravitz said he had not yet received the letter but confirmed that Williams was adequately informed to move forward with the plea. On the record, Daniels asked Williams whether he had recently visited her at the jail to discuss any questions she had. Williams responded, “yes.”

According to the prosecution, if Williams pleads not guilty, they will prove at trial that Williams punched, kicked and stabbed a tourist in the face outside the Smithsonian’s African American History Museum. Williams stated that she felt like she was “hearing things” and thought she was being attacked the day of the incident.

An independent psychiatrist hired by the defense stated that Williams showed clear signs of being in psychosis but never gave an official diagnosis. With this in mind, Judge Kravitz ordered the court to do an evaluation of Williams’ criminal responsibility before accepting a plea deal.

Parties are expected to reconvene Aug. 15.

Victim Recalls Feeling Violated in Carjacker’s Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a carjacking defendant accused in numerous crimes to 60 months in prison on July 11 following a call for accountability from the victim.

On May 12, Eligah Hughes, 35, pleaded guilty to robbery for his involvement in an incident that took place on the 1000 block of F Street, NE on Feb. 25, 2024.

Hughes and a co-defendant, Elias Robertson, 30, were convicted of threatening and stealing a woman’s rental vehicle while she parked it in front of her home late one night.

The prosecution read an impact statement from the victim who could not be present that explained how the incident has affected her daily life. The statement read that the victim was returning home at night and was trying to parallel park when she noticed two individuals on the sidewalk.

The statement said Robertson approached the vehicle and demanded the keys, while threatening her with a knife. She said the defendants would not let her go inside her home, but told her to run. The victim said she ran to a nearby house where she called 911, and 20-to-25 minutes later, police spotted the stolen vehicle in Chinatown.

There, Hughes was identified as the driver and Robertson was found with a knife on him.

The victim said the impact of the carjacking did not end that night, and the crime has affected every aspect of her life. The victim moved apartments, now carries pepper spray, and leaves work before sunset.

“It was a violation of my sense of safety in the world,” the victim’s statement said.

Despite the impact of the carjacking, she ended her letter with a note of compassion for the defendants, yet responsibility for their actions.

“I do not hold on to anger, but I do believe accountability is important.”

The prosecution argued that Hughes has a number of prior convictions, including for burglary, assault, reckless endangerment, and violations of probation. The prosecution added that Hughes has pending charges throughout the South and he is a fugitive probation arrest, arguing that Hughes is not a good candidate for supervision.

The prosecution further argued that Hughes has not expressed remorse and has no regard for the law. In addition, the prosecutor says Hughes is a continued risk to the safety of the community requesting Hughes be sentenced to 78 months in prison and three years supervised release. The prosecution also requested that mental health and drug treatment for Hughes be added to the recommendation of the court.

Hughes’ defense attorney, Anthony Smith, said Hughes has accepted responsibility for his actions and requested the court get Hughes the help he needs. Smith said his recommendation lies in a memorandum sent to the court.

Hughes did not make a statement to the court.

Judge McLean said she considers the conduct of the crime, everything submitted in material, and Hughes’ past criminal record of more than 35 crimes in five jurisdictions.

Judge McLean sentenced Hughes to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. She said Hughes is to undergo mental health and substance abuse treatment.

“Mr. Hughes, I hope you take advantage of some resources for your substance abuse and mental health issues,” Judge McLean said.

No further dates were set.

Judge Considers Dismissing Case Against Stabbing Defendant with Dementia

Defense attorney Anthony Smith presented a motion asking DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean to dismiss the charges against his client, who has repeatedly been found incompetent to stand trial, at a hearing on July 14.

Dwayne Waller, 74, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Sept. 18, 2022, on the 400 block of H Street, NW. One individual was injured in the incident.

According to court documents, the victim told police that Waller attacked him with a large kitchen knife while the victim was trying to take out the trash at the apartment complex where the victim was an employee and Waller was a resident.

The court ordered a mental competency evaluation for Waller in 2022. When the medical report showed Waller was incompetent to stand trial, he received competency restoration treatment to determine if he could understand and participate in his legal proceedings.

A mental competency evaluation in 2023 showed Waller had not regained competence, in spite of his competency restoration treatment.

“There is no indication that he will regain competency in the foreseeable future,” Judge McLean said in the hearing, paraphrasing the results of Waller’s evaluation.

Smith told the court that efforts are being made to find a facility outside of the criminal justice system that can provide Waller with the 24-hour care he needs, but the arrangements can’t be finalized due to the continuing criminal case against Waller.

The prosecutor acknowledged Waller is unlikely to regain competency, since he has been diagnosed with dementia. She nevertheless opposed the motion to dismiss the charges against Waller, saying it’s important to keep the case against Waller open so the prosecution can continue to have access to Waller’s medical records and monitor his competence.

According to the prosecutor, the law allows the prosecution to keep a case of violent crime open for five years while trying to reestablish a defendant’s competency.

The prosecutor said Waller’s care is not affected by whether the case is open or closed because he needs 24-hour care in a secure nursing facility regardless. He is currently receiving treatment at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, run by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Judge McLean said she needs more time to consider the information presented by the prosecution. Since Waller has not had a mental competency evaluation since 2023, Judge McLean ordered one.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 12.

Agitated Stabbing Defendant Returned to Jail

The defendant in a stabbing case was forcibly removed from the courtroom by US Marshals on July 8, after pleading he didn’t want to go back to the DC Jail due to poor conditions and safety concerns at the facility. The case was heard before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.

Aaren Striplin, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for a stabbing that occurred on the 900 block of G Street, NW. on Jul. 4, 2025.

The victim was found with piercing wounds and pepper spray injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Striplin, who had no fixed address, was arrested after he was allegedly found with a knife and pepper spray, used in the attack.

Striplin’s attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, was adamant about getting Striplin released before setting dates for any further hearings. He said that Striplin had asthma and the heat combined with the lack of air conditioning in the jail made it hard for him to breathe.

“This is a matter of life and death,” he said, in a plea to Judge Hildum.

However, Judge Hildum said that he would not release Striplin prior to a preliminary hearing based on the evidence.

O’Bryant asked to expedite the matter.

“Please! Your honour.” said Striplin, cutting in. “They were killing me up in there judge,” he added, referring to the conditions at the jail.

Hildum recalled the case for later in the morning.

When the parties returned, Judge Hildum asked for a mental evaluation for Striplin, prior to a preliminary hearing. He said that they would need the results to proceed,

Then, Striplin rose from his chair and began shouting, pleading for release.

“Help me! They are suffocating me! Please,”he yelled!

Hildum said he had heard enough and ordered two U.S. Marshals to remove Striplin from the courtroom. Striplin fell to the ground and continued to shout and cry out as the marshals took him away.

“I…want to note for the record that the marshals gently removed him from the courtroom,” said the judge as he recommended Striplin be transferred to a facility with better air conditioning.

The parties are slated to reconvene on July 11.

‘You Could’ve Walked Away, But Decided to Be Judge, Jury, And Executioner,’ Says Victim’s Mother During Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a homicide defendant to 168 months, or 14 years, of incarceration on July 10.

On Oct. 11, 2024, Chanos Monroe, 43, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm prior conviction for his involvement in the fatal beating of 52-year-old Keith Sistare on July 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE.

During the sentencing, the victim’s mother and daughter shared their impact statements with the court, while both grew visibly distressed. Sistare’s daughter stated, “I don’t think I’ll ever understand.”

“You took my father away from me… You stomped my father’s head into the ground like a piece of trash,” she cried.

“You could’ve walked away, but decided to be the judge, jury, and executioner,” said Sistare’s mother. Both women left the courtroom, with Sistare’s daughter unable to finish her statement.

Afterwards, Monroe also spoke, stating “I do have remorse” and “It was never my intention for him to lose his life.” He said how, “That’s my family…she’s pregnant with my child,” referring to his wife in the car screaming when Sistare entered the vehicle during and argument, and now “my daughter gotta stand here on her birthday, and watch me get sentenced.”

The prosecution explained that Monroe had a choice to walk away, however, he continued to attack Sistare. Monroe, the prosecution continued, has past offenses, including carrying an illegal firearm while refusing to address a history of anger and violence making him a danger to the community.

However Monroe’s attorney, Thomas Healey said Monroe has shown remorse and has a desire to change by taking responsibility for his actions and pleading guilty. Healey also stated this was a terrible case for everyone including Monroe’s and Sistare’s families which Monroe has decided to own.

Judge O’Keefe sentenced Monroe to 132 months, five years supervised release for voluntary manslaughter, and 36 months, three years supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm prior conviction. Both sentences are to run consecutively, totaling 168 months, and Monroe is to register as a gun offender.

Judge O’Keefe also ordered Monroe receive trauma counseling, mental evaluation, submit DNA samples, and most importantly, to complete anger management training. .

No further dates were set.

Judge Sentences Cancer Stricken Defendant to 7-Plus Years in a Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a homicide defendant to seven-and-a-half years of imprisonment on July 11.

On April 4, Maurice Jackson, 63, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Olivia Graves, 24, on Nov. 7, 2024 on the 700 block of Atlantic Street, SE.

At the sentencing, the prosecution read victim impact statements from Graves’ mother and sister. They railed against what they view as a lenient plea deal and asked that Jackson get an appropriate sentence for a tragic incident that had caused irreparable harm to their family.

The plea deal “would send a horrifying message that the life of my daughter can be bargained away,” said Graves’ mother.

“Your [Jackson’s] actions have left us in a state of pain from which we will never be able to recover,” said her sister.

The prosecution negotiated a sentencing range of seven-to-nine years in prison for the manslaughter charge, based on Jackson’s early admission of guilt coupled with a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer diagnosis and residual lymphoma.

They had estimated that Jackson’s chances of survival were low, with a time window of around five years for his late stage cancer.

“Each day that Mr. Jackson wakes up is a blessing,” said defense attorney Terrence Austin.

He told Judge Kravitz that Jackson’s age and the aggressive spread of the cancer had made his circumstances severely debilitating.

He called the prognosis “an extremely difficult thing,” adding that it “had spread to his back, knees and spine.”

Austin asked Judge Kravitz to weigh Jackson’s history and the impact that he had on his family, including his wife and extended family who had all written on Jackson’s character.

The shooting appeared to be a stand alone incident, in that Jackson shot Graves after she got into an escalating verbal dispute with his wife, approximately 500 feet from his home.

A neighbor had alerted Jackson, who was home at the time, about the confrontation. He subdequently went outside with the used in the shooting, quickly walking back inside.

When police arrived, Jackson immediately identified himself as the shooter and told them his wife, who was in shock, had nothing to do with the incident.

In the hearing, the prosecution showed a video of one of the first responders at the scen depicting Graves with a severe gunshot wound to her torso. She sustained too much blood loss to survive the shooting.

Jackson had a lengthy criminal history prior to the time of incident, including aggravated assault and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to the prosecution. He was jailed for a previous drug charge serving 20 years from 1999 to 2019.

It was after a post-release doctor’s visit that he found that he had cancer, according to Austin. Meanwhile, he was trying to make a positive impact on the community, speaking about the dangers of criminal patterns of behavior to a group supporting incarcerated youths. He also served as a volunteer at a vaccination drive-through during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Jackson took the opportunity to speak directly to Judge Kravitz during the sentencing.

“I never thought I would be back in jail,” he said.

“Doing outreach work was one of the best things that happened to me,” he added. It helped “break the cycle of being part of an incarcerated system.”

He expressed deep regret at what happened and said he had a long time to reflect on his poor decision. When asked about his pain by Judge Kravitz, he said the cancer had spread to bones and Austin added that he struggled to walk, motioning to Jackson’s cane.

Austin had asked the judge to be lenient with Jackson and given the extent of his illness.

“A longer term for Mr. Jackson [is] not necessary,” concluded Austin.

“Sentencing decisions are among the hardest for judges to make,” Judge Kravitz said reflecting the conflicted situation.

He expressed sincere condolences to the family and said he could not imagine the hurt they were going through. He complimented their couraget and thanked them for their testimony.

“It is entirely understandable that you could feel Ms. Graves’ life has been devalued,” he said.

“No matter what sentence is imposed on Mr. Jackson, none of that will fill the void for Ms. Graves’ family. Nothing I can do can put you all back to where you were.”.

Kravitz concluded that a sentence in the middle of the guidelines would be appropriate, specifically, seven-and-a-half years prison time with five years of supervised release and the minimum $100 contribution to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.

He concluded saying that he was not sure if Jackson would survive the sentence but he hoped that he recovered. He also heard a defense request that Jackson continue to receive medical treatment while incarcerated.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Enters a Guilty Plea

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on July 14.

Hashim Bright, 46, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that took place on the 1300 block of New York Avenue, NE, on May 25. The victim suffered two piercing wounds to his torso and underwent surgery for his injuries.

During the hearing, Bright pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury, which carries a maximum of three years in prison. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek an indictment.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 26.

Teen Defendant Wants Transfer to Different Facility at DC Jail

A defense attorney requested that a carjacking defendant be moved from the Central Detention Facility (CDF) to the lower security Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on July 14.

Dayshawn Lee, 18, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an offense that occurred at the 900 block of G Street, SE, on June 13.

Lee’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, requested that Lee be transferred out of the DC Jail, claiming he’s had a horrible experience with the older inmate during his incarceration.

Even though it was presented in court, King said she will file the motion to release her client in writing. Judge Di Toro said that while she does not control jail placements, she would request that he be transferred to CTF but cannot guarantee it.

Parties agreed to a postponement to give the newly assigned prosecuting attorney time to review the facts of the case before negotiations continue.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 20.

Prosecutors Say Fast Food Homicide Could Be Gang Related

A detective testified about a series of events that culminated in a fatal shooting in an America’s Best Wings fast foot establishment. The evidence was presented in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal E Kravitz on July 8.

Antoine Lowery, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jacquise Zanders that occurred at the America’s Best Wings located on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE on May 13. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident which may have been gang related.

A detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) described CCTV video footage from the incident in court.

Video revealed that the suspect arrived at America’s Best Wings minutes before Zanders. The detective claimed Lowrey waited for Zanders to pull into the parking lot and followed him. According to an eyewitness and the surviving victim, Lowery was inside the store for approximately 11-to-12 minutes and never spoke to anyone or ordered anything. Shortly after, Zanders entered the store and was shot almost immediately.

The prosecution used video footage and the detective’s testimony to argue premeditation and establish probable cause for the first-degree murder charge. According to the prosecution, Zanders and Lowery allegedly belonged to Lincoln Heights Crew and Clay Terrace Crew, respectively. The prosecution alleged that the neighborhood crews, which prosecutors say are criminal street gangs, were involved an on-going beef and that could be the motive for the shooting.

Defense attorney Austin Terrance argued that premeditation could not be established and that there were several discrepancies among MPD officers who identified Lowrey as the suspect after a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) flyer was put out for a Black male with a black sweater, black ski mask and black and gray shoes.

The detective said that Lowery was wearing the same skull cap, jacket, hood, and shoes seen on the suspect during a different run-in with police on May 11. This helped link him to the crime.

However, the detective also noted that the reflective stripes visible on the sleeves of the jacket in the May 13 surveillance footage were not present on the jacket Lowery was wearing during his May 11 arrest.

Ultimately, Judge Kravitz stated that due to the weight of the evidence presented he found probable cause.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 26.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

A murder defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan in a hearing on July 11.

Monteze Morton, 36, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown on March 22, 2024 on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

During the hearing, prosecution informed the court that they collected evidence, which included shell casings and clothing, that they are not testing.

Morton’s defense attorney, Thomas Key, said his client intended to waive his right to independent DNA testing of the items.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 3.

Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Deal For Trial

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel in a hearing on July 14, opting to take his case to trial.

Martrail Cunningham, 26, is charged with two counts of armed carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in multiple incidents, which occurred on Aug. 4, 2024, at the 1300 block of Wallach Place, NW, and on Aug. 25 at the 1300 block of Jasper Place, SE.

Cunningham’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels, alerted the court that Cunningham was rejecting a plea offer extended by the prosecution that would have required him to plead guilty to two counts of unarmed carjacking and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Judge Israel and the prosecution expressed surprise at the rejection, since Cunningham had previously signaled he might accept. Due to the breakdown in plea negotiations, the court granted the prosecution’s motion to extend the indictment deadline for 45 days.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 31.

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