Judge Holds Murder Defendant During Presentments

On April 20, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan released 15 defendants and held three at DC Jail during their initial hearings.

There were a total of two domestic violence cases and one homicide case presented before Judge Nolan. Of these cases, he held two of the defendants.

Judge Nolan held 20-year-old Roberto Cayetano-Mejia who is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the Nov. 7, 2020, death of 19-year-old Franklin Hernandez-Arevalo.

Cayetano-Mejia’s attorney, Rachel McCoy, argued that the various witness reports were conflicting, and that one of the witnesses was suspected of being involved in the murder and thus their report may be “self interested.” McCoy also said social media profiles that have been used as evidence have not definitively been verified to be related to her client.

The prosecution argued that there was enough evidence for probable cause because multiple witnesses put Cayetano-Mejia at the crime scene which is also corroborated by the GPS monitor he was wearing at the time. They also said Cayetano-Mejia was later stopped in Kentucky with a gun that had shell casings found at the scene of the crime.

Judge Nolan agreed with the prosecution, finding probable cause, and decided to hold Cayetano-Mejia based on his criminal history, history of non-compliance and the fact that Cayetano-Mejia fled to Kentucky indicating he is a flight risk. His next hearing is scheduled for May 12.

The other defendant who was held is charged with contempt in a domestic violence case after violating a stay away order.

Judge Nolan noted the defendant had been ordered twice before to stay away from the complainant and to come into compliance with the stay away order. The defendant was just before the court on April 19 for violating a stay away order. He decided to hold the defendant based on her inability to follow court orders and the fact that this would be the third violation.

Her next hearing is scheduled for May 12.

The other domestic violence defendant is charged with simple assault. He was released and ordered to stay away from the victim and a location. He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 26.

Judge Sets Trial Readiness Hearing for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial readiness hearing for a homicide defendant who was charged in 2017.

Tavon Davis is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 29-year-old Michael Vest on the 1300 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE on June 28, 2017.

Defense attorney Matthew Davies told Judge Marisa Demeo that parties are still discussing plea negotiations. Even so, the case is on the path for trial.

Judge Demeo scheduled the trial readiness hearing for Sept. 7. She also set aside Aug. 30 and 31 to discuss evidentiary motions parties may have.

Davis, 22, is also charged with obstruction of justice, soliciting murder and threat to injure or kidnap a person in this case.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Defendant in 1996 Homicide Requests New Attorney

A defendant charged in connection with a homicide that happened over 20 years ago said he wants to hire his own lawyer.

Rasheed Young is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the 1996 shooting of 26-year-old Cedric Rogers. On June 11 of that year, Rogers and others were allegedly playing basketball on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE when he was shot four times. Witnesses report Rogers was the only one targeted.

The April 21 hearing was originally scheduled to determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

When defense attorney Bernadette Armand said her client would like to hire his own lawyer, Judge Milton Lee asked the defendant if he had specific people in mind and how much time he thought he would need.

Young said he did have a few people in mind and said he did not think it would take very long.

Judge Lee said he wanted to give Young at least a week to get a new lawyer before parties reconvene to reschedule another preliminary hearing. Judge Lee scheduled an ascertainment of council hearing for April 29.

Young, 43, was arrested in December 2020 in connection with both this homicide and the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Ronald William Richardson, Jr. on May 20, 2018, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

Judge Joins Homicide Cases and Sets Trial Dates for Juvenile Despite Evidence Concerns

On April 20, a DC Superior Court judge ruled to join a juvenile’s two pending homicide cases, setting a trial date in both cases for June.

The juvenile is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 36-year-old Antonio Gardiner outside a McDonald’s in Southeast, DC. The juvenile is currently being held under the supervision of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), where he has been since the beginning of July.

The juvenile is also being charged in the murder of 52-year-old Everett King, which occurred on July 6. He is alleged to have helped the shooter dispose of the firearm after the incident.

Previously, on March 8, Judge Andrea Hertzfeld ruled that the two cases would not be joined because the juvenile had agreed to a virtual trial in one case but not the other. Judge Hertzfeld said she did not want both to get unnecessarily delayed.

The prosecution has since submitted another motion to join the two cases, saying that many of the same witnesses and experts will be called to testify in both cases since the firearm recovered was allegedly used in both offenses.

Defense counsel, Kevin O’Sullivan, requested Judge Hertzfeld deny the prosecution’s motion, saying the defense would not be ready for an in-person trial for the case because of the need to retest some DNA evidence independently due to a recent scandal involving the D.C. Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The attorney cited an outside investigation found the Firearms Examination Unit at DFS erroneously said that the same gun was used in two different homicides from 2015.

Due to the discovery of the department’s mishandling of evidence, defense counsel received a green-light for independently testing some of the evidence. The specific items being retested were not disclosed in the hearing.

Judge Hertzfeld ruled in favor of the prosecution’s motion to join the cases, stating that the courts are starting to plan for re-opening to allow minimal in-person trials for detained people. Due to the overlap in evidence and witnesses, she said it made the most sense to have the cases tried together.

In response to the judge’s ruling, O’Sullivan stated additional concerns around timing, alleging that the prosecution has not disclosed evidence. “We have submitted multiple letters, emails, calls and text messages that have largely gone unanswered,” said O’Sullivan.

Judge Hertzfeld asked defense counsel to submit motions to discuss the possible evidence violations, but said these concerns did not have any bearing on her decision to join the two cases.

She scheduled the in-person trial for both cases to begin on June 1 and end on June 10 with the caveat that the dates could be pushed back if defense counsel needs more time to review evidence and properly represent their client.

In closing, defense counsel made an oral motion to have the juvenile stepped down to a shelter house, which was denied by Judge Hertzfeld.

In addition to scheduling the trial, a trial readiness hearing was scheduled for May 24.

Read D.C. Witness’ previous articles on this case.

This article was written by Krystin Roehl

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant into Home Confinement

A DC Superior Court judge released a homicide defendant into home confinement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Deshaun Gaskins, also known as Antonio Gladden, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 36-year-old Marcus Wallace. On Nov. 21, 2020, Wallace was found on the 1400 block of L Street, SE suffering from 15 gunshot wounds.

Defense attorney Bernadette Armand asked Judge Michael Ryan to allow her client to work for an employer already lined up for him.

The prosecution did not object to Gaskins’ release into home confinement. They did, however, oppose any form of employment for Gaskin at the time of his release.

Judge Ryan released the 21-year-old defendant into home confinement under HISP without allowing the defendant to work. If Gaskins follows all home confinement guidelines for the first 30 days, Judge Ryan said he will reconsider the possibility of employment.

Gaskins is scheduled to return to court on May 20..

Vanessa Sousa wrote this article.

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.

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