Case Acquitted: Judge Sets Trial Date for Homicide Defendant

Sutton was acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on March 23, 2023.

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a homicide defendant to go before a jury.

Kaevon Sutton, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 22-year-old Aujee Tyler on the 3500 block of Stanton Rd., SE on March 19, 2018.

During the March 10 hearing, defense attorney, Joseph Wong, requested that the judge set the earliest possible trial date for his client.

His client is currently being held at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the trial for Nov. 28 through Dec. 22, 2022. She also scheduled a trial readiness hearing for Aug 17.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearing for Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a case against two murder defendants has enough evidence to go to trial.

Co-defendants Delonta Stevenson, 26, and Vorreze Thomas, 23, are both charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 32-year-old Terrence Allen on Jan. 18 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

D.C Witness previously reported that Stevenson and Thomas allegedly cut Allen off in a vehicle before shooting close to 50 rounds at Allen’s car.

According to a police report, Stevenson is suspected to have been in the passenger seat and is believed to be the individual who shot at Allen and two other victims who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the preliminary hearing for April 26.

Brennan Fiske and Dalvyn Velez wrote this article.

Judge Continues Hearing for Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing to late April for a defendant charged with first-degree sexual abuse.

The 42-year-old defendant is accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl.

During the March 10 hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Milton Lee for a continuance. Judge Lee granted the request, scheduling the next hearing for April 27.

Probable Cause Ruling for 3 Teen Murder Defendants Expected Next Week

A decision on whether a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial came nearer as parties delivered their closing arguments on March 8.

Co-defendants Trey Prillerman, 16, Nelfy Hernandez, 17, and Deandre Levy, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged roles in the fatal shooting of 1- year-old Taijhon Wyatt, Jr on Aug. 10, 2020.

The three are accused of shooting blindly into a group of juveniles from the inside of a vehicle on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW.

“This has to be fairly characterized as one of the thinnest homicide charges ever brought,” said Prillerman’s attorney, Alvin Thomas.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective completed his testimony from the last hearing, explaining that phone location data and cell phone records picked up Prillerman’s phone on cell towers in the neighborhood at the time of the homicide. However, Thomas argued that there was “no evidence Mr. Prillerman had the phone on him that day.”

The detective said that the MPD hopes to complete DNA testing from the suspected car, though he “doesn’t know the stage of testing, or if swabs have been obtained from the defendants.”

The detective also said that, at this current time, no physical evidence has tied any of the three defendants to the shooting. There has also been no identification of them at the scene of the crime besides testimony from one of the witnesses.

This witness identified the three defendants as being on the scene of the crime. However, defense attorneys called into question the reliability of the witness’s statements.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller said that she believes the witness may simply be changing the story at will to reduce charges the witness is currently facing.

“This whole case rises and falls on the credibility of someone who’s a stone cold liar; lying to avoid responsibility for his own misdeeds,” Weller said.

Due to time constraints, the proceeding did not finish.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the hearing to continue on March 19. She is expected to make her finding at that time.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Judge Postpones Sentencing

A DC Superior Court judge continued a March 10 sentencing hearing in a domestic violence case.

Jamell Sanders pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in March 2020.

Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled a new sentencing hearing for April 1.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Homicide Defendants to go Before Jury After Lengthy Pretrial Detention

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled trial dates for two co-defendants charged in connection with a 2017 homicide.

Antonio Upshaw, 31, and Gabriel Brown, 33, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 24-year-old Tyrone Johnson during an alleged robbery gone wrong on March 10, 2017, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Upshaw has been held since December 2017.

“Arrested over three years ago for an incident that happened over four years ago,” said Upshaw’s attorney, Ronald Resetarits, “I would like a lock in a trial date.”

Brown has been held since March 2019.

Judge Danya Dayson granted his attorney, Kevin Irving’s, motion to withdraw as counsel during the March 10 hearing.

The two are also charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Upshaw is additionally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. Brown is also charged with conspiracy while armed.

Judge Dayson scheduled the trial for Nov. 2 through 22, 2022. She also scheduled a trial readiness hearing for Aug 16.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article

February Homicide Count Decreases from January, but Still High

Even though the month was only 29 days long, the total number of homicides that occurred in February in the District of Columbia exceeded the total amount of homicides in December of 2020.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 15 homicides in February, three less than the total count in January, but two more than the total count for December 2020.

Data shows that 73% of the homicides in February resulted from gun violence.

The ward that saw the most amount of homicides was Ward 7 was nearly 50 percent of the homicides for the month. In January, Ward 7 accounted for two homicides.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested five suspect for homicides in February. The suspects include:

Ronald Donnel Miller, 41, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 28-year-old Tiffany Hardy on the 1600 block of E Street, NE on Feb. 8.
Keith Hudson, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 30-year-old Isaiah Glover on the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Feb. 6.
Aaron Smith, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of his father 60-year-old Edward Smith on the 2100 block of 36thPlace, SE on Feb. 12.
John Woods, 66, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 60-year-old Geno Freeman on the 6000 block of Chillum Place, NE on Feb. 19.
Joshua Young, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 50-year-old Walter Lee Rogers on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Feb. 21.

Judge Sets Plea Hearing for Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell scheduled a plea hearing date for a domestic violence defendant.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping and threat to kidnap or injure a person. The defendant received those charges in December 2020.

The plea hearing is scheduled for April 5, 2021.

Judge Holds Murder Defendant During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on March 9, DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan held a first-degree murder defendant.

In total, there was one homicide defendant and four domestic violence defendants presented before the judge.

Rashon Hall is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 22-year-old Joseph Simmons on Jan. 3. It was the second homicide to be reported in DC in 2021.

According to the police report, Hall, 25, allegedly shot Simmons from behind at 11:23 a.m. on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Defense counsel asked the judge not to find probable cause, saying that there is a lot of information about the car that was involved in the shooting but nothing that truly identifies the shooter. According to one of the witnesses, the suspect was a Black male with dreadlocks, but Hall has twists, which defense attorney Dana Page said are quite different.

The prosecution asked the judge to find probable cause citing the cell site data that was collected using Hall’s phone number, which allegedly follows the path of the shooter on Jan. 3.

The judge did find probable cause, though he admitted the description of the suspect was very vague. However, he said the description of the car, including a partial license plate number, was found to be connected with Hall.

Additionally, another witness came forward and said he helped Hall spray-paint the car sometime after the offense occurred.

Judge Nolan decided to hold Hall pending his next hearing given the nature of the crime and because Hall is on pretrial release for another firearms offense.

Hall’s next hearing is scheduled for March 31.

A domestic violence defendant, charged with destruction of property and violation of a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) was also held because he was unable or unwilling to agree to the terms of release.

The defendant appeared via WebEx video from the Central Cell Block (CCB).

During the hearing, the judge and defense counsel both tried to speak to the defendant regarding staying away from the alleged victim and following the TPO, but he was unresponsive. Defense counsel said that he was in compliance with his parole conditions, but the judge said he was unwilling to release him if he could not be confident that he would follow orders.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for March 30. Defense counsel also requested a forensic screening for the defendant.

Finally, three additional domestic violence defendants were released to return back to court on Aug. 10. Their charges involved simple assault, destruction of property, attempted second-degree theft and contempt. In addition to reporting to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), they were all given stay-away orders from the complainants in their cases.

Judge Continues Hearing in Hopes More Courtrooms will Open Up

A DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing for an 18-year-old homicide defendant to late July to see if COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted, allowing more courtroom availability.

Malik Holston is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 15-year-old Gerald Watson. On Dec. 13, 2018, Watson was found on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE with 17 gunshot wounds. Holston was 16 at the time of his arrest.

During the March 9 proceedings, Judge Danya Dayson suggested that parties schedule another hearing because the earliest trial date they could set was not until October of 2022. Parties agreed to wait.

In the meantime, a trial readiness hearing is scheduled for July 26.

Holston is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in this case.

Homicide Defendant Finally Receives Trial Date After Being in Jail Since 2018

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled trial dates for a homicide defendant after the defense attorney expressed concern over how long his client would have to wait for one.

Barry Marable is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 22-year-old Roger Marmet. On Oct. 24, 2018 , Marmet was found in a vehicle on the 1200 block of 17th Street, NE suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the March 9 hearing, Judge Danya Dayson suggested that parties schedule another hearing to wait to see if COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, which would open up more courtrooms. Judge Dayson said if parties decided not to wait the earliest trial date they could set at this time would be October 2022.

Defense attorney Roderick Thompson said he wanted the soonest possible date for his client but could not risk continuing the hearing only to be pushed back into 2023. He also expressed concerns that if they take the October slot, others who opted to wait to see if COVID-19 restrictions lifted might take a sooner date.

Marable has eight additional charges which consist of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to kill, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Judge Dayson scheduled the trial for Oct. 5 through Nov. 2, 2022. She also scheduled a trial readiness hearing for July 26.

Defendant Sentenced to Time Served for 2 Domestic Violence Cases

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a defendant to time served after he resolved his two domestic violence cases with a global plea deal.

Baker Eveiton picked up the first of these cases in March 2020, when he was charged with felony contempt and threat to kidnap or injure a person. The following month, he picked up a new case on misdemeanor charges of contempt, possession of an open container of alcohol or public intoxication and unlawful entry, although a judge did not find probable cause for the contempt charge.

During a status hearing on March 9, Eveiton accepted the prosecution’s plea agreement. He pleaded down to unlawful entry in his first case, and his second case was dismissed.

Eveiton is required to pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Judge Schedules Trial Date for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial date for a murder case.

Thirty year-old Tondrick Murphy is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 26-year-old Marquis Jones. On Oct. 6, 2018, Jones was found on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

During the March 8 hearing, defense attorney Ronald Resetarits said Murphy has been held on this case for 28 months and requested for the earliest possible trial date.

Parties agreed that the trial would take about nine days.

After parties struggled to secure trial dates for the homicide matter, Judge Danya Dayson scheduled another trial readiness hearing. The trial is scheduled to take place April 11 though April 29, 2022.

Murphy is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm in this case.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant for a defendant charged with misdemeanor sex abuse and simple assault after he failed to appear in court.

During the March 9 hearing, defense attorney Kyle McGonigal said he has not been able to get in touch with his client. The pretrial services agency (PSA) reported that he is a loss of contact with them as well.

Judge Steven Wellner asked if there was anything more that either of them can do to try and reach him.

McGonigal said he can try to contact a relative. However, having limited confidence that this will be a successful effort, Judge Wellner decided to grant the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant.

The warrant won’t be executed at this time due to a moratorium on the execution of certain misdemeanor bench warrants that has been put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Wellner told McGonigal that if he can get his client to court in the meantime, they can try to resolve the bench warrant before it ever has to be executed.

Document: Suspect Sought for First-Degree Sexual Abuse while Armed

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help identifying and locating a suspect in connection with a first-degree sexual abuse while armed offense that happened on March 8.

At around 10:02 p.m. that day, the suspect approached the victim on the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. He then brandished a knife and tried to engage in an unwanted sexual act with the victim, according to a press release. The victim was able to flee and alert police.

“The suspect is described as a Black male armed with a knife,” the press release states. “He is between 5’10” and 6’2” tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing all black clothing.”

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