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Murder Case has Substantial Probability, Judge Says

On Feb. 10, a D.C. Superior Court judge said a murder case has substantial probability. 

Twenty-six-year-old George Miller is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Elias Flores, 48, on Nov. 18 on the 1600 block of Olive Street, NE.

During the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective discussed surveillance footage of a person alleged to be Miller biking around the area of the shooting minutes before and after it occurred.

The detective also said that an anonymous 911 caller left a tip, saying Miller was the shooter. The MPD officer said multiple witnesses and surveillance footage confirmed the presence of the suspect around the area of the incident wearing a distinct uniform, which matched the uniform Miller wore at his job.  

The defendant’s lawyer, Dana Page argued that her client should be released into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

However, Judge Robert Okun concluded that, due to the severity of the case, the defendant will remain held until trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 15.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Document: Decedent Identified in Traffic Fatality

After withholding his identity pending next of kin notification, The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the victim of a Feb. 7 traffic fatality as 42 year-old Sean Burgess.

According to a press release, at around 8:28 p.m. that day, officers responded to the location of the crash for the report of a pedestrian struck.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle was traveling eastbound in the 1800 block of E Street, NW when it struck a pedestrian, outside of a marked crosswalk.

The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

Judge Holds Defendant Charged in February 6 Murder During Initial Hearings

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe heard a total of five domestic violence cases and one murder case during initial hearings on Feb. 10.

Judge Pipe held Keith Hudson, 25, who is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 30-year-old Isaiah Glover in the head on Feb. 6.The incident took place on the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. 

According to a police report, the suspect in this case, believed to be Hudson, is seen in video footage following Glover in his car before parking and exiting the vehicle. The suspect then followed Glover into an alley and shot at him twice, with one bullet striking him in the head.

Judge Pipe ordered that Hudson be held at the DC jail pending his next hearing, which is scheduled for March 3.

Five domestic violence cases were also presented before Judge Pipe.

The defendants in these cases have charges including simple assault, obstruction of justice, indecent exposure, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted threats to do bodily harm and violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO).

Four of the defendants were ordered to stay away from either the victim, the location of the incident or both. The final defendant was ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

All five of the defendants were ordered to return to court on July 14.

Homicides Rise in January

The homicide count in DC rose by 38 percent with a majority of the homicides resulting from gun-related incident.

There were 18 homicides in January with 15 of those homicides resulting from shootings.

The ward with the most homicides in January was Ward 8, which showed a 100% increase in from December with 8 homicides.

In addition to the fatal shootings in January, there were also two deaths related to trauma and one strangulation. One of the homicides involved domestic violence.

Police arrested nine suspects in connection to the homicides, including:

Police are still looking for 36-year-old Jonathan Young who allegedly shot 22-year-old Dewayne Shorter, III on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE on Jan. 26.

Crime Alerts: February 10-11

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts between 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 11.

The most recent alert was sent at 3:11 a.m. for a stabbing investigation on the 2400 block of Market Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

An alert for a shooting investigation on the 3100 block of Channing Street, NE was sent at 11:03 p.m.

The final alert was sent at 10:25 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1500 block of Otis Street, NE. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is wearing a winter coat, white tennis shoes and armed with a dark-colored handgun.

If anyone has information about these events, do not take action but call 911.

Judge Denies Domestic Violence Defendant’s Release Request

A DC Superior Court judge denied a defendant’s request for release or placement into an inpatient drug treatment program. 

The defendant is charged with felony first-degree child sex abuse and simple assault of a 15-year-old victim. The 31-year-old defendant is also charged with simple assault in three other cases.

During the Feb. 10 hearing, the prosecution opposed the defense’s release request, citing the defendant’s repeated noncompliance, bench warrants, and removal of GPS tracking device. 

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey requested an earlier hearing date, but Judge Juliet McKenna said the defendant was ineligible for an earlier date.

Judge McKenna requested that the prosecution provide Harvey with a single plea for all three of the misdemeanor simple assault cases.

The next hearing is set for July 26.

Judge Sentences Homeless Defendant to 4 Years in Prison

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a homeless defendant to serve a total of four years for robbery and assault charges. 

On June 24, 2020, 61-year-old Alonzo Hebron physically assaulted a homeless woman who was sleeping on the steps of a church on the 1500 block of 16th Street, NW. When the victim woke up in the hospital she had no memory of the incident, however, the assault was captured on a church surveillance camera. 

The defendant was initially charged with robbery, aggravated assault knowingly and assault with intent to commit third-degree sex abuse. The defendant pleaded guilty to attempt to commit robbery and assault with significant bodily injury after agreeing to a plea deal from the prosecution.

During the Feb. 10 hearing, the prosecutor read an impact statement from the victim, which stated that the defendant has “no respect for human life.” The victim requested the maximum penalty. 

“I deeply apologize for what I’ve done,” Hebron said. “Maybe she can forgive me.”

Judge Neal Kravitz called the video footage of the crime “chilling” and sentenced the defendant to serve 24 months for each charge, with the sentences running consecutively. Hebron will receive credit for time served, and his sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.

Judge Kravitz also recommended that Hebron receive mental health treatment in prison. 

Sasha Ridenour wrote this article.

Judge Sets Another Preliminary Hearing for Homicide Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled another hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Mohamed Goodwin , 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting of 25-year-old Devonte Wilson. On Dec. 3, 2020, Wilson was found in a vehicle on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW, suffering from a gunshot wound. 

During the Feb. 10 proceeding, Judge Juliet McKenna set a tentative date for the hearing for March 25 and requested that the prosecution confirm this date via email before noon on Feb. 11.

Before the hearing, Goodwin complained that his defense attorney Lee Smith had not met with him in jail, D.C. Witness previously reported. Judge Danya Dayson said that COVID-19 restrictions have hindered visitation protocol, and she does not believe this was a counsel error.

Smith told Judge Milton Lee that he has addressed Goodwin’s concerns and they were prepared to proceed with the hearing. 

Homicide Defendant Files to Vacate Conviction

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a homicide defendant’s conviction should be overturned.

Amber Kent

In 2014, Cydrisse Alvin was sentenced to serve 35 years for felony murder while armed in the stabbing of 29-year-old Amber Kent.

During the Feb. 10 hearing, parties said they would need about an hour to present their evidence. Defense attorney Jennifer Wicks also said that she was having issues getting time to prepare with her client on a video call. 

Alvin is being held at USP Hazelton in West Virginia.

Judge Juliet McKenna said time could be afforded during the hearing, but did not have another solution since COVID-19 restrictions have impacted prison resources. Judge McKenna set two separate hearing dates to allow enough time for parties to present their statements and witnesses.

The hearings are set for May 24 and 26.

On June 4, 2012, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 3000 block of 13th Place, SE to reports of a stabbing. Kent was found suffering from a stab wound after an alleged confrontation with Alvin over pills and money. 

Judge Schedules Detention Hearing for Domestic Violence Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a detention hearing for a defendant who violated the terms of his pretrial release. 

The defendant is charged with simple assault, possession of a controlled substance,  attempted second-degree cruelty to children, destruction of property and contempt in two misdemeanor domestic violence cases

During the Feb. 9 status hearing, Judge John McCabe scheduled a detention hearing for March 4 so defense attorney Albert Amissah could have more time to discuss details of his cases with his client. 

On Jan. 27, Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a bench warrant for the defendant and ordered him taken into custody after the defendant failed to appear in court.

The defendant was previously sentenced to serve six months followed by two years of probation for assault with a dangerous weapon in a felony domestic violence case.

McKenzie Beard wrote this article. 

Defendant on Probation for Sex Abuse Agrees to Outpatient Rehabilitation

A DC Superior Court judge ordered a defendant to attend a rehabilitation support group three times per week in a probation violation case. 

Keith Sheppard is currently serving three years on probation for assault with intent to commit third-degree sex abuse and misdemeanor sexual abuse of a minor. 

Sheppard, 33, was found to be noncompliant on several occasions. 

During the Feb. 10 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt said the defendant has to attend a support group three times a week in order to avoid being placed in an inpatient program. 

“If you don’t do this treatment, the only other option is for you to go to in-patient or finish your jail sentence because you can’t comply with the terms of your probation,” said Judge Brandt. “You need to get yourself together.” 

Participating in an inpatient program would mean that Sheppard would have to quarantine for a two-week period at DC jail prior to being transferred to a treatment facility. 

Sheppard’s next court event is scheduled for March 10. 

McKenzie Beard wrote this article.

Defense Expresses Concern, Judge Reschedules Homicide Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a preliminary hearing in a homicide case in light of new GPS and facial recognition evidence. 

Darryl Finney, 62, was killed in a fire on May 13. D’Aundrey Scott, 26, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with his death. 

After new evidence surfaced from Scott’s cell phone, the defense attorney told the judge that he was concerned with the evidence.

The attorney asked Judge Milton Lee to reschedule the hearing. Judge Lee agreed to do so. 

In addition, Judge Lee asked the prosecution to provide the GPS coordinate information to the defense by the end of the week. 

Around 12:36 a.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 900 block of H Street, NE for the report of a fire. According to court documents, officers used camera footage from the scene and observed the defendant producing “what appears to be a gas can” and igniting some paper in front of 910 H St. NE before fleeing on foot. Investigators could see a fire visible on the porch. 

Finney was immediately admitted to a local hospital. He died three days later.  

A new preliminary hearing date is scheduled for March 23. The hearing will determine if Scott’s case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Brennan Fiske wrote this article. 

Murder Hearing Scheduled to Continue

Feb. 5 marked the first day of a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial. 

Twenty-year-old Kevin Goggins is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on Oct. 9, 2020, on the 1600 Block of W Street, SE.

During the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective told the judge about the presence of a stolen Silver Nissan SUV near the apartment complex where the incident took place. Goggins was allegedly later seen entering the vehicle with a second individual. According to DC Courts’ website, it does not appear as if the second individual has been charged in the crime.

The detective said there was a conflict in which the second individual and Goggins were seeking retaliation against an opposing gang, whose members included Dohn Harmon and Jeffcoat, for the death of Kevin’s brother, Kelvin.

Harmon, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Kelvin’s death. Kelvin was 18 years old when he was shot on July 1, 2020, on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.

Due to time constraints, the proceedings did not finish.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the hearing to pick back up on Feb. 11, at which time a defense witness is expected to testify.

Eileen Chen and Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

Parties Request Jury Trial for Domestic Violence Case

A DC Superior Court judge encouraged parties in a misdemeanor domestic violence case to continue plea negotiations after they requested a jury trial. 

The defendant is charged with simple assault, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer. 

The prosecution and defense attorney Santia McLaurin have been negotiating plea offers, which the defendant has rejected.

During the Feb. 8 hearing, Judge Maribeth Raffinan expressed concern about the trial request being granted for this case. Considering the amount of time the defendant has served and that it is a misdemeanor case, Judge Raffinan said she believes that the criminal division will not prioritize this case. 

Judge Raffinan suggested that the parties continue plea negotiations while she contacts the criminal division in regards to setting up the jury trial. McLaurin agreed to work on negotiations.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 22. 

Judge Holds Murder Defendant During Initial Hearing

During initial hearings on Feb. 9, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe heard 13 new cases.

Of the 13 cases heard, one was a murder defendant and one was a domestic violence defendant.

Ronald Miller is one of the five defendants that Judge Pipe held. Miller, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of 28-year-old Tiffany Hardy.

Miller, who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with Hardy, allegedly stabbed her 40 times on Feb. 8 in their apartment on the 1600 block of E Street, NE.

Miller’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, requested that the judge not find probable cause, saying that Miller was clearly responding to Hardy in self defense.

He said his client had multiple stab wounds on his hands, which are consistent with self defense injuries. “Given all of that, it seems to make out a clear case of self defense on the part of Mr. Miller,” Matthews said.

However, the prosecution said Miller had the opportunity to tell the police about a self defense claim when he admitted to killing her, but he allegedly never did.

The judge said she agreed there is possibly a self defense claim since Hardy allegedly stabbed Miller first, but she said it is clear he used excessive force given the amount of stab wounds found on Hardy.

Judge Pipe ultimately decided to hold Miller since he has an aggravated assault conviction in DC and has a warrant out for his arrest in Virginia. Miller will be held until his next hearing, which is scheduled for March 3.

One additional domestic violence case was heard involving simple assault. The defendant, an adult woman, has no prior criminal history and was released with an order to stay away from the alleged victim and the location of the incident.

She is scheduled to return to court on July 13.