Acquitted: Judge Continues Murder Defendant’s Felony Status Conference

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

A DC Superior Court judge continued a felony status conference for a first-degree murder defendant.

Devonte Brothers, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 27-year-old Deron Leake on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2019. Judge Todd Edelman ruled that the case had enough evidence to go to trial last December.

During the Feb. 22 proceedings, the 26-year-old defendant was also arraigned on charges of assault on a police officer, fleeing a law enforcement officer while armed and destruction of property. He is accused of driving his vehicle into a police officer on the 600 block of Elmira Street, SE in an attempt to evade arrest on May 10, 2020.

Judge Robert Okun continued both of these cases to June 21 for a status hearing.

Brothers is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in another homicide case for an incident that happened on June 16, 2019, when 30-year-old Arkeem Jackson was shot from a moving vehicle on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. A preliminary hearing for this case is scheduled for March 30.

Counsel also said that Brothers has a case in Maryland. However, D.C. Witness couldn’t confirm any information about this, as the cases under his name in Maryland are listed as being closed.

Brothers also has an open misdemeanor case, in which he is charged with simple assault. A status hearing in that case is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Judge Releases Four Domestic Violence Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Feb. 22, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe presided over 30 cases.

Four of these were domestic violence cases, and all four of the defendants were released.

Two defendants are charged with simple assault and were both released on personal recognizance under the supervision of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). The prosecution did not oppose either release and only requested a no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking “HATS” order for each.

The third defendant is charged with attempted second-degree cruelty to children and reckless driving. The defendant was released on personal recognizance under PSA and given a “no HATS” order.

These three defendants have status hearings scheduled for July 26.

The last defendant has two domestic violence cases open. The first includes charges of destruction of property less than $1,000 and threats to do bodily harm. The second case includes charges of simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and second-degree theft.

The defendant was released on personal recognizance into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring. His next status hearing is scheduled for July 23.

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to 8.5 Years for Assault and Robbery Charges

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve 8.5 years for two assaults and a robbery that left a lasting impact on his victims.

In the domestic violence case, Earl Moore pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for attacking his childhood friend. The victim had to go on a liquid food diet for months due to injuries to his jaw.

Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Moore to two years in prison for this case.

Much of the Feb. 22 hearing focused on the defendant’s other felony case, in which he pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and robbery for attacking a 77-year-old victim and stealing his car.

“My most vivid memory following the assault is waking up with my left cheek on the floor and seeing a large pool of blood,” the victim recalled.

The victim had recently retired when the offense took place. He said that he and his wife have had to deal with the financial toll of losing their car, which Moore totaled.

He is also still recovering from the injuries he sustained. He deals with post-concussion chronic migraines, and has lost some of his independence.

“I hope you can live out the rest of your retirement without having to look over your shoulders,” Moore told them during the Feb. 22 hearing, apologizing for his crimes.

Judge Brandt sentenced Moore to 78 months each for the assault and robbery charges in his first case. The two sentences will run concurrently; however, they will run consecutive to the sentence imposed in the domestic violence case.

Two misdemeanor cases were dismissed as part of a plea deal with the prosecution.

Defense attorney Carrie Weletz said Moore’s life has been marked by lack and loss. The 40-year-old defendant went without sufficient necessities at times during his early years, and has lost several family members throughout his life. Weletz said her client needs to receive help for his mental health issues.

Moore said he hopes that when he gets out of prison, he can get a job and spend time with his family.

“We have worked very hard to contribute to society and make the best of our lives, and I hope to God that [the defendant] learns how to do that,” said the robbery victim’s wife.

Andrea Keckley wrote this article.

Document: Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Homicide Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking for the public’s help locating individuals wanted for homicide offenses in DC.

At around 9:56 p.m. on Oct. 9, 2020, officers responded to the 1600 block of W Street, SE for the sounds of gunshots. There, they found 28 year-old Yisa Jeffcoat suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Kevin Goggins, 20, was arrested for first-degree murder while armed in connection with this homicide on Dec. 14, 2020. Police have also identified 23 year-old Taiyonne Goggins as a suspect. He is wanted for first-degree murder while armed as well.

Police also continue to look for a17 year old who is wanted for second-degree murder while armed in connection with a shooting that happened on Aug. 6, 2020.

At 5:47 p.m. that day, officers responded to the 600 block of 46th Place, SE for the sounds of gunshots. There, they found 26-year-old Michael Brittingham suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene. A juvenile male also walked into a local hospital with a gunshot wound, and was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The MPD is also looking for suspects in two homicides that happened in 2013 and 2014.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2014, officers responded to the 3900 block of 14th Street, NW for sounds of gunshots.

There, they found 33-year-old Evelyn Arollo suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Forty-one year-old Marvin W. Lopez, also known as Marvin Lopez Cabrera, is wanted for first-degree murder while armed in connection with this homicide.

Forty-eight year-old Angel Dilmar Morge, also known as Alex Avalos, is wanted for second-degree murder while armed in connection with a 2013 homicide. A 43 year-old suspect is also wanted for accessory after the fact.

Around 7:53 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2013, United States Park Police were notified of an individual found on the bank of Rock Creek in Grove #6 near Beach Drive and Joyce Road, NW.

They found 49 year-old Matias Molina suffering from apparent stab wounds. DC Fire and EMS tried to save his life, but found no signs consistent with life.

Counsel Prepare for New Homicide Trial After Previous Conviction Overturned

A DC Superior Court judge continued a trial readiness hearing for a re-opened murder case.

Mark Beasley, 48, was sentenced to 30 years for first-degree murder while armed in the 2015 shooting of Darryn Conte. A jury also convicted him of assault with intent to kill while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, bringing his total sentence up to 40 years.

His conviction was reversed in November 2019.

During the Feb. 22 proceeding, defense attorney Anthony Matthews asked Judge Juliet McKenna to schedule a trial date.

Counsel said they anticipate the trial to be a bit longer than normal due to possible pandemic restrictions.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 10.

On April 26, 2015, 39-year-old Conte and another victim were found on the 400 block of Butternut Street, NW suffering from gunshot wounds. Conte was pronounced dead on scene. The other victim was taken to a nearby hospital and discharged later that day.

Crime Alerts: February 22-23

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 23.

The alert was sent at 7:07 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 100 block of Ingraham Street, NW.

Police are looking for a Black male with a thin build, wearing all black.

Document: Vehicle of Interest Sought in Connection with Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s assistance identifying and locating a vehicle in connection with the fatal shooting of 18 year-old Maryland resident Cierra Young.

At around 9:12 p.m. on Feb. 14, officers responded to the intersection of Branch Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, for the report of a traffic crash, according to a press release.

There, they found Young inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The detectives’ investigation determined the offense to have happened on the 3300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

The vehicle, which was captured by a surveillance camera, is believed to be a white Mercedes-Benz with heavily tinted windows.

Document: Man, 50, Fatally Stabbed in Northeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on the morning of Feb. 21.

At around 8:25 a.m., officers responded to the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE for the report of a man down.

There, they found 50 year-old Walter Lee Rogers suffering from apparent stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Judge Sentences Manslaughter Defendant to 10 years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna sentenced a homicide defendant to serve 10 years in prison.

Philbert Griffith Jr., 20, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Alante Moore on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE on June 19, 2020. The following December, he made a deal with the prosecution to plead down to voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Griffith’s sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.

He must also register as a gun offender and pay $100 towards the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Trial Prep Underway for 2016 Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge continued a trial readiness hearing for a homicide case that has been open since December 2016.

Clinton Womack, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 45-year-old Terry Crutchfield on Dec. 6, 2016, on the 1500 block Olive Street, NE.

During the Feb. 22 hearing, parties discussed how much time they expected pending motions and the trial to take.

Judge Juliet Mckenna said it is difficult to predict when homicide trials can resume in person due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Judge Mckenna also said counsel could request a trial readiness hearing to reconvene and find a more accurate trial date, or they could select a trial date for the end of 2021.

The parties chose to set a trial readiness hearing, which is scheduled for April 28.

Womack, 31, is also charged with first-degree armed burglary, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, armed kidnapping and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in this case.

He was scheduled for a jury trial in 2018, twice in 2019 and in April 2020.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to Serve Five Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a domestic violence defendant to serve five years in prison.

Benjamin Lewis was originally charged with felony assault with intent to kill while armed. In January 2020, he made a deal with the prosecution to pleaded down to assault with a dangerous weapon.

Lewis’ sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. Lewis must also register as a gun offender for two years upon release and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Murder Defendant Still Awaiting Trial 4 Years Later

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to prioritize setting a trial date for a defendant who is charged with the death of a police officer in 2016.

Dewayne Chatman is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Special Police Officer (SPO) Evan Williams. On Sept. 8, 2016, Williams, 29, and another victim were found on the 4000 block 3rd Street, SE. The other victim survived and was taken to a nearby hospital.

During the Feb. 22 proceeding, defense attorney Dominique Winters asked Judge Juliet Mckenna to set a trial date for as soon as possible.

Although Judge Mckenna agreed to prioritize the case because of how long it has gone without a trial, she also said that COVID-19 restrictions have greatly backlogged the calendar and, therefore, the trial would still not be able to start until later this year.

Chatman, 34, has been held at DC Jail for over four years. He’s had several trial dates continued throughout the trajectory of his case.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 14.

Chatman is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, mayhem while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, threat to kidnap or injure a person and obstructing justice.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case Involving Cousins

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

On the evening of Dec. 11, 2020, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1700 block of 29th Street, SE. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s cousin, 26-year-old Lewkus Turner, was arrested later that month. He is charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Defense Attorney Jon Norris argued that there was “ample evidence of self defense” in this homicide case.

“The government simply can’t meet its burden of proving probable cause for a murder two,” he said.

However, Judge Micheal Ryan did find probable cause, pointing out that Turner and Gyamfi “had prior contact of a significant amount.”

The next hearing is scheduled for April 7. Turner is currently being held at DC Jail.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article.

Judge Modifies Domestic Violence Defendant’s Home Confinement Orders

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to modify a domestic violence defendant’s home confinement orders, so he can leave his house to go to work.

The defendant is charged with felony assault with the intent to kill while armed.

Judge Marisa Demeo said the lack of violations on the defendant’s record showed that he “demonstrates that he needs to comply with orders of the court.”

Judge Demeo said that she can reasonably agree that GPS tracking will allow the defendant’s whereabouts to be monitored and provide safety to the victim.

The defendant was charged and detained at DC Jail in February 2020. He was released into home confinement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) in March.

His next hearing is scheduled for July 27.

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

Document: Third Arrest Made for August 2020 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department has made its third arrest in a homicide that occurred on Aug. 10 of 2020.

At approximately 9:34 p.m., officers found 17 year-old Taijhon Wyatt, Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

An additional victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

On Dec. 31, 2020, a 19 year-old adult male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

On Feb. 6, a 17 year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

On Feb. 19, 16 year-old Trey Prillerman of Chillum, MD was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

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