Judge Finds Substantial Probability in Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that there was enough evidence against a homicide defendant to bring his case to trial.

Steven Arrington-Rodgers, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 25-year-old Martez Jackson on Nov. 9, 2020, on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE.

During the April 27 hearing, defense attorney Douglas Wood argued that Arrington-Rodgers shot Jackson in self-defense after Jackson robbed him.

However, Judge Juliet McKenna found there was substantial probability Arrington-Rodgers committed the crime and was not acting in self-defense. She said the fact that he did not notify authorities after the crime suggested he did not feel he was in imminent danger at the time.

The prosecution said surveillance footage shows Jackson robbing Arrington-Rodgers at gunpoint and fleeing the scene in Arrington-Rodgers’ car. They said Arrington-Rodgers shot Jackson as Jackson drove away.

Wood argued that the only evidence the prosecution has against his client is that he was at a public establishment when he was robbed at gunpoint in a matter of 15 to 30 seconds. Woods emphasized that Jackson had a history of violent crimes, including robbery, and presented a clear and present danger to his client.

In the closing arguments, the prosecution noted that Arrington-Rodgers did not turn himself in right away, but was arrested two months later. They also said the shooting could not have been self-defense because Jackson was driving away immediately after the robbery with the windows up, trying to get away from the defendant.

Wood argued his client only had 15 seconds to react and did not know if Jackson was reaching for his gun when he ran after the car speeding away. He also said the car contained information about his client and where he lived, which would present a continued threat to his and his family’s safety. Woods also said that, after the shooting, Arrington-Rodgers called his fiancé crying and told her to report the car stolen and used the two months before his arrest to gather funds to hire a lawyer.

Although Wood asked that his client be placed in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), Judge McKenna said Arrington-Rodgers’ prior robbery and firearms convictions were concerning. She also noted that, at the time of the crime, he was allegedly in illegal possession of a firearm and that his alleged actions could have caused numerous bystanders to be killed.

She granted the prosecution’s request that Arrington-Rodgers remain held at DC Jail.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 8.

Homicide Case Continues to Await Indictment

A DC Superior Court judge recommended that the prosecution use a thumb drive to exchange large amounts evidence with the defense in a murder case that is currently awaiting indictment.

Diantre Smith, 45, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 28-year-old Nyesha Galloway on Dec. 20, 2019, in a wooded area on the west side of the 400 block of 42nd Street, NE.

During the April 27 hearing, the prosecution said they have provided all DNA results and discovery material in the case; however, the file is too large for the defense to upload. The prosecution will send a thumb drive with the discovery evidence to the defense.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey asked the prosecution when the case would be indicted, which would allow them to progress towards setting a trial date. The prosecution did not have a definitive answer.

The prosecution plans to provide an update about the indictment at the next hearing, which Judge Milton Lee scheduled for Sept. 20. The defense will follow up on any outstanding motions with the judge’s chambers.

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

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

Crime Alerts: April 26-27

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on April 26 and 9:00 a.m. on April 27.

The alert was sent at 9:37 p.m. for a stabbing investigation on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

Police do not have a description of the suspect(s) in this case.

Judge Holds Two Domestic Violence Defendants and Releases Four During Initial Hearings

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann presided over initial hearings for six domestic violence defendants on April 26.

The first defendant is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm and was released on personal recognizance under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). He was also given a stay-away order and has a status hearing scheduled for June 23.

The second defendant is charged with simple assault, and the third defendant is charged with both simple assault and second-degree theft. Both of these defendants were released on personal recognizance under the supervision of the PSA and given stay-away orders. They have status hearings scheduled for Nov. 1.

The fourth and fifth defendants have charges that include simple assault, violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO) and contempt. Both defendants have two other domestic violence cases open.

In the case of both of these defendants, the other open domestic violence cases involve the same complainants, so Judge Herrmann decided to hold them. They both have status hearings scheduled for May 11.

The final defendant was charged with simple assault but the case was dismissed by the prosecution, and the defendant was released.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article

Judge Sets Murder Case for Trial Readiness Hearing

On April 26, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial readiness hearing for a murder case.

Vaughn Kosh is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 38-year-old Alayna Howard on Dec. 7, 2019, on the 1700 block of Capitol Avenue, NE.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller said plea negotiations are ongoing, but she wants to move the case forward in the event it cannot be resolved through a plea deal.

Judge Milton Lee scheduled a trial readiness hearing for June 14.

Kosh, 49, is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and assault with intent to kill while armed in this case.

New Defense Attorney Assigned to Homicide Case

A new defense attorney took on a 2019 homicide case on April 26.

Andre Smith, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Delwaun Lyons on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE, on July 20, 2019.

Defense attorney Anthony Matthews was recently assigned to Smith’s case, replacing the previous attorney, Ieshaah Murphy. Matthews said he has not had much time to review the case, besides a short conversation with the defendant.

“If Mr. Matthews can settle in more, then maybe we can have more meaningful discussions on this case,” said Judge Milton Lee.

This case is also awaiting indictment. If there is an indictment by the time of the next hearing, which Judge Lee scheduled for June 28, an arraignment will be scheduled.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Plea Offer Under Consideration in Homicide Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing in a murder case about three weeks out to give the defense more time to consider a plea offer.

Karlos Kinney, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 25-year-old Resha Blount. On April 30, 2020, Blount was found in a residence on the 900 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW with four gunshot wounds.

During the April 26 hearing, defense attorney Antoini Jones said he needed more time to discuss a plea offer with his client. Jones said Kinney had recently received some new information about the case that was making him reconsider the offer.

Judge Milton Lee said he will give the defense three weeks instead of the usual two because he heard it has been difficult to get in touch with defendants incarcerated at DC Jail as of late.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 18.

Crime Alerts: April 25-26

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on April 25 and 9:00 a.m. on April 26.

The alert was sent at 12:20 a.m. for a shooting on the 1800 block of 8th Street, NW.

Police are looking for three Black males in a black jeep, which was last seen heading south on 8th Street, NW.

Document: Homicide in Southeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened the night of April 22.

At around 10:26 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of 37^th Place, SE, according to a press release.

There, they found two men inside a residential building with gunshot wounds.

The victims were taken to the hospital. One of them, 21-year-old Malik Morris, died from his injuries.

Document: Second Suspect Arrested in September Homicide

Police arrested a second suspect in connection with a homicide that happened last year.

In the early hours of Sept. 30, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the the 3200 block of Hiatt Place, NW for the sound of gunshots, according to a press release. They found 33-year-old John Pollard suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Back in November, 28 year-old Randle Price was arrested for first-degree murder while armed – felony murder in Pollard’s death.

On April 22, 27 year-old Marwin Thomas was arrested on the same charge.

Crime Alerts: April 22-23

Between 9:00 p.m. on April 22 and 9:00 a.m. on April 23, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 2:20 a.m. for a confirmed robbery on the 1200 block of Franklin Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male with a light complexion, 5’6″ in height with a thin build. He had a mask on the lower half of his face and wore a black hoodie, light blue jeans and green underwear. An additional suspect was stopped.

The second alert was sent at 11:22 p.m. for a shooting on the 400 block of 37th Place, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

The final alert was sent at 10:58 p.m. for a stabbing on the 3700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect in this case, either.

Motions in Murder Case to be Heard at Later Date

A DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing for a murder case with pending motions.

Kavon Young, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting of 66-year-old John Pernell on July 3, 2010.

That afternoon, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE for the report of a shooting. They found Pernell lying in the grass, according to court documents. Witnesses reported that the shooting was the result of an armed robbery.

Young was arrested in August 2019 following new developments with the forensic evidence.

The defense has motioned to prevent the prosecution from consuming possible DNA evidence. They have also motioned for Young’s release. The prosecution opposes both of these requests.

Judge Marisa Demeo continued the status hearing to Oct. 4 after saying that the pending motions should be addressed by the judge assigned to this case.

Judge Releases Three Domestic Violence Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on April 22, DC Superior Court Judge Nolan Lloyd, Jr. released three domestic violence defendants.

The first defendant is charged with simple assault, allegedly involving his wife. The defense requested the judge release the defendant due to his limited recent criminal record. The judge agreed, releasing the defendant on his own recognizance with a stay-away order from the alleged victim.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 28.

The second defendant is charged with simple assault, resisting arrest, escape from an officer, and destruction of property less than $1,000. The prosecution requested the judge hold the defendant due to the defendant’s criminal history.

The judge disagreed with the prosecution, saying the record showed the defendant was in compliance in previous cases and provided evidence that he is a candidate to be released rather than held at the jail.

The judge released the defendant with the order to stay away from the alleged victims and the location of the incident.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 28.

The last defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

The defense requested the release of the defendant due to her limited criminal record, consisting mostly of misdemeanors with a history of compliance with court conditions.

The prosecution argued the assault occurred in front of a child and the defendant is a risk to the victim and the community.

The judge disagreed with the prosecution again, stating that this incident did not warrant being held at the jail as long as the defendant continued to be compliant. The judge ordered the defendant to be released with stay-away orders from the alleged victims, GPS monitoring and continued mental health treatment.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on April 23 for a review hearing.

This article was written by Alaina Provenza

Document: Suspect Sought in Connection with Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are asking for the public’s help locating and identifying a suspect in connection with a homicide that happened on April 21.

At around 6:40 p.m., officers responded to the 4600 Block of South Capitol Street, SW to investigate the sound of gunshots. There, they found 24-year-old Andre Butler suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

A suspect was captured by a surveillance camera and can be seen in a photo in a press release.

Document: Police Investigating 3 Homicides from This Week

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating homicides that happened on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

On April 19 at around 7:57 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of 45^th Street, NE for the report of a shooting. There, they found 27 year-old Kentrell Devaughn in a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died the next day.

On Tuesday night at around 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the Unit Block of Franklin Street, NE for a call to service. There, they found 30 year-old Brandon Long partially inside the vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died on Wednesday.

At around 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to the 4600 Block of South Capitol Street, SW to investigate the sound of gunshots. There, they found 24 year-old Andre Butler suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

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