Judge Sentences Homeless Defendant to 4 Years in Prison

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a homeless defendant to serve a total of four years for robbery and assault charges.

On June 24, 2020, 61-year-old Alonzo Hebron physically assaulted a homeless woman who was sleeping on the steps of a church on the 1500 block of 16th Street, NW. When the victim woke up in the hospital she had no memory of the incident, however, the assault was captured on a church surveillance camera.

The defendant was initially charged with robbery, aggravated assault knowingly and assault with intent to commit third-degree sex abuse. The defendant pleaded guilty to attempt to commit robbery and assault with significant bodily injury after agreeing to a plea deal from the prosecution.

During the Feb. 10 hearing, the prosecutor read an impact statement from the victim, which stated that the defendant has “no respect for human life.” The victim requested the maximum penalty.

“I deeply apologize for what I’ve done,” Hebron said. “Maybe she can forgive me.”

Judge Neal Kravitz called the video footage of the crime “chilling” and sentenced the defendant to serve 24 months for each charge, with the sentences running consecutively. Hebron will receive credit for time served, and his sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.

Judge Kravitz also recommended that Hebron receive mental health treatment in prison.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Judge Sets Another Preliminary Hearing for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled another hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Mohamed Goodwin , 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting of 25-year-old Devonte Wilson. On Dec. 3, 2020, Wilson was found in a vehicle on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW, suffering from a gunshot wound.

During the Feb. 10 proceeding, Judge Juliet McKenna set a tentative date for the hearing for March 25 and requested that the prosecution confirm this date via email before noon on Feb. 11.

Before the hearing, Goodwin complained that his defense attorney Lee Smith had not met with him in jail, D.C. Witness previously reported. Judge Danya Dayson said that COVID-19 restrictions have hindered visitation protocol, and she does not believe this was a counsel error.

Smith told Judge Milton Lee that he has addressed Goodwin’s concerns and they were prepared to proceed with the hearing.

Homicide Defendant Files to Vacate Conviction

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a homicide defendant’s conviction should be overturned.

In 2014, Cydrisse Alvin was sentenced to serve 35 years for felony murder while armed in the stabbing of 29-year-old Amber Kent.

During the Feb. 10 hearing, parties said they would need about an hour to present their evidence. Defense attorney Jennifer Wicks also said that she was having issues getting time to prepare with her client on a video call.

Alvin is being held at USP Hazelton in West Virginia.

Judge Juliet McKenna said time could be afforded during the hearing, but did not have another solution since COVID-19 restrictions have impacted prison resources. Judge McKenna set two separate hearing dates to allow enough time for parties to present their statements and witnesses.

The hearings are set for May 24 and 26.

On June 4, 2012, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 3000 block of 13th Place, SE to reports of a stabbing. Kent was found suffering from a stab wound after an alleged confrontation with Alvin over pills and money.

Judge Schedules Detention Hearing for Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a detention hearing for a defendant who violated the terms of his pretrial release.

The defendant is charged with simple assault, possession of a controlled substance, attempted second-degree cruelty to children, destruction of property and contempt in two misdemeanor domestic violence cases

During the Feb. 9 status hearing, Judge John McCabe scheduled a detention hearing for March 4 so defense attorney Albert Amissah could have more time to discuss details of his cases with his client.

On Jan. 27, Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a bench warrant for the defendant and ordered him taken into custody after the defendant failed to appear in court.

The defendant was previously sentenced to serve six months followed by two years of probation for assault with a dangerous weapon in a felony domestic violence case.

McKenzie Beard wrote this article.

Defendant on Probation for Sex Abuse Agrees to Outpatient Rehabilitation

A DC Superior Court judge ordered a defendant to attend a rehabilitation support group three times per week in a probation violation case.

Keith Sheppard is currently serving three years on probation for assault with intent to commit third-degree sex abuse and misdemeanor sexual abuse of a minor.

Sheppard, 33, was found to be noncompliant on several occasions.

During the Feb. 10 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt said the defendant has to attend a support group three times a week in order to avoid being placed in an inpatient program.

“If you don’t do this treatment, the only other option is for you to go to in-patient or finish your jail sentence because you can’t comply with the terms of your probation,” said Judge Brandt. “You need to get yourself together.”

Participating in an inpatient program would mean that Sheppard would have to quarantine for a two-week period at DC jail prior to being transferred to a treatment facility.

Sheppard’s next court event is scheduled for March 10.

McKenzie Beard wrote this article.

Defense Expresses Concern, Judge Reschedules Homicide Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a preliminary hearing in a homicide case in light of new GPS and facial recognition evidence.

Darryl Finney, 62, was killed in a fire on May 13. D’Aundrey Scott, 26, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death.

After new evidence surfaced from Scott’s cell phone, the defense attorney told the judge that he was concerned with the evidence.

The attorney asked Judge Milton Lee to reschedule the hearing. Judge Lee agreed to do so.

In addition, Judge Lee asked the prosecution to provide the GPS coordinate information to the defense by the end of the week.

Around 12:36 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 900 block of H Street, NE for the report of a fire. According to court documents, officers used camera footage from the scene and observed the defendant producing “what appears to be a gas can” and igniting some paper in front of 910 H St. NE before fleeing on foot. Investigators could see a fire visible on the porch.

Finney was immediately admitted to a local hospital. He died three days later.

A new preliminary hearing date is scheduled for March 23. The hearing will determine if Scott’s case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Murder Hearing Scheduled to Continue

Feb. 5 marked the first day of a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Twenty-year-old Kevin Goggins is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on Oct. 9, 2020, on the 1600 Block of W Street, SE.

During the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective told the judge about the presence of a stolen Silver Nissan SUV near the apartment complex where the incident took place. Goggins was allegedly later seen entering the vehicle with a second individual. According to DC Courts’ website, it does not appear as if the second individual has been charged in the crime.

The detective said there was a conflict in which the second individual and Goggins were seeking retaliation against an opposing gang, whose members included Dohn Harmon and Jeffcoat, for the death of Kevin’s brother, Kelvin.

Harmon, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Kelvin’s death. Kelvin was 18 years old when he was shot on July 1, 2020, on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.

Due to time constraints, the proceedings did not finish.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the hearing to pick back up on Feb. 11, at which time a defense witness is expected to testify.

Eileen Chen and Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Parties Request Jury Trial for Domestic Violence Case

A DC Superior Court judge encouraged parties in a misdemeanor domestic violence case to continue plea negotiations after they requested a jury trial.

The defendant is charged with simple assault, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer.

The prosecution and defense attorney Santia McLaurin have been negotiating plea offers, which the defendant has rejected.

During the Feb. 8 hearing, Judge Maribeth Raffinan expressed concern about the trial request being granted for this case. Considering the amount of time the defendant has served and that it is a misdemeanor case, Judge Raffinan said she believes that the criminal division will not prioritize this case.

Judge Raffinan suggested that the parties continue plea negotiations while she contacts the criminal division in regards to setting up the jury trial. McLaurin agreed to work on negotiations.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 22.

Judge Holds Murder Defendant During Initial Hearing

During initial hearings on Feb. 9, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe heard 13 new cases.

Of the 13 cases heard, one was a murder defendant and one was a domestic violence defendant.

Ronald Miller is one of the five defendants that Judge Pipe held. Miller, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 28-year-old Tiffany Hardy.

Miller, who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with Hardy, allegedly stabbed her 40 times on Feb. 8 in their apartment on the 1600 block of E Street, NE.

Miller’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, requested that the judge not find probable cause, saying that Miller was clearly responding to Hardy in self defense.

He said his client had multiple stab wounds on his hands, which are consistent with self defense injuries. “Given all of that, it seems to make out a clear case of self defense on the part of Mr. Miller,” Matthews said.

However, the prosecution said Miller had the opportunity to tell the police about a self defense claim when he admitted to killing her, but he allegedly never did.

The judge said she agreed there is possibly a self defense claim since Hardy allegedly stabbed Miller first, but she said it is clear he used excessive force given the amount of stab wounds found on Hardy.

Judge Pipe ultimately decided to hold Miller since he has an aggravated assault conviction in DC and has a warrant out for his arrest in Virginia. Miller will be held until his next hearing, which is scheduled for March 3.

One additional domestic violence case was heard involving simple assault. The defendant, an adult woman, has no prior criminal history and was released with an order to stay away from the alleged victim and the location of the incident.

She is scheduled to return to court on July 13.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that happened on the afternoon of Feb. 6.

At around 2:44 p.m., officers responded to the the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE for the report of a shooting.

There, they found 30 year-old Isaiah Glover suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Keith Hudson, 25, was arrested for first-degree murder while armed on Feb. 9.

Judge Continues Probation Hearing for Manslaughter Convict

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo continued a Feb. 9 probation hearing for a convicted manslaughter defendant.

James Yarborough is serving five years on probation for voluntary manslaughter in the shooting of Edward Crockett Jr. on the 2000 block of Langston Place, SE in 2000.

According to court documents, Yarborough and another unnamed person were selling drugs near the scene of the crime. Apparently, while Crockett, 50, was trying to buy cocaine, Yarborough attempted to rob him and shot him in the head.

Yarborough, 40, was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison.

At the request of defense attorney Stuart Johnson, Judge Demeo continued the hearing to trail another case that the defendant picked up. In that case, he is awaiting sentencing on Feb. 26 for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The next probation show cause hearing is set for March 10.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant under Youth Act

A defendant said he has accepted responsibility for his actions as he was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) in two cases on Feb. 9..

Michael Moore pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in a felony case. As part of a plea deal, the prosecution dropped his other charges of tampering with physical evidence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Moore also pleaded guilty to charges in his misdemeanor domestic violence case. He pleaded guilty to contempt in exchange for the prosecution dropping his other charge of attempted threats to do bodily harm. His other misdemeanor domestic violence case, in which he was charged with contempt, unlawful entry, destruction of property and second-degree theft, was dismissed per the plea deal.

Defense attorney Brett Cohen said his client had underlying mental health issues and asked DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker to put him on probation so he could focus on these issues.

Judge Becker said that Moore has already been held for the domestic violence case for more than 180 days; therefore, she can only sentence him to time served for the contempt charge.

For the pistol charge, Judge Becker sentenced the defendant to one year, suspending all of the sentence save for the time he has already served, plus one year of probation.

Conditions of Moore’s probation include taking part in substance abuse assessment and treatment, mental health assessment and treatment and a domestic violence intervention program as deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

The defendant is required to attend employment readiness sessions, and or obtain employment.

The defendant must also register as a gun offender within 48 hours of release. the defendant must remain registered 2 years after probation.

Moore must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund for the pistol charge and $50 for the contempt charge.

Because he was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.

“I’m sorry for whatever happened to the victim and it won’t happen again. I do need help,” said Moore.

A probation review hearing is set for April 7.

Judge Continues Hearing for DNA Testing

A DC Superior Court judge continued a homicide hearing to allow time for a DNA testing order to be submitted and executed.

Barbara Sanders is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the fatal stabbing of Thurman Knight.

During the Feb. 9 proceedings, defense attorney Matthew Davies said the defense will be testing physical evidence in the case and will send the order over shortly.

Sanders, 55, is being held at a halfway house and undergoing medical treatment at a local hospital. A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative said Sanders has been compliant in checking in daily, with the exception of one missed day.

The prosecution told the judge that Sanders should be under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) instead of general supervision.

However, Judge Neal Kravitz said Sanders is unable to be on HISP or wear a GPS bracelet for medical reasons. Even though Sanders is under general supervision, she was assigned a curfew as precaution.

On March 17, 2019, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of a stabbing at 500 block of Montana Avenue, NE. Knight was found conscious lying in a yard with a stab wound to chest and was pronounced dead at nearby hospital.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for April 12.

Judge Reschedules Probation Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a probation show cause hearing after a defense attorney asked for more time to speak with his client.

The defendant was sentenced to probation for attempted threats to do bodily harm in one case and simple assault in another back in June 2020. The defendant allegedly violated probation the following month and then, in August, picked up a new case for simple assault, contempt and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

All three of the cases are misdemeanors. The defendant’s newer case as well as a previous one were domestic violence matters.

On Feb. 9, defense attorney Jessie Winograd told the court that he has been unable to properly communicate with the defendant, who is currently being held at a DC jail for other charges. According to Winograd, his client is unable to access a third-story room wherein video conferences are held at the correctional facility due to medical complications.

Winograd said the jail has failed to make accommodations for his client.

As a result, Judge John McCabe allowed Winograd to consult with the defendant via Webex in a remote courtroom off the record.

Judge McCabe scheduled the defendant’s next day in court for March 2.

McKenzie Beard wrote this article.

Global Plea Deal Available in Domestic Violence Case

A defense attorney in a domestic violence case said his client has recently expressed interest in a plea deal that would resolve multiple open cases.

The defendant is charged with felony contempt and threat to injure or kidnap a person.

He also has four open misdemeanor cases, three of which are domestic violence matters.

During the Feb. 9 hearing, defense attorney Anthony Viviani said he believes all five cases are jury demandable, but hopes the cases can be resolved with a plea.

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna continued the Feb. 9 status hearing to May 4 pending a determination as to whether the case will go to trial or be resolved with a plea.

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