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Convicted Homicide Defendant found Competent Following Alleged Hospital Escape

During a Feb. 12 hearing that comes over five months after a convicted homicide defendant allegedly escaped St. Elizabeths Hospital, a DC Superior Court judge concluded that the defendant is competent in both the homicide case and the new one he has since picked up.

Judge Michael Ryan made the ruling after reviewing a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report, which states that defendant Bernard Coleman III is “intentionally producing symptoms of mental illness”.

In 2017, Coleman pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting his father, Bernard Coleman Jr., in the back of the head while he was sleeping in March 2017. 

The 27-year-old was awaiting sentencing at the hospital when, on Oct. 3,  he allegedly escaped. Coleman was apprehended five days later after he and another suspect allegedly robbed a man, tasered him, stabbed his hands and left him handcuffed in a basement for three hours on the 400 block of Chaplin Street, SE. He’s now facing armed kidnapping charges.

Coleman was also found competent by a preliminary screening that was conducted after he was appended. But during a hearing last December, the defense, who had requested the screening, objected to its findings and requested a full competency exam. 

When the full examination found the defendant to be competent, defense attorneys Dominique Winters and Janai Reed said they will conduct an independent forensic exam and present the findings at the next observation hearing, which Judge Michael Ryan scheduled for March 26.

In the meantime,  Coleman will remain held at DC Jail.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to Serve Over 4 Years in Prison

A defendant said he has accepted responsibility for his actions while being sentenced for assault with a dangerous weapon.

During an impact statement, the victim called Dwaune Houston “emotionally destroyed and “a menace to society.” Yet, she said she forgives him and wishes him the best. She said she just wants him out of her life.

“I can’t stop thinking that I could be dead, all for his own selfish reasons,” the victim said. 

Houston entered a guilty plea in November. He admitted to firing nine shots at the victim, who was with her partner and children at the time.

The prosecution requested that the defendant serve six years, with placement into a domestic violence intervention program and a stay away, no contact order that includes any contact from third parties.

The prosecutor said Houston has failed to comply with the current stay away orders and continues to contact the victim from jail. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley said the defendant took immediate responsibility for his actions very early on, showing incredible insight with what he wants to do with his life. 

“Houston went through a rough childhood where he experienced a lot of neglect growing up,” said Mosley.

The judge pointed out that Houston committed the assault despite the fact that he was on probation, going to the extent of taking off his surveillance monitor.

“It was because of pure luck that there were no injuries, but there was clear intent of malice on behalf of Mr. Houston,” said DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman. 

Judge Edelman noted that there is a history of domestic violence between Houston and the victim. He also said Houston has a substantial criminal history, with an escalating pattern of malicious acts. 

“I don’t know if he is a menace to society, but he certainly is a menace to the victim,” said Judge Edelman before sentencing Houston. 

Houston was sentenced to the 52 months of incarceration with 3 years of supervised release. 

Conditions of Houston’s release include obtaining his GED, taking part in a mental health assessment and treatment and a domestic violence intervention program as deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.) 

Judge Edelman also ordered a no contact stay away order from the victim, that includes third parties. 

The defendant must register as a gun offender within 48 hours of release, and must remain registered for two years after probation. 

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

This article was written by Adriana Montes

Judge Plans Evidentiary Hearing for Post-Conviction Double Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a motion hearing to determine the length of time needed for evidentiary hearings in a murder case involving the death of two siblings in 2013. 

In 2014, a jury convicted Kevin Walker of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for the fatal shooting of Jamie Jenkins, 28, and Jamahl Jenkins, 21, on the 5300 block of East Capitol St, NE on July 20, 2013, according to a press release by the U.S District Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 

Judge Russell Cann sentenced the defendant to a total of 80 years. 

In Jan. 2018, the defendant motioned for a new trial on his own behalf. Later that year, he made another pro-se motion to “to vacate, set aside or correct sentence,” in accordance with DC Code, alleging ineffective evidence of counsel. 

In 2019, Walker’s current attorney, Bruce Cooper, filed a motion on his client’s behalf. 

The defense counsel said he estimates that two witnesses will be called in favor of the defendant. The prosecutor plans to call one to two witnesses.

Judge William Nooter set aside April 9, 16 and 23 for the proceedings.

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

Judge Holds Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge decided to continue holding a defendant accused of pointing a gun at the victim.

There were no reported injuries from the alleged incident. The defendant is charged with a felony for assault with a dangerous weapon in a domestic violence case.

Defense attorney Charles Murdter asked  DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan to release his client into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

Murdter pointed out that the defendant is under 21, and this is his first encounter with law enforcement. He also said his client has underlying mental health issues.

Murdter said that the better course for the court is for the defendant to stay with his family and have him under the special supervision unit to be given the appropriate mental health treatment.

Even though Murdter said the defendant’s relative indicated she would be willing to take him in, she declined to do so when a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative spoke to her on the phone during the hearing.

Judge Nolan decided to continue holding the defendant. 

The defendant’s next status hearing is set for March 10.

This article was written by Adriana Montes

Document: Man Fatally Stabbed, Suspect Arrested

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that happened on Feb. 12.

At around 12:39 a.m., officers responded to the 2100 block of 36th Place, SE for the report of a stabbing, according to a press release.

There, they found 24 year-old Aaron Smith on a sidewalk, suffering from a stab wound. He was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigation at the scene led detectives to a residence on this block. Officers entered the residence and found 60 year-old Edward Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Detectives’ investigation identified Aaron Smith as their suspect. Officers arrested him for second-degree murder while armed.

“The detectives’ investigation also revealed that this offense was domestic in nature,” the press release states.

Crime Alerts: February 11-12

Between 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 11 and 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 12, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:00 a.m. for an armed robbery investigation on the 1300 block of Shepherd Street, NW. Police are looking for two Black male suspects. The first suspect has a light complexion, 5’5″ in height, 145 pounds, wearing a black ski mask, black trench coat and armed with a handgun. The second suspect is about 130 pounds with a slim build. They were last seen heading south on 13th Street, NW.

An alert for a robbery investigation at the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Summit Place, NE was sent at 1:33 a.m. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

The final alert was sent at 12:52 a.m. for a stabbing on the 2100 block of 36th Place, SE. The police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Felony Sex Abuse Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor per Plea Deal

An 18-year-old defendant initially charged with third-degree sex abuse pleaded down to two counts of misdemeanor sex abuse and was released from jail.

The offenses occurred last year on Sept. 5 and 10, 2020, on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE and the 1400 block of Morris Road, SE. Darnell Peoples  was seen on various surveillance cameras following the victims in public areas prior to the assaults, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced the defendant to 100 days with credit for time served, followed by two years of probation. The conditions of the probation include a mental health assessment, participation in an employment or academic program and a stay away no contact order. He must also pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund for each charge. 

The defendant was held since last October and is receiving credit for time served, Peoples is scheduled to be released on Feb 11.

The prosecution requested that, due to the defendant’s multiple attacks in a short period of time, he received consecutive sentences of 180 days, the maximum penalty, for each victim.

During their impact statements, victims expressed  the fear and trauma they endured, requesting the maximum sentence.

Defense attorney Angela Buckner said the defendant recently struggled with depression and emotional issues related to multiple deaths in his family, and although there were three attacks in a few days, it was an isolated incident. 

The defense asked Judge Judith Smith to sentence the defendant under the  Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) due to his young age and lack of a criminal record.

Judge Smith said that, due to the alarming repeated offenses in a short period of time and video revealing intentional assault against victims, the defendant will not be sentenced under the YRA. However, the judge recommended that the defendant complete his probationary terms and apply for the  sentence to be under the YRA  allowing him to seek the benefit later if he is successful with his probation.

Murder Prelim Cut Short by COVID Complications

A DC Superior Court judge continued a Feb. 11 preliminary hearing for a murder case after defense counsel was informed that a member of their team possibly has COVID-19. 

Kevin Goggins is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on the 1600 block of W Street SE on Oct. 9, 2020.

During the hearing, defense attorney Kevann Gardner asked a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective about his conversations with a former detective. Gardner said that the text conversation, where the former detective identifies Goggins , was never received by the prosecution or defense counsel. 

Gardner said he considers the identification of Goggins problematic and wants to see what the former detective said to the testifying detective when they identified the defendant.

Gardner said it is difficult for him to proceed without seeing those text messages, which he says are crucial to the case. 

Judge Danya Dayson told the testifying detective to look over the conversations regarding the case and ensure that they are submitted. 

The judge ended the hearing early after the defense learned about the COVID-19 situation in order to to ensure the safety of all of those present.

The defense counsel plans to have the detective finish his testimony when proceedings pick back up on Feb. 17.

Gardner said he plans on calling other witnesses, including the former detective, who both the prosecution and the defense have had a difficult time reaching. 

A status hearing is scheduled for Feb. 16 to discuss COVID-19 results.

Murder Case has Substantial Probability, Judge Says

On Feb. 10, a D.C. Superior Court judge said a murder case has substantial probability. 

Twenty-six-year-old George Miller is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Elias Flores, 48, on Nov. 18 on the 1600 block of Olive Street, NE.

During the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective discussed surveillance footage of a person alleged to be Miller biking around the area of the shooting minutes before and after it occurred.

The detective also said that an anonymous 911 caller left a tip, saying Miller was the shooter. The MPD officer said multiple witnesses and surveillance footage confirmed the presence of the suspect around the area of the incident wearing a distinct uniform, which matched the uniform Miller wore at his job.  

The defendant’s lawyer, Dana Page argued that her client should be released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

However, Judge Robert Okun concluded that, due to the severity of the case, the defendant will remain held until trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 15.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Document: Decedent Identified in Traffic Fatality

After withholding his identity pending next of kin notification, The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the victim of a Feb. 7 traffic fatality as 42 year-old Sean Burgess.

According to a press release, at around 8:28 p.m. that day, officers responded to the location of the crash for the report of a pedestrian struck.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle was traveling eastbound in the 1800 block of E Street, NW when it struck a pedestrian, outside of a marked crosswalk.

The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

Judge Holds Defendant Charged in February 6 Murder During Initial Hearings

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe heard a total of five domestic violence cases and one murder case during initial hearings on Feb. 10.

Judge Pipe held Keith Hudson, 25, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 30-year-old Isaiah Glover in the head on Feb. 6.The incident took place on the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

According to a police report, the suspect in this case, believed to be Hudson, is seen in video footage following Glover in his car before parking and exiting the vehicle. The suspect then followed Glover into an alley and shot at him twice, with one bullet striking him in the head.

Judge Pipe ordered that Hudson be held at the DC jail pending his next hearing, which is scheduled for March 3.

Five domestic violence cases were also presented before Judge Pipe.

The defendants in these cases have charges including simple assault, obstruction of justice, indecent exposure, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted threats to do bodily harm and violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO).

Four of the defendants were ordered to stay away from either the victim, the location of the incident or both. The final defendant was ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

All five of the defendants were ordered to return to court on July 14.

Homicides Rise in January

The homicide count in DC rose by 38 percent with a majority of the homicides resulting from gun-related incident.

There were 18 homicides in January with 15 of those homicides resulting from shootings.

The ward with the most homicides in January was Ward 8, which showed a 100% increase in from December with 8 homicides.

In addition to the fatal shootings in January, there were also two deaths related to trauma and one strangulation. One of the homicides involved domestic violence.

Police arrested nine suspects in connection to the homicides, including:

Police are still looking for 36-year-old Jonathan Young who allegedly shot 22-year-old Dewayne Shorter, III on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE on Jan. 26.

Crime Alerts: February 10-11

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 11.

The most recent alert was sent at 3:11 a.m. for a stabbing investigation on the 2400 block of Market Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

An alert for a shooting investigation on the 3100 block of Channing Street, NE was sent at 11:03 p.m.

The final alert was sent at 10:25 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1500 block of Otis Street, NE. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is wearing a winter coat, white tennis shoes and armed with a dark-colored handgun.

If anyone has information about these events, do not take action but call 911.

Judge Denies Domestic Violence Defendant’s Release Request

A DC Superior Court judge denied a defendant’s request for release or placement into an inpatient drug treatment program. 

The defendant is charged with felony first-degree child sex abuse and simple assault of a 15-year-old victim. The 31-year-old defendant is also charged with simple assault in three other cases.

During the Feb. 10 hearing, the prosecution opposed the defense’s release request, citing the defendant’s repeated noncompliance, bench warrants, and removal of GPS tracking device. 

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey requested an earlier hearing date, but Judge Juliet McKenna said the defendant was ineligible for an earlier date.

Judge McKenna requested that the prosecution provide Harvey with a single plea for all three of the misdemeanor simple assault cases.

The next hearing is set for July 26.