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For the last five years, D.C. Witness has tracked and told the stories of every homicide in Washington, DC, covering more than a 1100 victims and cases.

Over the years, we have been asked to cover other categories of crime.

And, since the start of the year, we have been exploring what kinds of cases to add.

We are proud to announce that when DC Court resumes at a more normalized schedule, we will begin following cases of domestic abuse and sexual assault in addition to homicide.

And the numbers there are startling. In October, D.C. Witness data shows that there were initial hearings for approximately 160 cases within those three categories.

But expanding coverage needs greater resources.

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Judge Sentences Man to 2 Years for Attempted Robbery

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a man to two years for attempted robbery.

Antonio McCoy, 41, was originally charged with robbery, but he pleaded down to attempted robbery back in September. McCoy is convicted of covering the victim’s mouth and stealing her purse before fleeing the scene and being apprehended by police shortly after.

“Every time I put on a mask I’m reminded of his hands covering my mouth,” the victim said during the Nov. 30 hearing. “And my desperation to catch another breath.”

Judge Michael O’Keefe imposed the maximum sentence due to McCoy’s lengthy criminal history of 36 arrests and 11 convictions.

McCoy’s sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. He will have to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

“Mr. McCoy, as afraid as I was that morning I knew at least for the briefest of moments that you were more scared of me than I was of you,” the victim said. “You let go of me because I was stronger than you, you ran away because you knew you were in trouble, and you got caught because I am smarter than you.”

Document: Suspects Sought for Burglary Offense

Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are seeking two suspects who are believed to have been involved in a burglary.

On Nov. 26, at approximately 3 a.m. the suspects allegedly broke into an establishment on the 1500 block of 17^th Street, NW. After allegedly stealing property from inside, they fled the scene.

MPD included a link to a video where the suspects can be seen:

Anyone who can identify these individuals or who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. Crime Solvers of Washington, DC currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: Arrest Made in Attempted Unarmed Bank Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives and the FBI violent crimes task force arrested a suspect for an attempted unarmed bank robbery that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Nov. 27.

At approximately 11:16 a.m., the suspect entered the Bank of America on Minnesota Avenue. The suspect passed a note to a bank employee demanding US currency but was unsuccessful. The suspect was arrested by responding officers.

The suspect has been identified as Angela Watson, a 26 year-old resident of southeast DC.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Multiple Robbery Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest for a suspect in multiple robbery offenses from Nov. 28 in the District of Columbia.

A 21-year-old male, who is a resident of Southeast, DC, was arrested on Nov. 28 in connection to these robberies.

Two suspects approached a victim, forcefully took the victim’s property and fled the scene at approximately 12:01 p.m. on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

Minutes later the suspects forcefully snatched another victim’s property and fled the scene on the 1600 block of T Street, NW.

Minutes after that the suspects once again forcefully snatched another victim’s property and fled on the 1800 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW.

These cases remains under investigation.

Anyone who has knowledge of these incidents should take no action but call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case

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

Knico Wheaton, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 41-year-old Tavon Cox on Jan. 11 on the 700 block of 24th Street, NW.

During the Nov. 30 hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) assistant detective, who worked on the case, said he identified the defendant based on GPS data, surveillance footage, anonymous tips and eyewitness accounts.

The detective said that when he first arrived on the scene, Cox was still conscious and was able to tell detectives that it was a drug deal gone wrong. However, Cox didn’t know who shot him.

A witness, who was with Cox at the time of the shooting, said a drug deal was set up using Instagram messaging. The witness and Cox drove to the location and met with the two buyers.

During the deal, one of the buyers pulled out a firearm and started shooting, the witness said.

The prosecution later showed photos of an Instagram message exchange between Wheaton and Cox setting up the drug deal.

During cross-examination, defense attorney David Richter asked the detective if the other buyer, who was allegedly with Wheaton during the drug deal, was the one who shot Cox.

The detective said there was no gun found on the other buyer when officers searched his house, but the weapon they found at Wheaton’s residence was the same firearm that was used in the shooting.

Judge Michael Ryan ultimately decided that the case has enough evidence to go to trial.

“I believe there is substantial probability based on the evidence that was shown in court,” he said.

Wheaton’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 29. He is being held at DC Jail without bail.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect of Sex Abuse Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for misdemeanor sex abuse, attempted misdemeanor sex abuse and simple assault.

The alleged offenses occurred on Nov. 27 between 10:59 a.m. and 2:18 p.m.

The suspect allegedly engaged in unwanted sexual contact with three victims on the 400 block of Bryant Street, NW.

The suspect then allegedly tried to engage in unwanted sexual contact with the victim, before assaulting the victim on the 600 block of Florida Avenue, NW. The victim’s injuries were treated on scene.

A 27 year-old male was arrested on the same day as the incidents.

Document: Suspects Sought for Burglary

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking two suspects involved in a burglary offense.

On Nov. 25, at approximately 4:50 a.m., on 3200 block of M Street, NW, the suspects forced their way into an establishment. After gaining entry, the suspects took property from inside before fleeing the scene.

MPD included a link to a video where the suspects can be seen:

Anyone who can identify these individuals or who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. Crime Solvers of Washington, DC currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Judge Sets Plea Hearing for Sex Abuse Defendant

Parties in a sex abuse case that began earlier this month said they were ready to reach a resolution.

“After numerous attempts I managed to get my client on the phone this morning,” said defense attorney Wole Faladun during the Nov. 25 status hearing. “He wants to accept the government’s plea offer.”

The 34-year-old defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse on Nov. 7. He is accused of trying to rape a convenience store employee on Nov. 6.

According to court documents, other employees and customers heard the struggle in the backroom and managed to stop the defendant. They kept him in the store until Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived.

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith said that the only dates available are in January, but she would like to get the hearing in before then.

However, Faladun said he would prefer a date in January because he needs time to get the plea deal paperwork to DC Jail for his client.

The plea offer was extended until the defendant’s next hearing on Jan. 12.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Continues Hearing for Shooting Case Undergoing Plea Negotiations

On Nov. 30, a DC Superior Court judge continued a status conference for a felony case undergoing plea negotiations.

Melvin Beal is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a police officer while armed for an incident that occurred on Oct. 8 at 36th Place and Alabama Avenue, SE.

The 18-year-old defendant is accused of getting out of a vehicle and shooting at Prince George’s County Police Department Officers. The officers were pursuing the vehicle because they suspected it had been carjacked.

During the hearing, the prosecution said they extended a plea offer to resolve this matter as well as a few other charges from Maryland in which the defendant is involved.

“I do not practice in Maryland so I’m in contact with the public defender office there, which may delay things,” said defense attorney Pierce Suen. “The global plea deal that was extended has an expiration of Dec. 31.”

However, the prosecutor said the expiration sate could be extended given the complications.

Judge Judith Smith continued the status hearing to Jan. 11 to give parties time to work out an agreement.

Judge Holds One Defendant During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Nov. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released 17 defendants and held one at the DC Jail.

Dennis Morton is a fugitive from the state of Virginia, where he is wanted for contempt. Morton requested to be released so that he could be with his family, but Judge McKenna decided to hold him. Morton was also arrested for a felony matter with a charge for attempting to distribute amphetamine, but was released on that issue. He will be held in DC Jail for up to three business days in order for Virginia officials to pick him up.

Two defendants were charged in domestic violence cases with underlying misdemeanor charges of simple assault, release violation, attempted threats and assault on a police officer. Both were released with stay-away orders.

Five defendants with misdemeanor charges were also released. The charges include contempt, theft, assault on a police officer, traffic violations, simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Three were released with stay-away orders, two were released with a GPS monitoring requirement and one was ordered not to drive.

Six defendants were released in fugitive matters and one defendant’s case was dismissed. Underlying charges included simple assault, contempt and larceny in either Virginia or Maryland. Defendants were released with instructions to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions as soon as possible.

Three defendants were released in felony matters. Underlying charges included attempt to distribute a controlled substance and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. One was released with a stay-away order.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

Judge Revokes Drug and Sex Abuse Defendant’s Pretrial Release Conditions

On Nov. 25, a DC Superior Court judge ordered a defendant charged with assault with intent to commit third-degree sex abuse and unlawful possession of liquid PCP into the custody of the DC Jail.

The 42 year-old defendant is accused of grabbing a stranger by her shirt, touching her breasts and trying to pull her pants down on Sept. 30 on the 2000 block of Savannah Street, SE. Police allegedly found a vial of PCP was on the defendant.

During a status hearing on Nov. 24, Judge Erik Christian issued an order to revoke the defendant’s conditions of release and to be held. The defendant was ordered to report to court on Nov. 25 and showed up.

The defendant was previously released and placed under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) in early October. He received multiple notices of noncompliance within the month. During a Nov. 4 show cause hearing, it was reported that he came back into compliance.

However, on Nov. 20, another notice of noncompliance was filed because the defendant’s GPS box had reportedly been intentionally removed.

Judge Robert Okun stepped the defendant back and scheduled his next hearing – a felony status conference – for Dec. 1.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Document: Traffic Fatality in Southeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a traffic fatality resulting from a traffic crash that happened on the morning of Nov. 16.

According to preliminary investigation, at around 6:02 a.m., a Volkswagen Passat was traveling northeast bound in the 3300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, according to a press release. At the same time, a silver Nissan Kicks was traveling southwest bound in the same block. The two vehicles then collided head on at an angle at the center of the roadway, on the double yellow lines.

The operator of the Nissan Kicks, 50 year-old George Minor, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. He succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 27.

The operator and passenger of the Volkswagen Passat were taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Document: Suspect Sought for Attempted Bank Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force seek the public’s help identifying and locating a suspect of an attempted bank robbery that occurred on Nov. 25 on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The suspect entered a Bank of America and passed a note demanding U.S currency, but was unsuccessful. The suspect then fled the scene without obtaining property.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Suspect Sought in Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are looking for the public’s help identifying a suspect in an assault with a dangerous weapon offense.

At around 4:29 p.m. on Nov. 15, a suspect approached the victim on the 600 block of Malcolm X Avenue, SE. The suspect fired a handgun, striking the victim, then fled the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

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