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Judge Finds Murder Defendant Is In Compliance With Pretrial Release Conditions

A murder defendant was determined to be in compliance with his pretrial release conditions on Dec. 8. 

Dohn Harmon is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on July 1 on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE. 

Harmon, 21, is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

A notice of noncompliance was filed on Dec. 4, according to DC Courts. However, according to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Harmon is in compliance with his conditions. 

During a preliminary hearing on Nov. 23, a judge said Harmon’s case has enough evidence to go to trial. However, due to the defendant’s clean record, he was released. 

Judge Jonathan Pittman did not schedule another hearing as the case is pending action from a grand jury.

In person juries are not currently happening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Document: Suspects Sought for Armed Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s help locating suspects of an armed robbery that happened on Dec. 4.

At around 2:00 p.m., the victim met up with the suspects using the app “Offer Up” to conduct a transaction, on the 2500 block of Sayles Place, SE, according to a press release. One of the suspects took out a handgun and demanded property. A bystander intervened and the suspects fled the scene without obtaining property.

The suspects were captured by a surveillance camera.

“As a reminder, citizens are encouraged to use the Safe Exchange Zones when conducting in-person transactions using online applications such as Craigslist and Offer Up,” the press release stated.

More information is available here: http://mpdc.dc.gov/release/mpd-exchange-zone-locations-reminder

Document: Police Seek Robbery Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are seeking a suspect in connection to a robbery that occurred on Dec. 4.

At around 11:39 a.m., the suspect snatched property from the victim on the 5100 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Two bystanders helped the victim obtain the property from the suspect before he fled the scene.

Document: Homicide in Washington Highlands

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on the morning of Dec. 7.

At around 9:23 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE for the report of a man down.

There, they found 30-year-old Anthony Orr suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Crime Alerts: December 7-8

Between 12 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 12:05 p.m. for a confirmed stabbing on the 3100 block of Berry Road, NE. The offense is believed to be domestic in nature, and the police have a suspect in custody.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 14 Months for Assault and Gun Charges

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 14 months for assault and firearm charges. 

Travon Hungerford, 26, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, his other misdemeanor case, in which he was charged with unlawful entry, was dismissed. Hungerford’s original assault charge was also reduced to an attempted assault charge.

According to court documents, on Feb. 29, Hungerford was seen walking out of the store with items that he had stolen. When confronted by a security officer, Hungerford turned around and punched the officer in the face. The two engaged in a physical altercation which resulted in the officer’s handgun to fall out of its holster, leading Hungerford to pick it up and point it at him. Hungerford dropped the gun as the altercation continued and fled the scene.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Hungerford to serve 14 months for each charge. The sentences will run concurrently. 

After he serves his sentence, he is also required to serve 18 months on supervised probation.

The conditions of his probation include a stay away order, mental health evaluation, transfer to a mental health community court, participation in a GED program, participation in substance abuse treatment, referral to a mentor and grief counseling.

Hungerford will also pay $100  to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund for each charge.

Co-Defendants Sentenced for Robbery and Assault Charges

Two co-defendants were sentenced for assault and robbery charges on Dec. 7.

Tayshun Price, 19, and Jabria Gray, 20, were originally charged with assault with intent to commit armed robbery. Price pleaded down to assault with a dangerous weapon and Gray pleaded down to attempted robbery.

The incident occurred on May 12. According to court documents, Gray can be seen in video surveillance footage asking the store clerk to assist her with the ATM inside when Price approaches the two with a handgun leading the clerk towards the cash register.

During the incident, Price can be seen striking the clerk in the face with the pistol causing him to bleed from his head and have to leave work for an extended period of time.

Both defendants were sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which will effectively seal their cases once they complete their sentences.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Gray to one year, fully suspended, plus nine months of probation. She sentenced Price to three years, all but six months of which were suspended, plus two years of probation. 

Gray’s probation requirements include completing a mental health screening, participating in grief counseling and doing 90 hours of community service.

Price was also sentenced for attempted robbery in another case, in which he pleaded down from his original charge of armed robbery. In this case, he was sentenced to 18 months, all but six of which were suspended, plus two years of probation.

As conditions of his probations, Price must participate in substance abuse assessments, complete a mental health screening, take part in mentoring services, complete courses towards receiving his GED, seek or maintain employment if he’s not in school, do 90 hours of community service and comply with a stay away order.

The two must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes fund (VVC) for each charge.

Judge Continues Sex Abuse and Kidnapping Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a status hearing for a defendant who is charged with first-degree sex abuse and kidnapping.

The 41-year-old defendant allegedly kidnapped and raped a victim in the back of a liquor store parking lot in the University Heights neighborhood on May 6. 

The defendant is also on probation for assault with significant bodily injury in a felony domestic violence case, which is now trailing his other case. 

Parties are currently in ongoing plea negotiations. 

Defense attorney Matthew Davies asked Judge Rainey Brandt to continue the Dec. 7 status hearing. Judge Brandt scheduled the defendant’s next court appearance for Jan. 19. 


Judge Holds 6 Defendants During Initial Hearings Over the Weekend

A DC Superior Court Judge held six defendants and released 21 during initial hearings on Dec. 5. 

Tyra Anderson is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children in one case in addition to being a fugitive from justice in another case. Anderson, 27, allegedly hit and threw her 11-month-old child, Makenzie, against a nightstand on Feb. 6 on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE. The child was taken to the hospital, where she later died from non-accidental head trauma. 

Anderson’s attorney, Pierce Suen, requested she be released on GPS monitoring, arguing that there are conditions in which the defendant can be released without being a danger to the community. 

The prosecution said the defendant also has a warrant status in a separate case in Virginia, two convictions for assault and prison breach. 

Judge Errol Arthur held Anderson in the felony murder and first-degree child cruelty case but released her in the fugitive case. Anderson will be held at DC jail until her next hearing on Dec. 24. 

Among those held is Cotey Wynn, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to court documents, on the evening of Feb. 17, 2017,  Wynn, 39, allegedly shot Eric Wright on the 900 block of 12th Street, NW. Wright, 53, was transported to the hospital, where he later died from a gunshot wound to the chest. 

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was able to identify Wynn as their suspect three years later after a witness came forward who was able to identify the defendant from video footage. 

Suen asked the judge not to find probable cause based on the fact that it was a single identification. 

“Considering how long it has taken for witness four to make a disclosure and identification is not credible, and you should not hold him,” Suen said.

Judge Arthur denied his request and held Wynn without bail. Wynn’s next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

A defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping and threat to kidnap or injure a person. Defense attorney Gregg Baron spoke on behalf of the defendant, requesting that he be released due to the fact that the victim recants their original testimony. 

The prosecution rebutted Baron’s argument, saying there are text messages and a second witness account that corroborate everything in the original affidavit. The prosecution also requested that the defendant be held due to the seriousness of the crime.

Judge Arthur found probable cause and granted the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant until his next hearing on Dec. 24. 

Kemoni Shakir Ware is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly carrying around a firearm at the McKinley Technology High School in Northeast, DC on the evening of Dec. 4. The prosecution requested that Ware, 21, be detained since he has a prior firearm conviction.

Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request to hold Ware without bail. His  next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

Judge Arthur also held Devon Anderson, who is charged with first-degree burglary while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. 

According to court documents, on the morning of Dec. 5, MPD arrived at the 1300 block of Vermont Avenue, NW after receiving a call from a victim asking for help. Upon arrival, MPD officers allegedly saw Anderson, 33, drop an item and flee from the scene. Officers chased Anderson and were eventually able to apprehend him. 

Anderson will be held at DC Jail until his next hearing on Dec. 24.

The judge also held Anthrone Cabos, who is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. 

On June 28, Cabos, 23, allegedly shot and wounded a victim on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE. The victim was taken to the hospital, where they received treatment for their injuries. Cabos is being held at DC jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

Four defendants with domestic violence-related misdemeanors were released. All four defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims and places of the alleged incidents. The defendants were also ordered to return to court on May 10, 2021.

Judge Arthur released eight additional defendants charged with misdemeanors. Some of those charges include GPS tampering, simple assault, destruction of property, attempted threats to do bodily harm, second-degree theft, a probation violation and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. All eight defendants were issued stay-away orders from victims or places of the alleged incidents and required to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They are all scheduled to appear in court on May 10, 2021. 

Five defendants with felony charges were released. Some of those charges are failure to register as a sex offender, possession of a controlled substance, GPS tampering and burglary. The defendants are required to report to PSA.

Judge Arthur released two defendants charged with being fugitives from the states of Maryland and Virginia. The defendants had outstanding bench warrants and were released on the condition that they resolve the warrant with the demanding jurisdiction. 

One defendant charged with a DUI was released. They are ordered to return to court May 10, 2021.

, Judge Arthur released a defendant who was brought to court on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing.

Five defendants had their charges dropped by the prosecution. 

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 3 Years for Firearms Charges

A DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a defendant to three years for two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

“I apologize for the decisions I made strictly for safety purposes,” said Medhane Tedese during the Dec. 7 hearing. “It’s been hard at times to depend on law enforcement. I take full responsibility and will serve any time you think fits.” 

According to the cases’ gernsteins, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found a firearm on Tedese, 28, on July 4 while patting him down. Ten days later, they found a 9mm semi-automatic gun in his bedroom.

The prosecution requested that Tedese be incarcerated for 18 months for his first case and 21 months for his second case.

“We are asking for a higher sentencing in the second case due to the fact that it was a reoffense,” the prosecutor said. 

Defense attorney Colleen Archer asked that Tedese be sentenced to 15 months in both cases. Archer pointed out that the defendant did not brandish his firearm or threaten anyone with it.

He also said Tedese was in complete compliance with the MPD when they searched his home and took full responsibility for his actions. 

Tedese’s sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. 

Emily Pengelly wrote this article. 

Document: Suspects Sought for Assault With Intent to Commit Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking two suspects in relation to an assault with intent to commit robbery offense that occurred on Dec. 6.

At approximately 11:24 a.m., the suspects approached the victim, who was sitting in his vehicle, on the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

The first suspect entered the vehicle, and then both suspects demanded property from the victim. When the victim refused to comply, the first suspect assaulted the victim by shooting him with a handgun.

The suspects fled the scene without obtaining any property, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The suspects can be seen in the photos below from the police press release.

Document: Homicide in park View Neighborhood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide that happened on the evening on Dec. 3.

At around 8:02 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of Morton Street, NW for the report of a traffic accident.

There, they found 25 year-old Devonte Wilson inside a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was taken to a hospital. He died the next day.

Document: Police Make Homicide Arrests on Dec. 4 and 7

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made arrests in connection with two homicides: one that happened on Dec. 6 and another that happened back in 2017.

On Dec. 7, police arrested a 15 year-old male in connection with a homicide that happened the previous day.

At around 10:02 p.m., officers responded to the 2300 block of Hartford Street, SE for the report of a shooting. There, they found 20 year-old Nathaniel Ford in a hallway, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The detectives’ investigation revealed that two suspects approached the decedent and fired shots, according to a press release. Special Police Officers heard the gunshots and saw the suspects fleeing the scene armed with handguns. While they were fleeing the scene, there was an exchange of gunfire between one of the suspects and a Special Police Officer. 

Shortly after, officers found a juvenile male on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, suffering from a gunshot wound that police believe he sustained as a result of the Special Police Officer discharging their firearm. He was taken to a hospital and arrested for first-degree murder while armed.

The case remains under investigation.

On Dec. 4, 39 year-old Cotey Wynn was arrested for second-degree murder while armed in connection with a homicide that happened on Feb. 17. 2017.

At around 9:21 p.m. that day, officers responded to the 900 block of 12th Street, NE for the report of the sound of gunshots. There, they found 53-year-old Eric Linnair Wright suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Wynn has a prior arrest history that includes felony murder, first-degree murder, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and distribution of a controlled substance. At the time of his arrest, Wynn was under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)


Document: Arrests Made for Armed Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested two suspects for an armed burglary that occurred on Dec. 4.

At around 11:24 p.m., the suspects broke into an occupied residence on the 1300 block of Vermont Avenue, NW. One of the suspects assaulted the victim and demanded property. The suspects took property before fleeing the scene.

Two suspects, a 33 year-old and a 28 year-old were arrested. The first suspect was charged with first-degree burglary while armed (gun), assault with a dangerous weapon (gun), felon in possession, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and assault on a police officer.

The second suspect was charged with first-degree burglary while armed (gun).