Document: Suspect Sought in Connection with Two Armed Robberies

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are asking the public’s help locating a suspect in connection with two armed robberies that happened on Dec. 16.

The first robbery happened at about 5:24 p.m. A suspect approached the victim in the 1300 block of 10^th Street, NW, brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s property, according to a press release. The victim complied and the suspect fled the scene.

The second one happened at about 7:05 p.m. The suspect approached the victim on the 1400 block of 12^th Street, NW. Again, the suspect brandished a handgun, demanded the victim’s property and then fled the scene after the victim complied.

Document: Defendant’s Charges Upgraded to Murder Following Victim’s Death

A defendant who was arrested for assault with intent to kill last year had his charges upgraded to second-degree murder while armed after the victim succumbed to his injuries last October and his death was ruled a homicide.

At around 2:52 p.m. on July 30, 2019, 23 year old Daquan Brooks allegedly fired a handgun at 52 year-old Leon Williams following a traffic related dispute on the 3rd Street Tunnel near Massachusetts Avenue, NW, according to a press release.

Brooks was arrested for assault with intent to kill on Aug. 5, 2019.

Williams succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 22. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be complications from gunshot wounds.

The charged against Brooks were upgraded on Dec. 16.

Crime Alerts: December 16-17

Between 9 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 17, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 12:35 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE. Police are looking for two Black males.

The first suspect is 6’0″ in height, wearing a black mask, black jacket, blue pants and armed with a black handgun.

The second suspect is 5’7″ in height, wearing beige pants and a beige jacket.

Judge Releases 17 Defendants, Holds Two During Initial Hearings

On Dec. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 17 defendants and held two defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

The first defendant held, Kevin Goggins, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting and killing 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on Oct. 9 on the 1600 block of W Street, SE.

Judge Herrmann held the 20-year-old defendant due to the serious nature of the crime. She said she was alarmed by the alleged significant amount of bullets fired during the murder.

The second defendant held, Kristoney Lena, is a fugitive from justice from Maryland. The judge held her so that the governor could pick her up within three days.

The judge released four defendants charged with being fugitives from justice to give them the opportunity to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions.

Two individuals are wanted in Maryland, and the other two are wanted in Virginia and were given the order to report back to the respective state.

The judge released seven defendants in assault cases with the requirement to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and abide by stay away orders.

Two defendants charged with misdemeanor attempted threats to do bodily harm were also released with the requirement to report to PSA and abide by stay away orders.

Additionally, two defendants charged with DUI and operating a vehicle while impaired were released with the requirement to report to PSA and not to drive a vehicle while intoxicated or without a valid license.

Lastly, the judge released a defendant charged with possession of a controlled substance and second-degree theft and a defendant charged with attempted second-degree burglary. Both are required to report to PSA.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick

Judge Sentences Defendant to 18 Years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant, who a jury convicted last February, in connection with a shooting in Southeast, DC.

“The only thing I want is justice, no matter what that looks like,” the victim said in an impact statement.

Gerald Ruffin, 40, was found guilty of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, obstructing justice and contempt.

Judge Anita Josey-Herring sentenced him to a total of 18 years during the Dec. 16 hearing.

Ruffin has been held at DC Jail since November 2018. He will receive credit for time served.

The defendant picked up the case after shooting a victim while he was in his car in Southeast, DC. According to court documents, the victim was driving with Ruffin’s former girlfriend when Ruffin began firing at their car. The victim sustained three non-fatal gunshot wounds to his legs, including one in his tibia.

After Ruffin was arrested, he was charged with 20 counts of contempt and five counts of obstructing justice for repeatedly violating stay away orders by calling the victim and pressuring witnesses to take the stand on his behalf.

The victim of the shooting told the judge about his experience as a combat veteran and a bronze star recipient during the Iraq war, expressing his disbelief that he would be shot at home “over nothing.”

“I’ve been blown up, I’ve been shot at, and I’ve been in several wars, but I couldn’t imagine that I would have to take bullets in my leg in my own streets, and it’s pointless, it’s for no reason,” he said. “Even in the war, I have never seen that kind of anger.”

The other victim in the car also made a statement at Ruffin’s sentencing. “Whatever sentence is given to him, is deserved,” she said.

Defense attorney Dorsey Jones asked for leniency.

He said his client was raised in difficult circumstances and experienced trauma growing up. He also pointed out that Ruffin was gainfully employed before the offense, working as a welder. He said Ruffin was a steelworkers’ union member.

Before he was sentenced, Ruffin also asked for leniency so he could provide for his family. He apologized to his family and anyone else who was affected by his actions.

“You were willing to seriously injure or almost kill someone because you were jealous that they were in a relationship with a former romantic partner of yours,” Judge Josey-Herring said before passing the sentence. “I don’t think it’s fair to put the burden on other people to think about your children when you did not consider them when you engaged in this act.”

Judge Josey-Herring also asked Ruffin to reflect on his actions and think about what he is capable of during his time of incarceration.

John Sullivan wrote this article

Judge Transfers Murder Defendant from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to DC Jail

A DC Superior Court judge ordered that a murder defendant be transferred from St. Elizabeth’s hospital, DC psychiatric institution, to DC Jail.

Vaughn Alexander Kosh iss charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Alayna Howard on Dec. 7, 2019, on the 1700 block of Capitol Avenue, NE.

Two other people were also injured in the shooting.

The 49-year-old defendant is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and assault with intent to kill while armed in this case.

On Jan 24, Kosh was found mentally incompetent to stand trial and inpatient competency restoration was ordered. On June 4, an order was filed finding the defendant competent.

During the Dec. 16 mental observation hearing, Judge Michael Ryan ruled that there is no basis to keep Kosh at St. Elizabeth’s.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Acquitted: Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder case

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

A DC Superior Court judge determined that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial on Dec. 16.

Devonte Brothers is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Deron Leake on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. on Oct. 17, 2019.

Leake was pronounced dead on scene with a gunshot wound to the head, according to court documents. Another victim was shot in both legs but survived.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case testified that he identified Brothers, 26, as their alleged suspect based on cell phone data that put the defendant in the area before, during and after the homicide. A witness at the scene also identified Brothers as the alleged shooter.

During cross-examination, defense attorney John McKenna asked whether the witness, who was charged with a felony, was offered a cooperation agreement or if the charge was still pending.

“That is a question for the government,” the detective responded. “To my knowledge, he has not received any agreement, but I honestly have no idea.”

“This is a single identification circumstance,” McKenna told Judge Todd Edelman. “Witness Two only identified the defendant after he committed a crime and had the possibility of having his charges dropped. They come up woefully short of probable cause.”

McKenna also requested his client’s release from DC Jail.

The prosecution argued against the request, noting that the defendant already has a lengthy criminal history.

Judge Edelman found probable cause and granted the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant.

Brothers next court appearance is set for Feb. 22, 2021.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Crime Alerts: December 15-16

Between 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 16, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.

The first alert was sent at 7:55 p.m. for a robbery at the intersection of 16th and D Streets, NE. Police are looking for two suspects wearing all black and armed with handguns. They were last seen fleeing in a black sedan.

The second alert was sent at 7:26 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1300 block of Lawrence Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a green hoodie.

Document: Suspect Sought for Armed Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the pubic’s help locating a suspect in connection with an armed robbery that happened on the afternoon of Dec. 15.

At around 2:06 p.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

The suspect pointed a handgun at employees and demanded money, according to a press release. The suspect took the money and fled scene. They were captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened in November.

At around 6:01 p.m. on Nov. 20, the suspect and the victim were arguing on the 400 block of 2^nd Street, NW. During the argument, the suspect allegedly took out a knife, stabbed the victim and fled the scene.

The suspect was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was arrested on Dec. 15.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Burglary and Theft from Auto Offenses

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a Virginia resident for second-degree burglary and second-degree theft from auto.

At around 7:43 a.m. on Dec. 15, the suspect allegedly entered the victim’s vehicle on the 1600 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW and took property.

The suspect then allegedly entered an establish and took property. They were apprehended by responded officers.

Judge Schedules Hearings in Homicide Cases for Next Year

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearings for four homicide cases, including two that have been open since 2017.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled Chad Hawthorne for a trial readiness hearing on March 2. The 39-year-old defendant is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the 2017 shooting of Antonio Bassett. Bassett was killed on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

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

His other case, in which he is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, will be heard on March 2 as well.

Dennis Whitaker is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Ronzay Green on Dec. 28, 2017, on the 900 block of Eastern Avenu, NE.

During the Dec. 15 hearing, the prosecution told Judge Dayson that Whitaker, 26, had agreed to enter into a guilty plea.

Judge Dayson scheduled a hearing for July 19, 2021, in this case.

Judge Dayson also set a May 13, 2021, date for a hearing for a felony domestic violence defendant charged with murder.

Daniel Fleetwood is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Shana Donahue, who was 26 years old when she was stabbed to death May 28 on the 2900 block of N Street, SE.

Defense attorney Roderick Thompson told Judge Dayson that he was planning on requesting DNA testing. Judge Dayson advised him to submit the transfer of evidence paperwork as soon as possible.

Finally, Judge Dayson scheduled a preliminary hearing for D’Aundrey Scott for Feb. 8.

Scott, 25, is charged with first-degree murder in the May 13 homicide that killed 62 year-old Darryl Finney on the 900 block of H Street, NE. The homicide was deemed an arson.

Judge Dayson also scheduled a hearing for May 13, 2021.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article

Judge Sentences Defendant in Weapon’s Possession Case to 14 Months

On Dec. 14, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant in a weapons case.

A Metropolitan Police Department officer received information that Michael Starks was armed with a firearm on April 21 on the 2300 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

The 25-year-old was then charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. He pleaded guilty to the firearm charge in exchange for the prosecution dropping the other one.

Judge John Campbell sentenced Starks to 14 months of incarceration – two months more than the mandatory minimum. He will receive credit for time served

Starks must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Holds 2 During Initial Hearings

A DC Superior Court Judge held two and released 37 defendants during their initial hearings on Dec. 14.

Todd Moore is charged with armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly robbing a property on Dec. 12 on the 1800 block of N Street, NW.

According to court documents, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer responded to a possible burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the officer looked for signs of a disturbance and called for backup. While waiting for backup, Moore, 43, allegedly exited the property. The officer apprehended Moore and allegedly discovered a firearm in his waistband, stolen money and an iPhone that belonged to one of the victims.

Moore’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, called into question the credibility of the victims, who were allegedly selling drugs while the offense was taking place.

“Their story doesn’t add up. I ask that you don’t find probable cause in this case,” Gardner said.

Judge Heide Herrmann denied his request and held Moore at the DC jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2021.

Brian Ray is charged with being a fugitive from justice from the state of Maryland, where he is wanted for armed robbery.

Ray’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, spoke on his behalf and requested that he be released to turn himself in to the demanding jurisdiction.

Judge Herrmann denied the request and held him due to the severe nature of the crime. Ray waived his right to a hearing and will wait three days at DC jail for the appropriate jurisdiction to pick him up.

Among those released, 19 of the defendants were charged with misdemeanor offenses. The majority of the charges were assault on a police officer or unlawful possession of a firearm. All defendants were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and are instructed to return to court on May 17, 2021.

Four defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice from the states of Maryland and Virginia, were released. Some of the underlying charges include simple assault, probation violation and damage of private property. All defendants were ordered to turn themselves in to the appropriate jurisdiction and return to court on Feb. 17, 2021.

Of the 37 defendants that Judge Herrmann released, nine of those defendants were charged with domestic violence-related offenses. One defendant was given a no Harassment, Assaulting, Stalking or Threatening (HATS) order and required to have a GPS monitoring device installed. The rest of the defendants were issued stay-away orders from people or places and ordered to report to PSA.

Two defendants charged with traffic-related offenses were released and are scheduled to come back to court on May 17, 2021.

Three defendants charged with felonies were released. Their charges included assault on a police officer, destruction of property and first-degree theft. One defendant was ordered to get a GPS monitoring device installed. The other two were released on their personal recognizance to return to court.

A defendant, who is in the hospital, had their hearing continued to Dec. 15.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case, Holds Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial and held the defendant at DC Jail.

Jacobi Williams, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Phillip Roache on the 7000 block of Blair Road, NW on Sept. 17.

Judge Juliet McKenna ruled that the case had probable cause, citing footage from multiple surveillance cameras at the scene that captured the shooting as well as Williams’ car, which was less than a block from the scene.

During the Dec. 15 hearing, the prosecutor showed surveillance footage from the gas station where the shooting occurred and from a convenience store that Williams visited before the shooting, along with several photographs of Williams’ car and items recovered from the car.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case said surveillance footage from the scene shows a man wearing a black hoodie, light colored two-toned shoes, black pants with an emblem near the left thigh and two light colored bracelets on each of his wrists.

She described the path the man took around the corner of the gas station before walking up to the victim while he pumped gas into his car. When the man walked up to the victim, he pulled out a silver pistol and began firing it at the victim.

Then, the man can be seen walking back to the gas station, entering the victim’s car and leaving the scene.

A grey Mitsubishi was found near the crime scene when responding officers canvassed the area. The detective explained that when an officer went down the street, he noticed that only one of the parked cars had no raindrops on the windshield. The detective testified that it was raining on the night of the incident and the absence of water on the windshield indicated that the car had been used recently.

Photographs of the grey car’s contents showed two receipts from Pizza Hut and a 7-Eleven in Waldorf, Md., along with a large drink purchased at the 7-Eleven. According to the detective’s testimony, DNA matching Williams was found on both the receipts and drink. The tags on the grey car also came back to Williams; however, they did not match that specific grey Mitsubishi.

The prosecutor also showed surveillance footage from the 7-Eleven store in Waldorf. According to the detective’s testimony, the defendant could be seen walking into the store with similar black pants with a white emblem on the left thigh and similar light-colored two-toned shoes. While she acknowledged that Williams was not wearing the black hoodie, he was wearing two light-colored wrist bands in the 7-Eleven.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Marnitta King asked the detective if she knew about the other person who was injured in the shooting. The detective said, the other victim was on the bottom floor of an apartment across the street from the gas station and was grazed by a bullet.

King also asked the detective if she had seen the facial features of the man who shot the victim from the surveillance footage. According to the detective’s testimony, she had not seen the facial features of the shooter but was able to see the man’s complexion. She said the shooter’s complexion was of a light shade and matched the complexion of the defendant.

King argued that there was clearly a shooting, but the only description of the shooter comes from his clothing, which isn’t identical to the clothes that Williams can be seen wearing hours before the murder. She said all of the prosecutor’s information is from second-hand sources and not a single eyewitness identified the shooter as Williams.

After Judge McKenna found probable cause, King requested her client’s release into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). She argued that Williams is clearly not a danger to the community, pointing out how he is attending classes at the University of the District of Columbia, maintaining employment and caring for his family.

The prosecutor asked Judge McKenna to hold Williams, arguing that Williams has a lengthy criminal record, including an assault with a dangerous weapon charge, for which the defendant was on pretrial release at the time of the shooting. Additionally, Williams was convicted of an attempt to elude police charge from Prince Georges County, MD., which he was on probation for until the probation was terminated as unsuccessful.

“I am not prepared to release him due to his substantial criminal history, with a pending case that involves a firearm,” said Judge McKenna.

Williams’ next hearing is scheduled for June 2.

John Sullivan wrote this article

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