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Judge Only Finds Probable Cause for One of Two Homicide Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that only one of two co-defendants charged in connection with an October homicide has enough evidence against him to bring his case to trial. 

On Oct. 6, 2020, 30-year-old Michael Bright was found unconscious on the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Exavior Pinnix, 21, and Delonte Samuels, 28, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Bright’s death.

During the March 16 preliminary hearing, Judge Michael O’Keefe only found probable cause for Samuels, and dismissed Pinnix’s case.

 The prosecution argued that there is substantial probability, a higher standard than probable cause, that Pinnix aided and abetted in the shooting. The prosecution indicated that surveillance footage, statements from one of the witnesses and Pinnix’s own statements show the extent of Pinnix’s involvement.

Defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman argued that the prosecution failed to even meet probable cause. Cadman said the video footage clearly shows Pinnix drove directly past the two suspects who were alleged to have shot Bright and shows the shots occurred seconds after Pinnix had driven away from the intersection. Cadman also argued that a key witness’s statements were inconsistent and unreliable.

The prosecution said the key witness’s  statements and a text message show that Pinnix planned to rob Bright with Samuels along with a third suspect. The prosecution said, based on the totality of the witness’s statements and the texts, the defendants were talking about getting guns on the morning of the shooting. 

Judge O’Keefe clarified that the argument the prosecution was making did not qualify as aiding and abetting but only as accessory after the fact.

Samuel’s defense attorney Janai Reed briefly spoke after Cadman and said that based on Cadman’s arguments she would argue that the prosecution does not meet probable cause for Samuel’s either.

Reed said there was no physical evidence that indicated that Samuels shot Bright. She said the most the prosecution has is Samuels on video running from the shooting, which she argued is a logical response. GPS monitoring corroborates that  he was in the area of the shooting.

After hearing both parties and taking a 20 minute break to go over the evidence, Judge O’Keefe found probable cause that Samuels was involved in an armed robbery that ultimately caused the death of Bright.

The judge ruled that Samuels should be held without bail. His next hearing is scheduled for June 16.

The judge also agreed with Cadman, saying probable cause was not because the physical evidence only proved Pinnix was on the scene but not that he took part in the homicide.

A third defendant in the case, James Flemings, is scheduled for a hearing on May 4. Flemings, 24, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Continues Sex Abuse Hearing For Possible Resolution

A DC Superior Court judge continued a sex abuse hearing to allow the defendant more time to consider the prosecution’s plea offer.

The 54-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree child sex abuse against a victim under the age of 16. He allegedly abused the victim multiple times between March 1 and Dec. 23, 2020, in Northwest, DC.

The plea offer was extended to the defendant in February. The defendant is being held without bail.  

Judge James Crowell scheduled a felony status conference hearing for April 27. 

Judge Hears 38 Cases During Initial Hearings

On March 15, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 31 defendants and held seven in the DC Jail during their initial hearings.

There were a total of ten domestic violence cases, one homicide case and one sex abuse case presented before Judge Herrmann. Of these cases, she held three of the defendants.

Judge Herrmann held 22-year-old Keshawn Taylor who is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 25-year-old Tyree Brox on Dec. 21, 2020.  Taylor is also charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm in a domestic violence case and being a fugitive from justice in connection to another homicide matter in Maryland.

Taylor’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, argued there was nothing to tie him to the shooting, only that there was communication between him and the victim through Instagram. Weller also noted that evidence didn’t match up in reference to clothing descriptions and surveillance video time stamps. 

The prosecution argued there was enough evidence for probable cause because there was Instagram communication that proves a drug transaction was planned prior to the shooting and that the two met at the victim’s car.

The prosecutor also said the time stamps were mismatched because they were screen grabbed images to show zoomed in footage of the suspect.

Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution, finding probable cause, and decided to hold Taylor based on the nature of crime and his criminal history.

She also ordered Taylor not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the alleged victim in his domestic violence case. Taylor is held in all of his cases and his next hearings are scheduled for April.

A male defendant is being held on charges for assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The defendant had just completed a 20-year sentence and was on GPS monitoring when he allegedly committed the new offense.

Judge Herrmann found probable cause to hold him based on the nature of the offense, given that he was on parole for an armed kidnapping conviction. His next hearing is scheduled for April 5.

Another defendant was held on an assault with a dangerous weapon charge in a domestic violence case. He is also charged in a traffic matter with a DUI and operating a vehicle while impaired. It is alleged the defendant was under the influence of PCP and assaulted the victim by driving into their car. 

Judge Herrmann noted the defendant had been under supervision in the high intensity supervision ptogram (HISP) and GPS monitoring prior to the crime. She said she decided to hold him based on the defendant’s criminal history, prior possession of firearms, domestic violence convictions and prior probation revocations.

Judge Herrmann released seven domestic violence defendants. Their charges include simple assault, destruction of property, attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.

Five of the defendants were given stay-away orders and two were given no HATS orders.

One defendant charged with sex abuse and unlawful entry onto private property was released with a stay-away order.

Judge Sets Trial Date for a Infant Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a 2019 murder case involving an infant to go to trial late next year.

Cornell Holton, 27, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree cruelty to children in the death of three-month-old Skylar Newman, who was killed by blunt force trauma on the 4300 block of G Street, SE on March 16, 2019.

The defense was eager to set a trial date, as the previous date was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Juliet McKenna set aside Aug. 3 through Oct. 7, 2022, for the trial, the earliest possible date for the lengthy trial.

Jury selection is scheduled to take place on Aug.1 and 2.

Judge McKenna says she anticipates that it will be difficult to get a jury for the case.

She also heard arguments from parties regarding a bond review motion but has not made a ruling yet.

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.