Judge Reschedules Motion Hearing for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a motion hearing for a homicide defendant.

James Mayfield, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the deaths of Jermaine Bowens and Elijah Henry. On Dec. 26, 2017, 38-year-old Bowens was found on the 2200 block of Douglas Street, NE suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The next day, 21-year-old Henry was found unconscious in a residence on the 1800 block of Bryant Street, NE.

Judge Neal Kravitz rescheduled the hearing for June 2.

Mayfield has 23 additional charges in this case including assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threats to kidnap or injure a person, robbery while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a licence and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Mayfield has another pending case with his co-defendant, 21-year-old Robert Moses. The two are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor. Sydnor was reportedly shot while driving on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE on Aug. 12, 2017.

Mayfield and Moses are also charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed in a drive-by or random shooting offense committed during release, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill, drive-by or random shooting, aggravated assault with grave risk while armed, obstruction of justice and conspiracy in that case.

Document: Two Suspects Arrested for Murder

Two suspects have recently been arrested in connection with homicides that happened this month.

On April 16, Keanan Christopher Turner, 32, was arrested for first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed in connection with a double homicide that happened on April 12.

At around 7:33 p.m. that day, DC Fire and EMS responded to the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE for the report of a fire, according to a press release. Moments later, police were dispatched there for the report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a woman in a parking lot, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Two other women were found with gunshot wounds as well. One of them was pronounced dead on the scene. The other died at an area hospital.

The decedents have been identified as 48-year-old Wanda Wright and 32-year old Ebony Wright, both of Southeast, DC.

On April 18, 39 year-old Nathan Hunter was arrested for second-degree murder while armed in connection with a homicide that happened that same day.

At around 1:31 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of 7^th Street, NW for the report of an unconscious person.

There, they found 44-year-old Ronald McKnight suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Crime Alerts: April 18-19

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on April 18 and 9:00 a.m. on April 19.

The most recent alert was sent at 1:01 a.m. for a shooting on the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SW.

Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Judge Holds Two Domestic Violence Defendants and One Sex Abuse Defendant During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on April 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held two of four domestic violence defendants and one sex abuse defendant.

The two domestic violence defendants held are both alleged to have violated a condition of release in their cases.

The first defendant is charged with simple assault, second-degree theft, and obstruction of justice, and the second defendant is charged with contempt.

The first defendant returned to his victim’s home where he allegedly assaulted her within a month of being released from jail. The second defendant allegedly repeatedly attempted to make contact with the victim and went as far as kicking in her apartment door.

In both cases, the judge said it was very concerning that the defendants not only violated their stay-away orders but committed violent acts in the process. The judge said she could not release either defendant as they are a danger to the victims and the community.

Both defendants are scheduled for status hearings on May 4.

The third defendant held is charged with first-degree sex abuse while armed for allegedly committing the offense in 2006.

The prosecution requested the defendant be held due to the serious nature of the case and because the defendant already pleaded guilty to a similar offense in the past involving sex abuse and the use of a firearm.

Furthermore, the prosecution stated the DNA in this new offense allegedly matches the DNA found in the defendant’s previous sex abuse case.

The defense argued that the defendant’s DNA sample was not taken recently, calling into question the reliability of the results. The defense also said the victim knew the assailant and her client did not match the victim’s description.

The judge did not agree with the defense.

Judge Herrmann said a new DNA sample does not have to be taken to show probable cause. The judge did say that a confirmation DNA test with a recent sample might be warranted, but she said it has no bearing on this hearing nor her ruling.

The judge ruled to hold the defendant based on the DNA evidence and his criminal history. The judge said the age of the case does not make the defendant any less dangerous, and she could not release him.

A status hearing is scheduled for May 3.

The remaining two domestic violence defendants have charges of attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted threats to do bodily harm and destruction of property. The second defendant was brought in on a bench warrant for missing his hearing.

The first defendant was released with an order to stay away from the victim and has to return court on Oct. 21. The other defendant was released on his own recognizance with a hearing scheduled for June 1.

This article was written by Alaina Provenza

Document: Arrest Made in Armed Kidnapping Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested a suspect in connection to an armed kidnapping offense that occurred on April 14.

According to an MPD press release, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 3300 block of V Street, NE and forced the victim inside of a vehicle.

The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim, drove to a secondary location and assaulted the victim again while brandishing a handgun.

The detectives’ investigation has revealed that the offense was domestic in nature.

A 27 year-old male was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: Suspect Sought for Double Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to a double homicide that occurred on April 12.

48 year-old Wanda Wright and 32 year-old Ebony Wright were killed in a shooting on the 2300 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

Police are looking for 32 year-old Keanan Christopher Turner from Forestville, MD. He is wanted for first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed. He can be seen in a photo in the below MPD press release.

Document: Homicide in Southeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on April 15.

At around 9:55 p.m., officers responded to the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE for the report of a shooting.

Once there, officers found 29 year-old Kerry Odoms suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Odoms was transported to a local hospital for treatment but was later pronounced dead.

Crime Alerts: April 15-16

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out six crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on April 15 and 10:30 a.m. on April 16.

The most recent alert was sent at 9:15 a.m. for a robbery on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male between 20 and 30 years of age, 5’6″ in height and 180 pounds. The suspect has a short beard with braids and a star on his forehead. He was wearing a white sleeveless shirt, black shorts and black sneakers.

An alert was sent at 5:46 a.m. for a robbery on the 1800 block of Columbia Road, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Another alert for a robbery was sent at 11:09 p.m. on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male with a beard and wearing a green sweatsuit.

An alert for a shooting was sent at 10:55 p.m. on the 1800 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE. Police are looking for two Black males wearing dark colored clothing.

An alert was sent at 10:49 p.m. for an armed robbery on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. Police are looking for two Black males wearing all black and occupying a white Nissan Rogue with unknown Virginia tags.

The final alert was sent at 10:30 p.m. for a shooting on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE. Police are looking for two Black males with dark complexions and wearing dark colored clothing.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Second-Degree Murder Case.

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

Rasheed Young is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 39-year-old Ronald William Richardson, Jr on May 20, 2018. Young, 43, was arrested in December 2020.

On the day of the homicide, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were canvassing an apartment building on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE as part of their search for a missing person. The officers noticed a bullet hole in the door of an apartment and entered the apartment. Inside, they found Richardson laying on the living room floor, unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds to the head.

During the April 15 hearing, an MPD detective on the case testified that Richardson was holding a knife in his left hand and there were shell casings in the living room area near his body.

During an interview with the MPD in 2020, the defendant said he did not know Richardson and was not present during the shooting. In that same interview, Young later confessed that he had a physical altercation with Richardson and shot him.

Young said that Richardson and a masked person, who has not been identified, came into the apartment and tried to rob him.

He said Richardson pulled a knife on him and then the two got into a physical altercation, during which Richardson’s gun fell and Young grabbed it. He said that he fired a shot towards the door, hoping to get Richardson off him, but when Richardson continued to wrestle with him, Young shot over his shoulder towards Richardson.

The detective testified that Young never brought up self-defense in the interview until the detectives mentioned it first.

According to the autopsy report, Richardson had two gunshot wounds in the head. The first wound was to the side of the face which, the examiner described as happening from a close range. The second shot was on the top of Richardson’s head but did not appear to happen in close proximity.

The prosecution said that Young would have to be above Richardson in order to shoot at the top of his head and argued that the shot was not necessary.

Defense attorney Bernadette Armand argued that Richardson had a violent past, including stabbing and shooting other people only a few weeks before the homicide. She also said he had past charges that include assault, robbery while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

Armand pointed out that Young had spoken with someone shortly after the shooting occurred. Young told this person that Richardson tried to rob him and attacked him with a knife, therefore, he shot Richardson. Armand argued that this was Young’s effort to suggest self-defense which goes against the belief that self-defense only came up after detectives brought it up in the 2020 interview.

She argued that the prosecution has not produced enough evidence to overcome self-defense. The prosecution also could not argue that it was not necessary for Young to shoot the second shot, the one on the top of Richardson’s head, because Richardson was trying to attack Young with a knife, she argued.

Armand also pointed out that Young is physically disabled after suffering from a stroke in 2018 prior to the shooting. She said Young was not in a position to fight back someone who was attacking him with a knife, so shooting Richardson was necessary for Young to protect himself.

Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause for second-degree murder while armed and agreed with the prosecution’s argument that, in order for Young to shoot Richardson on top of the head, Young had to be above him, thus, shooting him for a second time was not necessary. Additionally, Young did not suffer from any injuries except for a bite to the neck that did not penetrate his skin.

Armand asked for Young to be released, possibly into home confinement, but Judge Demeo sided with the prosecution’s request for Young to be held, considering his violent past including charges he has been convicted for.

Young is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 26-year-old Cedric Rogers, on June 11, 1996. Rogers was found suffering from gunshot wounds on a basketball court on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE.

That homicide case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 21.

A status hearing in this case is scheduled for July 7.

Judge Dismisses Cases Against Defendants Charged in Triple Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge dismissed the cases against two defendants charged in connection with a triple homicide that happened last year after ruling they did not have enough evidence to go to trial.

Co-defendants Jibri Qayyum, 44, and Dale Benjamin, 33, were charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with a shooting that took place on July 7, 2020. Marquise Lewis, 26, Claudette Williams, 56, and Juwan Wade, 20, were found unconscious on the 5000 block of Bass Place, SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Lewis and Williams were found unconscious in a vehicle and Wade was found in the street a short distance away.

Benjamin’s defense attorney, Bernard Grimm, said he learned more information about the case in the preliminary hearing than in documents disclosed to him before the case opened. He accused the prosecution of withholding information – something he called “atrocious” and said hindered Benjamin and Qayyum’s defense.

For instance, Grimm said he had to struggle to obtain evidence of a 911 call that witnesses said they made.

“In all my 25 years of experience, the protocol has always been to turn over evidence as soon as it is discovered, but the fact is there’s no evidence of a call being made even though the number pops up on the screen as the call is made,” he said.

Grimm also reiterated that the lead detectives have no first-hand witnesses, the key witnesses in the case are unreliable and lied multiple times, the identification of Benjamin and Qayyum are based on grainy video that experts found to be indiscernible and the witnesses have incentive to lie in favor of the prosecution’s case.

Grimm elaborated that the witnesses allegedly stole a phone, money and drugs from the vehicle at the crime scene. He said they would do anything to avert police attention from them to avoid arrest.

Qayyum’s defense attorney, Kristin McGough, noted that the lead detective never followed up with the inconsistencies in his key witnesses’ statements. She said she understands he has extreme community pressure to find the people responsible for the triple homicide, but the investigation needs to be done right.

McGough also emphasized that one of the key witnesses lied about taking items from the vehicle and threw the phone in the woods while driving off. She also said there were no street rumors regarding Qayyum being involved in the shooting, which she says there normally are in these crimes.

McGough ended by saying the arrest warrants given to the judges should have reflected all the inaccuracies from witnesses statements and that there’s no explanation as to why there was not except that the detective didn’t think it was important to include.

“These are very serious Brady violations and all of the information given to us now could have been useful at presentment to make a better argument, and could have prevented Mr. Qayyum from being held,” she said.

In mentioning Brady violations, McGough is referring to the 1963 Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland, which held that “the suppression by the prosecution of evidence favorable to an accused upon request violates due process.”

McGough also played a frame-by-frame video clip of the vehicle in which two of the decedents were found, which showed two gunshots were made from inside the car and not outside, as the lead detective testified to have occurred.

After hearing from parties, Judge Neal Kravitz said McGough was right that there were several evidence issues in the case. He said the prosecution’s evidence was solely based on the key witnesses’ identification from the pixelated video. He also pointed out that they had no evidence that the defendants were at the scene and had no forensic evidence or motive.

Judge Kravitz said that, although the prosecution argued for substantial probability, he did not find substantial probability or probable cause and doubted a jury would find the prosecution’s witnesses as credible, given their history.

Qayyum and Benjamin were released.

Judge Takes Homicide Defendant Off High Intensity Supervision

A DC Superior Court judge reduced a homicide defendant’s pretrial release conditions.

Jerome Myles is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 19-year-old Antonio Dixon on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE on Oct. 20, 2018.

Myles, 22, was held at DC Jail when he picked up the charge the following November. In 2019, he was released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

He has reportedly been compliant with his release conditions. The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) recommended reducing the conditions.

The prosecution opposed this, citing the seriousness of the charges against Myles. But when Judge Milton Lee agreed to take him off HISP, the prosecutor asked him to have the defendant check in with the PSA twice a week.

Instead, Judge Lee decided to have him do so once a week. The check-ins are to happen over the phone.

Myles will no longer have to wear a GPS monitoring device. He will, however, have to undergo drug testing once those tests resume.

The defendant’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 29.

Myles is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in this case.

Testimony Continues in Triple Homicide Case

April 14 marked the third day of a hearing to determine if a triple homicide case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Co-defendants Jibri Qayyum, 44, and Dale Benjamin, 33, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged roles in the shootings of 56-year-old Claudette Williams, 26-year-old Marquise Lewis and 20-year-old Juwan Wade.

On July 7, 2020, around 1:15 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 5000 block of Bass Place, SE. They found two of the victims in a vehicle and another nearby, all suffering from gunshot wounds.

An MPD detective testified that Qayyum insisted he was not in the area at the time of the crime. According to the detective, Qayyum gave the MPD permission to search his phone and talk to his girlfriend.

The prosecution spoke with Qayyum’s girlfriend, who said they had been living together at the time of the homicide.

She said that she is a light sleeper, and didn’t hear Qayyum leaving during the night.

“My routine is easy to remember, because we’re always together,” she said.

The prosecution said she could not be trusted as a reliable source in this case.

“He was living with her at the time of the arrest, and I think that bias needs to be taken into account,” the prosecutor said. “She most decidedly does not want Mr. Qayyum to go down for a triple murder.”

Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled the proceedings to pick back up on April 15.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Judge Holds Sex Abuse Defendant and Releases 6 Defendants Charged in Domestic Violence Cases

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann presided over the April 14 initial hearings, where she decided to hold a sex abuse defendant and release six domestic violence defendants.

Four of the domestic violence defendants have charges that include violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO), violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO), simple assault, possession and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Each of these defendants was released on personal recognizance under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and given a stay-away order. One defendant was also ordered not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the victim in their probation case.

All four have status hearings scheduled for Oct. 20.

Two domestic violence defendants were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings. Both were released and one of the defendants is scheduled to return to court on April 21 while the other is scheduled to return on Aug. 9.

Judge Herrmann decided to hold the defendant who is charged with first-degree sex abuse. “I find the evidence in the warrant to be quite strong,” she said.

She said she is not concerned about the defendant failing to show at his next hearing, but she is concerned about the safety of the community.

The defendant has a status hearing scheduled for Oct. 26.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Murder

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a homicide that happened on Feb. 16.

At around 3:50 p.m. that day, officers responded to the the 300 block of 33^rd Street, SE for the report of a shooting.

There, they found 22-year-old Diamonte Green in an apartment, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

On April 15, 41-year-old Bernard Matthews was arrested for second-degree murder while armed.

Crime Alerts: April 14-15

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on April 14 and 9:00 a.m. on April 15.

The alert was sent at 4:55 a.m. for a shooting on the 3600 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

Police are looking for a dark colored vehicle in relation to the incident.

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