Murder Defendant’s Competency Remains Under Assessment

A DC Superior Court judge ordered an updated report on a homicide defendant’s competency to stand trial.

Alisa Randall is charged with second-degree murder while armed for the stabbing of Ronald Jones Payne, 59, on July 15, 2019 on the 1300 block Euclid Street, NW.

Randall, 32, has been found incompetent to stand trial on several occasions throughout the trajectory of her case. She has continued to receive treatment at the hospital in hopes that her competency would be restored, something that previous reports said had a “substantial probability” of happening.

However, defense attorney Ashley Guzman said that, in the most recent report, the doctor did not indicate that her client was likely to become competent in the foreseeable future.

The prosecution said Randal tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of December and argued that her COVID-19 symptoms interfered with her ability to take the evaluation, which also ended early.

The prosecution requested another competency evaluation after Randall tests negative for COVID-19 as well as the doctor who examines Randall to provide an explanation to the judge.

The prosecution also said they were deciding whether or not to call a second expert witness, independent from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), to evaluate Randall.

Defense attorneys Guzman and Dana Page argued that, despite COVID-19, the recent report is consistent with previous evaluations.

Guzman also said that they have waited the required 180 days to see if Randal has made any significant progress in her competency, but she has not.

Judge Neal Kravitz asked both the defense and the prosecution who they believed had the burden of proof in whether Randall is restorable.

The prosecution said they believed the defense bears the burden because they are the ones asserting incompetence.

Page agreed with that original assessment; however, she added that since the prosecution disagrees with the report’s findings, the burden of proof shifts to the prosecution.

Judge Kravitz decided that both sides should have the opportunity to present complete arguments.

“I don’t think this should extend for a significant period of time, but I think that [the prosecution’s] req uest for [DBH] to explain to the court is not unreasonable,” said Judge Kravitz.

Judge Kravitz decided to ask for an updated DBH report after Randall recovers from COVID-19 and instructed the defense and prosecution to gather any witnesses they would like before the next hearing.

He scheduled a hearing for Jan. 21.

Maria Marzullo wrote this story

Judge Finds Enough Evidence to Bring Homicide Case to Trial

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a homicide case had enough evidence to move to trial.

Jerome Alexander is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder (attempted robbery). The 26-year-old is accused of trying to rob and then shooting 28-year-old Richard Washington on the 3900 block Minnesota Avenue, NE on Dec 19, 2019.

Judge Todd Edelman found substantial probability for first-degree murder. He also found probable cause for robbery.

Judge Edelman said that even though the prosecution’s evidence suggests a robbery might have occurred, he was not convinced a jury would agree beyond a reasonable doubt that a robbery took place prior to the shooting.

The prosecution presented several videos of a man following the victim, including one video showed the victim falling to the ground as bystanders ran away. The prosecution alleges that the defendant is the man who shot the victim in the video.

“When you put [the video footage] altogether, it makes a pretty clear picture of what happened,” said Judge Edleman.

The prosecutor cited witness statements that describe Alexander’s unique appearance that day. According to the prosecution, the witness statements are corroborated by the video footage that shows a man in a long coat with light pants, shoulder-length hair and a skullcap. One of the witnesses identified the man as the defendant.

According to court documents, Washington was killed with a single gunshot to the chest. The bullet used in this homicide is blue in color. The prosecutor argued that Alexander’s Instagram showed a picture of him with blue bullets.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in this case testified that he had never seen a blue bullet before.

Defense Attorney Anthony Matthews argued his client may have been acting in self-defense because Washington tried to punch Alexander.

“There’s no evidence, in my view, that supports self-defense,” said Judge Edelman.

Judge Edelman said the even if Washington did try to punch the defendant, Alexander’s reaction was excessive and the video footage appears to show Alexander following Washington.

Judge Edleman granted the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant, citing his previous history with firearms and the fact that Alexander was on supervised release when the murder occurred.

Alexander’s next hearing is scheduled for March 29.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Document: Arrest Made for 2010 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has made an arrest for a homicide that occurred on Oct. 9, 2010.

On Oct. 10, 2010, MPD was notified of an adult female missing from her residence on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE. A missing persons report was filed and detectives began looking for the woman.

Over the course of several years, officers were unable to locate the woman. On Oct. 24, 2018, the court granted a petition for Presumption of Death of a Missing Person, and a death certificate was issued for the woman.

The decedent has been identified as 24 year-old Unique Harris of Southeast, DC.

On Dec. 19, 43 year-old Isaac Moye was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed.

The case remains under investigation.

Document: Arrest Made for Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced an arrest for an assault case that occurred on Dec. 20.

At approximately 6:25 a.m., the victim agreed to meet the suspect using an online dating app. The suspect came to a hotel on the unit block of E Street, NW.

Once inside the victim’s room, the suspect brandished a handgun and attempted to commit a sexual act. The victim struggled, and the gun discharged, hitting both the suspect and the victim. Both individuals were transported to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.

On the same day, the 32 year-old suspect was arrested and charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Document: Homicide Arrest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has made an arrest in reference to a homicide that occurred on Oct. 1.

Officers responded to the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW for the report of a shooting at approximately 4:35 p.m. on Oct. 1. After all life-saving efforts failed, 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV was pronounced dead.

On Dec. 18, MPD arrested 17-year-old Deon Walters and charged him as an adult with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Police Seek Suspect for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in connection to a second-degree burglary that occurred on Dec. 15.

At around 2:24 p.m., the suspect broke into an unoccupied residence on the 900 block of Webster Street, NW. The suspect took property before fleeing the scene.

The suspect can be seen in the video below.

Document: Suspect Sought for Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect and a vehicle in reference to a second-degree burglary that occurred on Dec. 19.

At around 1:01 p.m., the suspect broke into an establishment on the 800 block of 22nd Street, NW, took property and then fled the scene in a vehicle.

The vehicle is a grey Audi four-door sedan bearing West Virginia temporary paper tags 764826. There is damage on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Document: Arrests Made in Robbery Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced that three arrests have been made for robbery offenses that have occurred in DC.

Officers arrested a 20 year-old for attempted armed robbery with a gun that occurred on Dec. 11 on the 600 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

On Dec. 13, MPD arrested a 24 year-old from Northwest, DC for a robbery (force and violence) that occurred on Oct. 11 on the 2200 block of Champlain Street, NW.

Finally, officers arrested a 27 year-old on Dec. 15 for an armed carjacking that occurred on Aug. 8 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Document: Arrest Made in Homicide Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has made an arrest in reference to a homicide. The initial offense occurred on April 29, 2019 on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE.

At approximately 4:59 p.m., officers responded to the above location for the report of a stabbing. They located an adult male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

On May 9, 2019, police arrested 20 year-old Matthew Walker and charged him with assault with intent to kill while armed.

On Nov. 4, the victim, 23 year-old Jamal Green-Lee, succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy was performed, and the cause of death was complications from stab wounds. Green-Lee’s death has been ruled a homicide.

On Dec. 18, Walker was transported to the Homicide Branch, where the charges were upgraded to second-degree murder while armed.

Document: Suspect Arrested, Another Sought in Connection with Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. Another suspect in sought.

At approximately 2:51 p.m. on Dec. 16, the suspects approached the victim on the unit block of L Street, NW.

According to a press release, one of the suspects brandished a handgun and shot at the victim.

The suspects then tried to flee the scene. One of them was apprehended by responding officers. A firearm was recovered.

The suspect currently sought was captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Second-Degree Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for second-degree burglary on Dec. 17.

At around 9:44 p.m. that day, the suspect allegedly entered an establishment on the 1300 block of Allison Street, NW and tried to take property. The 43 year-old suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

Crime Alerts: December 17-18

Between 9 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 18, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 2:06 a.m. for a robbery on the 1400 block of P Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male between 35 and 45 years of age, 5’9″ in height and weighing 180 pounds.

An alert was sent at 1:56 a.m. for a shooting investigation on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

The final alert was sent at 11:46 p.m. for a robbery on the 1300 block of W Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male, 6’2″ in height with a thin build, wearing a snow cap and a blue jacket.

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearing, Holds Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a homicide case has enough evidence to go to trial. The judge also ruled that, in the meantime, the defendant will remain held at St. Elizabeths Hospital.

Bratrell Hawkins is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of Xavier Tate on the 1400 block of 3rd Street, SW on Jan. 5.

The defense attorneys asked Judge Neal Kravitz to release their client, pointing out Hawkins’ lack of criminal history and arguing that he is only being held on the low standard of probable cause.

However, Judge Kravitz said since the defense never requested a preliminary hearing, the prosecution never had a chance to submit evidence and an argument for a higher ruling. He said that the defense can argue for Hawkins’ release during the preliminary hearing, but that he will remain held until then.

The prosecution asked Judge Kravitz to transfer Hawkins to DC Jail since he has been deemed competent to stand trial. Defense attorney James King argued that he should stay at St. Elizabeths instead.

Judge Kravitz ultimately decided that Hawkins will remain at St. Elizabeths in the interest of maintaining his status as competent to stand trial.

Judge Orders Transfer of Homicide Defendant to St. Elizabeths Hospital

On Dec. 17, a DC Superior Court judge ordered the transfer of a homicide defendant to St. Elizabeths Hospital.

Jaykell Mason, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of Terence Dantzler, 29, on Feb. 13 on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW.

Mason is also charged with assault on a police officer while armed for allegedly engaging in gunfire with officers as he tried to flee the scene on foot.

According to a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), doctors could not make a definitive finding on Mason’s competency to stand trial. Judge Michael Ryan transferred Mason to St. Elizabeths for an additional competency screening.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Jan. 25 to check on Mason’s progress.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Over Two Years for Assault and Contempt Charges

On Dec. 17, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve 26 months for assault with significant bodily injury and contempt.

Keith Moore pleaded guilty back in October. The 34 year-old got into a verbal altercation about a traffic accident and struck his victim in the face on July 16, 2019 on the 3200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, according to the case’s gernstein.

Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced him to 22 months for the assault charge and four months for the contempt charge. The sentences will run consecutively. He will receive credit for time served.

Moore must also pay a total of $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

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