Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case, Releases Defendant into Home Confinement

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial. The judge also placed the defendant on home confinement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Dohn Harmon, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins, who was fatally shot on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE on July 1.

On Nov. 23, Judge Robert Okun ruled that the case had probable cause, citing footage from multiple surveillance cameras and Harmon’s admission that he was driving the car that the shots were fired from on the night of the murder.

“I think this is a very close case, on one hand, I have found substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense, on the other hand, this is a defendant who has no criminal history at all,” Judge Okun said. “The fact that the evidence shows that he was not the shooter is still a factor in his favor.”

Judge Okun also cited a photograph of the car taken moments before the shooting, shows the driver wearing a bright yellow head covering that matched a jacket with a yellow hood found in the defendant’s possession.

The prosecutor called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who worked on the case to testify about his investigation and findings. The prosecutor also showed multiple videos from surveillance cameras at the scene and from Harmon’s home, along with footage from Harmon’s interview with MPD detectives.

During his testimony, the detective pointed out a grey Honda Pilot driving down 19th Street, SE. The car appeared to slow down at the intersection of 19th and Q Street, then a passenger appeared to shoot in the direction of the victim.

The prosecutor paused the video as the shooting started and the detective pointed out a bright flash coming from the passenger side of the vehicle.

The prosecutor also showed the detective an image of the vehicle taken moments before the shooting. The detective testified that the driver can be seen wearing a yellow hoodie.

Images also show the defendant walking out of his apartment before the shooting, roughly an hour after the shooting wearing a black hoodie with a bright yellow hood.

The prosecutor went on to show the detective a video of MPD detectives interviewing Harmon, which was taken shortly after his arrest on Oct. 8. In the video, Harmon admits to driving the vehicle but says he didn’t know that a shooting would occur.

Later in the video, Harmon said that Goggins was not the intended target.

“The defendant admitted that he was driving the Honda Pilot from which the bullet was fired, Judge Okun said. “He told the police that Mr. Goggins was not the intended target and he knew who the intended target was and that he and his friends wanted to shoot the intended target.”

Judge Okun said, based on the evidence, Harmon knew about the shooting before it happened.

Defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, questioned the detective about a witness who identified another person as the shooter.

The witness said the shooter was at the top of the stairs of an apartment building on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.

The detective said he investigated the witness’s report, but found no evidence supporting the claim.

Kiersh went on to ask for Harmon’s release because he has never been convicted of a crime or even arrested. Harmon has a supportive family and would not be a danger to the community if he were placed on 24-hour home confinement, he said.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 8 for another hearing.

Judge Holds Off on Prelim Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing for co-defendants charged in felony cases.

Jamar Turner and Davon Pratt are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed. The two are suspected of being involved in two shootings that took place on June 12 in the Trinidad neighborhood of DC.

During the Nov. 23 status hearing, defense attorneys Wole Falodun and Errin Scialpi requested to set a date for a preliminary hearing.

However, Judge Judith Smith said she thinks the defense and the prosecution need to have all of their forms that are consistent with the administrative order before setting a date for the preliminary hearing.

“I am not trying to delay this case, but I think that there are some things that need to happen first.” Judge Smith said.

The first shooting occurred on the 1200 block of Megis Place, NE. According to court documents, the victim was riding on their scooter when they were shot by a passenger in a light blue car, according to court documents. The second shooting happened four hours later on the 1200 block of Simms Place, NE.

Judge smith continued the status hearing to Jan. 25, 2021.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Murder Charge Dropped in Global Plea Deal

A defendant was sentenced to serve five years after reaching a global plea deal that involved dropping a homicide charge.

Cinquan Cartledge was previously been charged with first-degree murder while armed and first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery in the death of Orlando Silver III. Silver was 37 years-old when he was fatally shot Nov. 13, 2016, on the 1300 block of Howard Road, SE.

Cartledge, 26, was also charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in this case.

The defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in exchange for all the other charges being dropped.

He also pleaded down from assault with a dangerous weapon to a lesser charge of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in another case.

During the Nov. 23 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Cartledge three years in prison for the firearm charge and two years for the attempted assault charge. The sentences will run consecutively.

Defense attorney Carol Blume asked that his client’s sentences run concurrent, but Judge Edelman denied the request due to the severity of the crimes.

However, the defendant, who has been held at DC Jail since 2017, will receive credit for time served.

Another case, in which the defendant was charged with simple assault, was also dismissed as a result of the plea deal. Cartledge has one other simple assault case that is undisposed.

During the hearing, Cartledge said his experience in custody had helped him grow as a person and he is ready to begin moving on with his life.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

Kidnapping and Sex Abuse Case Set for Prelim Hearing

On Nov. 23, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a case against a defendant charged with sex abuse and kidnapping has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping for allegedly grabbing his ex-partner as she was walking down a street and forcibly taking her back to his home on Nov. 4. The victim was reportedly held against her will in his home for four hours and was sexually abused during that time period, according to court documents.

Judge Judith Smith set a preliminary hearing date for Dec. 29. The defendant is being held without bail.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Schedules Trial Readiness Hearing for Man Accused of Killing Infant Daughter

A defendant accused of fracturing his daughter’s skull is set for a trial readiness hearing in March of next year.

Cornell Holton, 26, is charged with first-degree felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children in the death of three-month-old Skylar Newman.

Holton called 911 on March 16, 2019, saying he found his baby unconscious in her crib. In the recording of the call, he can be heard crying and screaming. Three days later, Newman was pronounced brain dead as a result of the blunt force trauma and subsequent brain bleed.

During a previous hearing in August 2019, the prosecution said the medical examiner determined that the multitude of injuries found on Newman could not be accidental.

“This is going to be a forensic heavy baby-death case,” said defense attorney Jason Tulley during the Nov. 23 status hearing.

Tulley asked that the deadline for expert witness notices be moved up for both parties so that they have more time to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. It was moved up to Feb. 1 for the prosecution and Feb. 18 for the defense.

“Our experts will be mostly medical in nature,” said the prosecution.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the trial readiness hearing for March 16, 2021. In the meantime, the Holton will remain held at DC Jail.

Although Holton accompanied his daughter to the hospital and notified the mother by calling from a blocked number, he fled shortly after and never returned. Holton was arrested in May of last year.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Sets Hearing for Murder Case

On Nov. 23, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Glenn Dolford, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 26-year-old Raheem Murray, who was shot on Feb. 2 on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE.

The prosecutor said that a plea offer has been discussed but nothing has been offered as of now.

Judge Judith Smith scheduled the preliminary hearing for Jan. 26, 2021. If a status hearing is needed before the preliminary hearing due to a plea agreement, the court should be notified ten days before the preliminary hearing date.

5 Defendants Held During Initial Hearings Over the Weekend

A DC Superior Court judge presided over 28 presentments on Nov. 21, where she held five defendants and released 23.

A domestic violence defendant was picked up on an arrest warrant and charged with simple assault, second-degree theft, destruction of property and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.

Judge Renee Raymond decided to hold the defendant because he has a violent criminal history, which included a conviction in 2016 for assault with a dangerous weapon.

After she announced her decision, the defendant began to fight against officers at the jail and was immediately restrained.

“And that is why he got held,” said Judge Raymond as he was forced out of the room.

Corey Glenn is a fugitive from Arkansas, where he is wanted for failing to appear for court in his trafficking of persons and minors case.

He has warrants for his arrest in multiple counties in Arkansas.

Glenn waived his extradition hearing rights and will remain in custody to allow Arkansas three business days to get him.

A 47-year-old defendant was charged with contempt in a domestic violence case after he allegedly violated a Civil Protective Order (CPO).

“These are incredibly concerning facts,” said Judge Raymond.

Judge Raymond chose to hold the defendant since this is not the first incident that he has had with the same victim.

He also has a pending misdemeanor case in DC and was convicted of a prohibited weapon with intent to injure in Maryland.

Christopher Erickson is a fugitive from New York, with underlying charges of sexual assault against a child.

The 50-year-old has no prior criminal history, but Judge Raymond chose to hold him due to the seriousness of the alleged offense.

Erickson waived his extradition rights and will be held in DC Jail so New York authorities can pick him up.

Tyee Johnson was also held as a fugitive from justice. Johnson is wanted in two counties in Virginia for two different assault charges.

He waived his extradition hearing rights as well.

One felony defendant was charged with unlawful distribution of fentanyl and was released with a stay away order.

Six domestic violence defendants were also released with charges of simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon (rock and brass knuckles), destruction of property and violation of a Temporary Protective Order (TPO). The defendants were given stay away orders or ordered not to harass, assault, threaten, or stalk (HATS) the victims.

Judge Raymond released twelve misdemeanor defendants with charges including assault on a police officer, second-degree theft, attempted threats, tampering with a GPS device, simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, destruction of property, unlawful entry, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Two fugitive from justice were released.

One defendant had an underlying charge of violating his conditions of release. The other had an underlying charge of larceny. Both were ordered to go to Virginia to take care of their warrants as soon as possible.

One defendant was picked up on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing in a 2018 case for lewd or indecent acts. He was released and ordered to contact his probation officer immediately.

A traffic defendant was also picked up on a bench warrant, but Judge Raymond dismissed the case.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Assault and Attempted Robbery Charges

A 61-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to two charges on Nov. 23 in the aftermath of an incident that landed a woman in the hospital.

The defendant was originally charged with robbery, aggravated assault knowingly and assault with the intent to commit third-degree sex abuse.

Following a deal with the prosecution, he pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and attempted robbery. His sex abuse charge was dropped.

On June 24, the defendant approached a woman sitting on the steps of a church on the 1500 block of 16th Street, NW and covered her face with a scarf before punching and kicking her unconscious, according to court documents. The attack lasted for six minutes.

The defendant then took belongings from the woman’s pockets as well as her handbag before fleeing the scene on foot.

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled the defendant to be sentenced on Jan. 29, 2021. He is currently being held without bail.

Document: Suspect Sought for Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide that happened on Nov. 18.

At around 1:50 p.m., a suspect entered a residence under construction on the 1600 block of Olive Street, NE.

The suspect brandished a firearm and fired a shot at the victim before taking property and fleeing the scene.

The victim, 48-year-old Elias Flores, of Adelphi, Md., was taken to the hospital. He died from his injuries on Nov. 23.

A suspect was captured by a nearby camera.

Document: Arrest Made in Burglary Offense

On Nov. 21, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers made an arrest in a first-degree burglary offense that occurred on the 400 block of 14th Street, NE.

At around 4:37 a.m., the suspect broke into a residence and attempted to take property before being apprehended by responding officers.

A 22 year-old was arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and destruction of property.

Document: Arrest Made in an Assault With a Dangerous Weapon Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has made an arrest for a suspect in an assault with a dangerous weapon case.

At around 4:45 p.m. on Nov. 19, the suspect stabbed two victims on the 1400 block of Florida Avenue, NW. The suspect was apprehended by MPD that same day and the victims were taken to the hospital for treatment of their non-life threatening injuries.

A 42 year-old from Northwest, DC was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (knife).

Document: Arrests Made in Robbery Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested suspects involved in recent robberies.

At around 3:50 a.m., the suspects approached the victim while he was in his vehicle on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE, on Aug. 8. They demanded his property and one suspect brandished a gun. The second suspect then pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim. The two suspects proceeded to steal the vehicle and leave.

A 16 year-old juvenile has now been arrested by the MPD and charged with armed carjacking.

An adult female was previously arrested in this case and it remains under investigation.

At around 1:48 p.m. on Nov. 18, the suspects approached the victims on the 1500 block of Taylor Street, NE, and one brandished a handgun. The victims handed over their property and the suspects fled the scene.

Two juvenile males, both 16, were arrested by the MPD later that day and charged with armed robbery. The case remains under investigation.

Want to Know What D.C. Witness Does? Come to Our Open House!

D.C.Witness has been covering homicide cases in the District of Columbia since 2015

You get to see our work every day, but there is so much more than we can put on the website. As 2020 winds down, we want to invite you to see behind the curtain to see our efforts in bringing transparency to the D.C. criminal justice system.

So, D.C. Witness is holding open house events with info sessions on Friday, Nov. 27 at 1 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 30 at 6p.m.

We are planning some big things for 2021, and we’d like to show you. The info session will briefly overview what D.C. Witness does and mention some of our future plans. A Q&A will follow. Click here to register for one of the open house sessions.

We hope to see you there,

D.C. Witness Editorial Team

Crime Alerts: November 22-23

Between 9 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 23, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 12:47 a.m. for a shooting on the 1300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a black jacket and black pants, armed with a handgun. He was last seen in a grey vehicle.

Amid Backlog, Judge Schedules Hearings for Seven Murder Defendants

Amid the backlog created by a suspension of jury trials in the DC Superior Court due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a judge scheduled hearings for seven murder defendants.

During the Nov. 20 proceedings, Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled trial readiness hearings for Larry Brown, Edward Brown, Robert Green and Barry Marable.

Brown, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon.

Larry is accused of stabbing 31-year-old Derrick Wright on the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, NE, on March 24, 2018.

“At this juncture we are prepared to go to trial and not accept the plea offer,” said defense attorney James King.

This is the second plea offer that the prosecution has extended to Brown. The first one, which the defense rejected in October 2019, would have reduced his charges to voluntary manslaughter.

Brown’s trial readiness hearing is scheduled for March 1, 2021.

Edward, 57, is charged with armed first-degree murder of a senior citizen and armed robbery of a senior citizen for allegedly stabbing 71-year old Michael Mahoney on Feb. 5, 2018 on the 2300 block of 11 Street, NW.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley said he wants a medical examiner to testify as an expert witness at the trial, but he is having trouble finding someone due to the pandemic.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Brown’s trial readiness hearing for March 4, 2021.

Green, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Green is charged for allegedly shooting of 43-year-old Andre Junior, who died on the 1500 block of Park Road, NW, on March 15, 2018.

“There will be no resolution short of trial, “ said the prosecution when Judge O’Keefe asked about the possibility of a plea deal.

The prosecution also requested that the defense return the evidence they used for DNA testing as soon as possible.

Green’s trial readiness hearing is set for March 1, 2021.

Marable is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Marable, 23, is accused of shooting 22-year-old Roger “Tom” Marmet at a BP gas station on the 1200 block of 17 Street, NE, on Oct. 24, 2018.

Marable’s trial was previously set to begin in three months. Judge O’Keefe scheduled his trial readiness hearing for March 9, 2021, and requested that all parties file their motions by the end of January.

Keonte Johnson, 22, is charged with armed first-degree murder while committing a robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and armed robbery.

Johnson is accused of shooting 24-year-old Deandre Hawkins in the process of a robbery gone wrong on the 5300 block of E Street, SE, on April 22, 2019.

“The parties have reached a disposition,” said defense attorney Anthony Matthews. “We are asking for a date to set a plea hearing.”

The hearing was set for April 27, 2021, after the parties conferred with the assigned judge, Judge Todd Edelman.

Paul Daniel, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 59-year-old Kevin Harrison, who was shot on 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE, on Jan. 26, 2019.

The parties are not ready to move to trial at this time, so Judge O’Keefe scheduled another status hearing for April 27, 2021, to give them more time to prepare.

Marco Powell, also known as Tyrell Powell, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 22-year-old Semaj Alsobrooks.

Powell, 23, is accused of shooting Alsobrooks on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Sept. 4, 2019.

Judge O’Keefe scheduled Powell’s next hearing for April 21, 2021, to give parties time to decide how they are going to proceed with this case.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

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