Case Only has Probable Cause on Lesser Murder Charge, Judge Says

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a homicide case only has enough evidence to go to trial on a lesser charge. She also decided to release the defendant into home confinement.

Samuel Mack, 54, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 35-year-old Erica Ward on the 4600 block of Benning Road, NE on Dec. 30, 2020.

Judge Danya Dayson decided that there is only enough evidence to bring him before a jury on charges of second-degree murder while armed, in part due to a lack of evidence of premeditation.

During the March 4 proceedings, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that the defendant said he shot Ward, but it was accidental. The detective also said an eye-witness contradicted the defendant’s statements and, although they did not see the shooting, heard the defendant threaten the victim just prior to the shooting.

According to court documents, the shooting happened during an argument between the defendant and victim. The two had a son together.

The defendant said he was gathering his things, the gun included, to leave the apartment when he gestured towards the victim and the gun accidentally went off. The defendant said he did not know the chamber was loaded.

The prosecution said it was not believable that the defendant did not know the gun was loaded as he purchased it for his own protection, having felt threatened by the victim’s previous boyfriend. The prosecution also argued that bringing the loaded gun to the apartment showed intent on the defendant’s part.

Judge Dayson agreed that it was not credible to say the defendant did not know the gun was loaded. She also said that pointing the gun at the victim was evidence of “conscious disregard for extreme risk of death and or extreme bodily harm” and consistent with second-degree murder charges.

Judge Dayson also chose to release the defendant from DC Jail into home confinement. She finalized the release conditions during the March 5 hearing.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22.

Alaina Provenza wrote this article.

Miscommunications have Exacerbated Concerns for Client, Attorney Says

A competency hearing for a murder defendant was found to have been scheduled in error after the clerk found out that a doctor’s report wouldn’t be ready until the next day.

Twenty four year-old Aaron Smith is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing his father, 60-year-old Edward Smith.

Defense attorney Laura Rose said there have been substantial holds for competency hearings since the pandemic has started.

She said these holds, frequent miscommunications have occurred throughout the case and the delay in the report has exacerbated her concerns for her client.

Rose said she already had significant concerns about Aaron’s safety and ability to improve his competency with his placement at DC Jail, given his mental health history.

A screening to determine Aaron’s competency was ordered on Feb. 24.

On Feb. 12, Aaron was found on the 2100 block of 36th Place, SE suffering from an apparent stab wound. After questioning Aaron, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers also found Edward suffering from multiple stab wounds in a nearby apartment, according to court documents. He was pronounced dead on scene.

According to DC Courts, Smith is scheduled for a hearing on July 21.

Judge Continues Homicide Prelim After 3rd Day of Testimony

A DC Superior Court judge continued a preliminary hearing for a 17-year-old murder defendant after a third day of testimony.

Deon Walters is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 42-year–old Arthur Daniels, IV on Oct. 1 on the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW. Walters is being charged as an adult.

The preliminary hearing, which began on Feb. 19, will determine if the case has enough evidence to go to trial.

A witness testified during the March 4 hearing, but the testimony occurred in a private online meeting room, so D.C. Witness was unable to observe it.

Judge Neal Kravitz continued the hearing for more testimony. Due to a scheduling conflict, the next hearing will be scheduled in chambers.

Walters is being held in the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Crime Alerts: March 4-5

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on March 4 and 9:00 a.m. on March 5.

An alert was sent at 6:58 a.m. for a stabbing investigation on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Police are looking for a male suspect wearing all black.

An alert for another stabbing investigation was sent at 1:26 a.m. on the 1300 block of New York Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a hoodie with a black hat.

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearing for Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if the evidence against a defendant charged with first-degree murder while armed is enough to bring his case to trial.

On Feb. 6, Isaiah Glover was found with a gunshot wound to the head on the 4000 block Minnesota Avenue, NE. Glover, 30 was found conscious, but was pronounced dead before he could be transported to the hospital. Keith Hudson, 25, was arrested in connection to Glover’s death three days later.

During the March 3 proceedings, defense attorney Michael Madden requested a preliminary hearing for his client. The prosecution asked that the date fall some time in April.

Madden asked that the prosecution turn over all evidence at least seven days prior to the preliminary hearing to allow him time to make the proper preparations.

Judge John Campbell agreed the request was reasonable and proposed that the prosecution get the materials in at least two weeks prior to the date if possible.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 19.

Man Set to Stand Trial for Victim Stabbing

A DC Superior Court judge set trial dates for a defendant in a 2018 murder case.

Antonio Jackson is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 52-year-old Maria Antoinette Evans to death on March 29, 2018, on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE.

The trial is expected to last five to seven days. The prosecution plans to call 15-20 witnesses: three to four medical examiners and DNA experts and eight to 12 law enforcement officers and civilians.

Jury selection is expected to take up two days. Jury selections are planned to be made the week before the trial starts.

Judge Michael Ryan scheduled trial dates for Feb. 11-25, 2022.

The defendant rejected a plea offer in 2019. He is currently being held at DC Jail.

Jackson, 35, is also charged with carrying a dangerous weapon in this case.

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

Judge Continues Hearing, Giving Domestic Violence Defendant Time to Discuss Plea Deal

On Feb. 25, a DC Superior Court judge continued a Feb. 25 hearing in order for a domestic violence defendant time to further discuss a plea offer with the defendant.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

In November 2019, Kieth Moody was sentenced to serve 6 months and 2 years of supervised probation under the YRA, which would effectively seal his case once he completes requirements.

The defendant had a bench warrant issued for his arrest when he failed to appear for a probation show cause hearing.

The defendant will appear in court again on March 25.

Adriana Montes wrote this article.

Judge Continues Hearing for Homicide Case to Tomorrow

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled another hearing for a homicide defendant after it was determined that the original hearing was scheduled in error.

Torey Stockton, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the alleged drive-by shooting of 23-year-old Jasmine Light. On Jan. 17, 2018, Light and three other victims were found on the 1500 block of U Street, SE suffering from gunshot wounds. The four victims were transported to a nearby hospital where Light was pronounced dead. The other victims survived.

During the March 4 hearing, defense attorneys Rachel McCoy and Justin Okezie saidthe hearing was changed last minute and the change resulted in a different start time and hearing type than what was originally scheduled.

The defense requested that a trial date be set despite the clerical error because they did not want to return at a later hearing and be given a late 2022 trial date.

Judge Yvonne Williams said the particular courtroom they were using did not have the authority to set trial dates.

Judge Williams said she could schedule another hearing for the following day so that parties would not lose time in securing a trial date.

Stockton has 17 additional charges in this case including possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, armed drive-by or random shooting, carrying a pistol outside a home/business, tampering with physical evidence, and obstruction of justice.

Stockton has a co-defendant, Kayla Thompson, who is charged with obstruction of justice, but she and her counsel were not present due to the scheduling error.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 5.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Domestic Violence Case

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

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

During the March 4 hearing, an investigator testified that a loaded firearm, along with additional magazines, was found in the defendant’s home during a search.

Defense attorney Donna Beasley asked Judge Staples to consider releasing the defendant under GPS monitoring in order for him to follow his mental health regimen.

However, Judge Sean Staples granted the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant at DC Jail.

He denied the victim’s request for release as he deemed the defendant a potential danger to the community. The defendant has picked up various assault charges in the past.

A felony status conference is scheduled for April 12.

Defendant Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Senior Citizen Scheduled for Trial

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a murder case to go before a jury panel early next year.

Edward Brown, 58, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and armed robbery in the death of 77-year-old Michael Mahoney.

On Feb. 5, 2018, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers went to Mahoney’s apartment complex on the 2300 block of 11th Street, NW after a friend called them, expressing concern over not having seen him since the Feb. 3, 2018. Mahoney was found with a pool of blood around his head and pronounced dead on the scene.

The prosecution plans to call around 22-26 witnesses. Defense attorney Kevin Mosley also wants to bring in an expert witness to testify about DNA evidence in the case.

The prosecution has argued that, due to insufficient notice, the expert should not be allowed to testify or the defense should be required to provide further notice.

During the March 4 hearing, Mosley said they may try to get a local expert instead of the one they planned to use due to COVID-19 protocols in the District.

Judge Michael Ryan set aside Jan. 3 – 20 for the trial.

Andrea Keckley wrote this article.

Judge Holds 2 of 5 Domestic Violence Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on March 3, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann presided over more than 30 cases.

Five of these were domestic violence cases, and two of the defendants were held at the jail.

The first defendant is charged with simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. The defendant was held after being arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear at a pretrial hearing.

The defendant will be held and has a status hearing is scheduled for March 9.

The second defendant is charged with simple assault. The judge decided to hold the defendant because of another open domestic violence case against him involving the same victim. The defendant has a status hearing scheduled for March 23.

The third defendant is charged with simple assault and attempted second-degree cruelty to children. The defendant was released on personal recognizance under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). The defendant was ordered to return to court for a status hearing on Aug. 3.

The fourth defendant is charged with violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO). The defendant was released on personal recognizance under PSA and given a stay away order. The defendant was also given a no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking, or “HATS,” order.

The last defendant is charged with simple assault and was released on personal recognizance under PSA. The defendant was also given a stay away order.

The last two defendants have status hearings scheduled for Aug. 4.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Document: Homicide in Northeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on March 3.

At around 10:07 p.m., officers responded to the unit block of 35^th Street, NE for the report of a traffic accident.

There, they found 30 year-old Antonio Wilkinson suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was in a vehicle that had struck a parked vehicle.

Wilkinson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Crime Alerts: March 3-4

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on March 3 and 9:00 a.m. on March 4.

The most recent alert was sent at 11:56 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 4000 block of 4th Street, SE. Police are looking for two Black males wearing black jackets and black jeans. One of the suspects has a white hood.

The second alert was for a shooting investigation at 11:02 p.m. on the unit block of 35th Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

The third and final alert was sent at 9:13 p.m. for a robbery on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. Police are looking for two Black males, one wearing a grey hoodie and one wearing a black hat and a black shirt.

Judge Holds 2 Murder Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on March 2, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held two defendants charged with first-degree murder.

Overall, 28 defendants were presented before the judge, and seven of these had charges involving domestic violence, sex abuse or homicide.

Sean Howard III is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the killing of 20-year-old Ibrahim Sesay. Howard, 18, allegedly shot Sesay in the face while attempting to rob him at a gas station on the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW on Jan. 6.

Defense counsel argued against probable cause and said the question is whether or not Howard actually participated in the killing of Sesay as there were multiple people involved and the police have arrested another suspect.

Judge Herrmann did find probable cause and decided to hold the defendant pending his next hearing on March 24.

Judge Herrmann held Joshua Young who is charged with first-degree murder while armed. Young, 21, allegedly stabbed 50-year-old Walter Lee Rogers on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Feb. 21.

The judge found probable cause in the case and decided to hold Young until his next hearing, which is scheduled for March 24.

Finally, the judge held a domestic violence defendant who is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. The defendant was also brought in on three bench warrants for failing to appear at his hearings.

The defendant was released in his new case but held on his bench warrant to see the presiding judge in his other cases. His next hearing is scheduled for March 9.

Additionally, four defendants were released by the judge. The charges for these cases include fourth-degree sex abuse, simple assault, destruction of property, attempted threats to do bodily harm and obstruction of justice.

All of the defendants were given stay-away orders and ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They will return to court in August.

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearings for Two Second-Degree Murder Cases

On March 3, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled preliminary hearings to determine if two murder cases have enough evidence to go to trial.

Aaron Jackson, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 36-year-old Jamaul Crockett on Nov. 5, 2020 on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW.

Defense attorney Bernadette Armand reported that they are rejecting the prosecution’s plea offer and requesting a preliminary hearing.

Judge John Campbell scheduled one for April 1.

Ronald Miller, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 28-year-old Tiffany Hardy on Feb. 8, 2021, on the 1600 block of E Street NE.

His defense attorney, Jason Tulley, also asked Judge Campbell for a preliminary hearing.

Miller’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 8.

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