Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying the suspect of an armed robbery that happened on the morning of Nov. 21.
At around 9:10 a.m., a suspect entered an establishment on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. Then, the suspect brandished a handgun and demanded money. The victim complied, and the suspect fled the scene.
The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.
On Nov. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released 24 defendants, holding four defendants in DC Jail.
Donta Jones is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to court documents, Jones, 39, allegedly stabbed a man twice, once in the arm and once in the back, on Nov. 10. When officers arrested Jones for the offense on Nov. 23, they allegedly found 44 ounces of cocaine on him.
Judge McKenna decided to hold Jones at DC Jail pending his next hearing given his noncompliance in two additional pending cases as well as the serious nature of the assault allegations.
Rondale Edwards, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, was also held at the jail. Edwards, 19, allegedly stabbed a stranger on the metro on Nov. 23. Edwards’ defense attorney requested for his release, citing that he has a job, is receiving mental health treatment and has a 2-year-old child at home.
Judge McKenna said she considered placing him on GPS monitoring, but he has allegedly been noncompliant with GPS monitoring for another case. Jones also has two additional pending cases in DC.
Malik West is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed. Documents state that West, 20, was stopped by officers in Northeast, DC, where they allegedly discovered a firearm as well as narcotics in his possession. According to court documents, West told the officers he keeps the gun for protection.
West’s defense counsel requested his release, citing his limited criminal history, which only includes one conviction. Judge McKenna denied the request and decided to hold West, saying he poses a threat to the community.
Judge McKenna also held Stephanie Tucker, who is charged with two new cases and was also brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at her hearing in a pending case. In her two new cases, Tucker, 21, is charged with second-degree theft and simple assault. Judge McKenna said she decided to hold the defendant due to the serious allegations in the assault case and because the defendant has incurred “a lot of cases in a very short period of time.”
Of those who were released, four were charged on misdemeanors in domestic violence cases. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders, though the fourth was reminded of a stay-away order that is already in place in another, pending case.
Judge McKenna released five defendants who are charged with felonies. The charges include carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of liquid PCP, assault with a dangerous weapon and first-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Two of the defendants were ordered to wear GPS monitoring devices, while the defendant charged with sexual abuse was also ordered to 24-hour home confinement through the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).
Two defendants charged as fugitives from justice and one charged with a traffic offense were also released. The fugitives were ordered to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions, and the traffic offense defendant was ordered not to drive without a valid license or after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Judge McKenna also released eight defendants charged with misdemeanors and four defendants brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings. Five of the misdemeanor defendants were given stay-away orders while the rest were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).
One final defendant was still in the hospital, so his hearing was moved to Nov. 25.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for a suspect in relation to a burglary of an establishment that occurred on Nov. 21.
At around 9:51 a.m., the suspect broke into an establishment on the 800 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW. The suspect damaged and stole property before fleeing the scene.
The suspect can be seen in the photos below.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is warning the public about a financial telephone scam involving callers posing as social workers in the attempt to extort people.
The MPD has been alerted of phone calls in which the scammers tell people that an active warrant from the MPD has been issued against them and they must pay money to absolve the issue.
In a press release, police reminded the public that the MPD will never solicit anyone for monetary funds.
They also advised people to do the following if they receive similar unsolicited phone calls:
Instead, they advise that recipients of these calls contact their local police department to report the incident. They also advise anyone who has been a victim of this scam in DC to contact the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for a suspect in connection to a second-degree burglary that occurred on Nov. 21.
At approximately 6:20 a.m., the suspect broke into an establishment on the 1300 block of F Street, NW and took property before fleeing the scene.
The suspect can be seen in photos in the press release below.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking for a suspect in connection to a robbery that occurred on Nov. 22.
At approximately 7:56 a.m., the suspected entered an establishment on the 1900 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The suspect demanded money and other items from the establishment, and the victims complied.
The suspect was captured by a nearby camera and can be seen in the video below.
Between 9 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 25, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out five crime alerts.
The most recent alert was sent at 8:24 a.m. for a robbery on the unit block of M Street, SE. Police are looking for a male of unknown race with a light complexion, 6’2″ in height, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. He was last seen headed towards Half Street.
An alert for a robbery of an establishment (a 7-Eleven) was sent at 6:26 a.m. on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a white hoodie. He is also wearing black track pants with a white stripe and neon yellow designs on the sides and black shoes. He is thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s.
At 1:48 a.m., an alert was sent for an armed robbery investigation on the 800 block of Bladensburg Road, NE. Police are looking for two Black males, both wearing dark clothing and face masks with dark complexions. One is short and one is tall, and one of the suspects was armed with a knife.
Another armed robbery investigation alert was sent at 1:14 a.m. on the 2400 block of New York Avenue, NE. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is thought to be between 6’2″ and 6’3″ in height with a dark complexion and wearing dark clothing. The second suspect has a medium complexion, wearing dark clothing and armed with a long gun. Both were seen in an older model, green Honda Accord with Georgia tags #RSX3007.
The final alert was sent at 12:11 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1000 block of 4th Street, NW. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is short with a heavy build and light complexion, wearing a camouflage mask and armed with a black shotgun. The second suspect is tall with a dark complexion, wearing dark clothing.
After seven minutes of deliberation, a DC Superior Court judge found substantial probability in a double homicide case.
George Bernard Shaw III is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the Oct. 10 shooting of Marcus Nelson, 59, and Simmeon Williams, 39, on the 1700 block of Irving Street, NE.
Defense attorney Ieeshaah Murphy argued that her client acted in self-defense because after the two victims reportedly broke into the defendant’s home and started a fight. She said he was trying to protect both himself and his family, who were present at the time.
During the Nov. 24 hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that the autopsy report concluded that Nelson was shot 11 times and William was shot 13 times.
The prosecution showed video surveillance from an establishment across the street that appears to show the defendant chasing Nelson into the street. The short chase is followed by both men falling, but Shaw getting up quicker and standing over Nelson before shooting him multiple times in the head.
The video also shows Shaw moving back towards his house out of the frame. However, multiple loud sounds are heard in the audio after Shaw is no longer in the frame. The prosecution and MPD allege that those sounds are the gunshots that kill Williams.
The prosecution argued that self-defense is not a viable defense because of the use of excessive force and pre-meditation.
Towards the end of the fight, Williams had allegedly been shot in the leg by Shaw before the defendant chased Nelson into the street. The prosecutor pointed out that it is not self-defense to return to Williams and shoot him multiple times after he has already been incapacitated.
However, Murphy argued that the prosecution was viewing her client’s action with a calm mind and not taking into account whether Shaw believed he was in imminent danger at the time of the crime.
She also argued that, in the heat of passion, a person may reasonably believe something, such as excessive force is necessary when in reality it is not.
She pointed out that there are at least four minutes from the point when video evidence shows the descendants walking to the house to the point when it captures Nelson’s death. Physical evidence in the house also points to a violent struggle.
“Four minutes is a long time to be in your own house and be subjected to an assault by outsiders,” said Murphy.
After making his substantial probability ruling and hearing arguments for detention, Judge Todd Edelman decided to hold Shaw.
He did say that Murphy made a good argument when she pointed out her client’s lack of a prior record. But, Judge Edelman recalled an MPD search warrant of Shaw’s room in which police found liquid PCP, a bulletproof vest, a shoulder holster and a firearm magazine pouch.
He also said Shaw is the only defendant in a double homicide; therefore, he sided with the prosecutor.
Shaw’s next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11.
Maria Marzullo wrote this article.
A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a re-sentenced a defendant to time served for a drug charge.
Back in 2018, Terrell Jackson was sentenced to 14 months, 11 of which were suspended, plus 18 months of supervised probation for attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. After having his probation revoked, he received the same sentence again last February.
However, Jackson fell out of compliance with his probation again and was detained at DC Jail in May.
On Nov. 24, Judge Erik Christian re-sentenced the defendant to time served. He did not impose any period of probation or supervised release.
However, Jackson must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.
On Nov. 24, a DC Superior Court judge vacated a status hearing for one defendant and scheduled another hearing in a traffic case.
Kevin Bynum’s status hearing for two of his cases were vacated. He is charged with conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and receiving stolen property in a 2020 case. He is also charged with robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon and threat to injure or kidnap a person in a 2019 case.
Kashmia Lang, 30, is charged with a DUI, operating a vehicle while impaired and driving without a permit. She entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) during her hearing.
The prosecution will dismiss Lang’s case if she abides by the conditions of her agreement for 12 months. This includes not being rearrested based on probable cause, remedying her license and providing proof of a valid license, completing the Traffic Alcohol Program (TAP) and attending a victim impact panel and a DC Department of Motor Vehicles approved traffic safety program.
She must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund and $100 to the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP).
The judge scheduled a hearing for her on Nov. 23, 2021.
On Nov. 24, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled status hearings for two murder cases.
Jahamar Thaxter and Raymond Avent are charged with first-degree murder while armed in their respective cases.
Thaxter, 29, is charged with the murder of 26 year-old Victor Bolden, who was shot on Dec. 8, 2016, on the 600 block of Nicholson Street, NE.
Thaxter was charged in November 2019, but has yet to have a preliminary hearing, which will determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial. Dominique Winters, who stood in for defense attorney Mani Golzari, asked for another status hearing, as the defense isn’t ready to schedule a preliminary yet.
Judge Danya Dayson scheduled Thaxter’s next hearing for April 19, 2021. She told the defense to file a motion when they are prepared to go ahead with a preliminary hearing.
Avent, 20, is charged with the murder of 23 year-old Rafiq Hawkins, who was shot on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood, NE.
Avent is also charged in a co-defendant matter that was also called on Nov. 24. In that case, he is charged with unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer, destruction of property, leaving after colliding, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Avent’s co-defendants are Keith Baham and Tyler Springfield. There was also a third co-defendant in that case, Dante Hicks, who passed away.
Judge Dayson scheduled a status hearing for April 13, 2021, for both of Avent’s cases.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have identified the victim of a traffic fatality that happened on the evening of Nov. 19 as 42 year-old Latoya Sommers, of Southeast, DC.
The incident happened on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE.
According to a preliminary investigation, at around 5:55 pm, a Mercedes-Benz was traveling northeast on Southern Avenue, SE, when it struck Sommers, a pedestrian not in a marked crosswalk. Sommers was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Between 8 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 24, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.
The most recent alert was sent at 8:35 p.m. for a robbery on the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE. Police are looking for two Black males, one wearing a grey jacket and armed with a handgun.
The second alert was sent at 8:01 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 3300 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Police are looking for a dark colored vehicle.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Criminal Investigations Division seek the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a simple assault offense that occurred on Nov. 14 on the 200 block of Constitution Avenue, NW.
Around 2:30 pm, the suspect approached the victim at the listed location. The suspect assaulted the victim and then fled the scene.
The suspect was captured by a camera and can be seen in the photo below:
Anyone who can identify this individual or who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to 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.
DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna held two defendants and released 20 defendants during initial hearings on Nov. 23.
Tariq Scott was held on charges of robbery and armed robbery.
Scott, 20, was already on probation for the same charge when he allegedly committed the crime. However, defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman argued that her client was merely present at the crime, but was not the one committing the offense. Cadman requested release, citing Scott’s stable employment and housing, as well as his efforts to obtain his GED.
Judge McKenna denied Cadman’s request, citing noncompliance in his probation requirements as well as his past criminal history. She also prohibited Scott from communicating with a co-defendant in this matter–who was released.
Scott’s next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 where the parties will schedule a date for the preliminary hearing.
Judge McKenna also held a domestic violence defendant who is charged with simple assault, contempt and threats to do bodily harm.
The acting defense attorney argued that a High Intensity Supervision (HISP) program would be better suited for the defendant. However, the prosecution cited a pending case of a similar nature and violations of pretrial release conditions as reasons why a hold would be more appropriate.
Judge McKenna scheduled the defendant’s next hearing for Dec. 8.
Of those who were released, six defendants were charged in domestic violence cases. Five of the defendants were given stay-away orders, and one was reminded not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the victim in his pending case.
Judge McKenna also released two defendants who are charged as fugitives from justice. One of the defendants is wanted in Virginia for forgery and one is wanted in Maryland for cocaine possession.
The defendants were ordered to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions. Additionally, the defendant from Maryland is also charged with misdemeanor unlawful entry and second-degree theft in DC. He was given a stay-away order in his DC case as well.
Nine additional defendants charged with misdemeanors were also released. The charges include possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault, destruction of property, unlawful entry onto private property, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and assault on a police officer.
Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders while the rest were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Two of the defendants had their charges dismissed by the prosecution.
Judge McKenna released two defendants charged with felonies of unlawfully possessing a firearm with a prior conviction and armed robbery. The defendant charged with armed robbery is a co-defendant to Scott and was given a stay-away order.
Only one defendant was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing. He was released with orders to check in with his probation officer immediately.
A defendant charged with possession of a controlled substance is in the hospital, so his hearing was moved to Nov. 24.
This article was written by Maria Marzullo and Krystin Roehl
