Hearing Continued After Defendant Considers Withdrawing Plea

On Dec. 16, a DC Superior Court judge continued an assault defendant’s sentencing as he considers withdrawing his guilty plea.

Dominic Copeland is charged with assault with intent to kill in one case and assault with a dangerous weapon in another. Copeland allegedly shot at a moving car at the intersection of 1st Street and N Street NW, on April 26, 2019. Earlier that same day, he allegedly stabbed a victim eight times in an apartment building on the 100 block of Q Street, NW.

Copeland, 30, entered guilty pleas in October of last year. As part of the plea agreement, his assault with intent to kill charge was downgraded to aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

Defense attorney Michael Madden asked Judge Craig Iscoe to continue the Dec. 16 hearing. He said his client wanted more time to consider possibly withdrawing his guilty plea, but he isn’t sure yet.

Judge Iscoe scheduled Copeland’s new sentencing for Jan. 8.

John Sullivan wrote this article

Judge Releases 22 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Dec. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held seven defendants and released 22 defendants during initial hearings.

Nathaniel Perkins was held on the charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury.

Perkins, 29, allegedly attacked the victim with a bottle.

The prosecutor argued for a hold, citing Perkins’ violent track record and a pending assault on a police officer case.

Perkins’ defense attorney, Charles Canty, argued that his client has a history of returning to court and there are a variety of conditions that would ensure his client’s release and the safety of the victim.

However, Judge Herrmann said Perkins’ criminal record was “concerning” and the brutal nature of the crime without any real provocation led her to issue the hold.

Jose Alevar, 29, was held on unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. He is also a fugitive from Maryland where he is wanted for aggravated assault. He also has another case pending for possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Judge Herrmann said that while she understood the defense’s argument that this was just a possessory offense, court documents indicated that the weapon may have been used for something.

Judge Herrmann held Donte Philson on an assault with a dangerous weapon charge.

The acting defense attorney, Donna Beasley, argued that Philson, 28, has been compliant in previous cases. She also said that court documents were not clear on who instigated the assault.

However, Judge Herrmann said court documents clearly stated that Philson allegedly stabbed another individual who then needed extensive treatment as a result of the assault.

Kyle Kenion was held on an armed robbery charge.

The prosecution argued for a hold, saying that Kenion, 32, was on supervised release in another case on an assault with significant bodily injury charge when he committed the robbery.

Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution, saying the nature and circumstances of the case in combination with Kenion already being on supervised release led to her decision to hold him.

Kenion’s next court date is scheduled for Jan 6.

Judge Herrmann held Donzell Brodis on the charges of armed carjacking, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more and armed robbery.

Brodis, 27, was brought in on a bench warrant after being indicted on the charges in November.

Marco Honesty, 24, is a fugitive from Virginia on an aggravated assault charge. He is also charged with first-degree fraud involving $1,000 or more in damages but was released in that case.

In the fugitive case, he decided to waive his right to an extradition hearing and wait at the DC Jail for three business days in order for Virginia authorities to pick him up.

Tykwaun Elijah Copeland, a fugitive from Maryland , is charged with aggravated assault. He also decided to waive his right to an extradition hearing and wait at the DC Jail for Maryland authorities to get him.

Of the 22 defendants who were released, five were charged with felonies, 10 were charged with misdemeanors, six were charged in domestic violence-related offenses and four were fugitives. Some defendants were charged with multiple cases

Felony charges include weapon possession, assault, drug possession and burglary charges. All were released with various conditions which included maintaining contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and enrollment in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Misdemeanor charges included GPS violations, assault, theft, contempt of court, unlawful entry, DUI and resisting arrest. The defendants were released with various conditions including stay-away orders, maintaining contact with PSA and not driving a vehicle.

Domestic violence charges included various assault charges, attempted threats to do bodily harm, weapon possession and cruelty to children. Release conditions include maintaining contact with PSA, stay-away orders, no Harassment, Assaulting, Threatening or Stalking (HATS) orders and complying with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) conditions.

The fugitive cases include those from Maryland and Virginia who were charged with assault. All of these defendants were released with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions in order to resolve their cases.

A defendant, charged with bail violation has been in the hospital since Dec. 10, so his hearing was continued once again to Dec. 17.

Document: Suspect Sought for Burglary

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with a first-degree burglary offense that happened on the afternoon of Dec. 14.

At around 2:26 p.m., the suspect entered an occupied residence on the 4300 block of South Dakota Avenue, NE.

Once inside, the suspect assaulted the victim and took property before fleeing the scene, according to a press release.

The suspect was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

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Document: Suspect Sought for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective are seeking the public’s help identifying the suspect of an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on Dec. 13.

At around 4:27 pm, the suspect approached the victim on the 1200 block of 19^th Street, NW, according to a press release.

The suspect then brandished a knife, threatened the victim and then fled the scene. The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Suspect Sought in Connection with Two Armed Robberies

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are asking the public’s help locating a suspect in connection with two armed robberies that happened on Dec. 16.

The first robbery happened at about 5:24 p.m. A suspect approached the victim in the 1300 block of 10^th Street, NW, brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s property, according to a press release. The victim complied and the suspect fled the scene.

The second one happened at about 7:05 p.m. The suspect approached the victim on the 1400 block of 12^th Street, NW. Again, the suspect brandished a handgun, demanded the victim’s property and then fled the scene after the victim complied.

Document: Defendant’s Charges Upgraded to Murder Following Victim’s Death

A defendant who was arrested for assault with intent to kill last year had his charges upgraded to second-degree murder while armed after the victim succumbed to his injuries last October and his death was ruled a homicide.

At around 2:52 p.m. on July 30, 2019, 23 year old Daquan Brooks allegedly fired a handgun at 52 year-old Leon Williams following a traffic related dispute on the 3rd Street Tunnel near Massachusetts Avenue, NW, according to a press release.

Brooks was arrested for assault with intent to kill on Aug. 5, 2019.

Williams succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 22. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be complications from gunshot wounds.

The charged against Brooks were upgraded on Dec. 16.

Crime Alerts: December 16-17

Between 9 p.m. on Dec. 16 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 17, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 12:35 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE. Police are looking for two Black males.

The first suspect is 6’0″ in height, wearing a black mask, black jacket, blue pants and armed with a black handgun.

The second suspect is 5’7″ in height, wearing beige pants and a beige jacket.

Judge Releases 17 Defendants, Holds Two During Initial Hearings

On Dec. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 17 defendants and held two defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

The first defendant held, Kevin Goggins, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting and killing 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on Oct. 9 on the 1600 block of W Street, SE.

Judge Herrmann held the 20-year-old defendant due to the serious nature of the crime. She said she was alarmed by the alleged significant amount of bullets fired during the murder.

The second defendant held, Kristoney Lena, is a fugitive from justice from Maryland. The judge held her so that the governor could pick her up within three days.

The judge released four defendants charged with being fugitives from justice to give them the opportunity to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions.

Two individuals are wanted in Maryland, and the other two are wanted in Virginia and were given the order to report back to the respective state.

The judge released seven defendants in assault cases with the requirement to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and abide by stay away orders.

Two defendants charged with misdemeanor attempted threats to do bodily harm were also released with the requirement to report to PSA and abide by stay away orders.

Additionally, two defendants charged with DUI and operating a vehicle while impaired were released with the requirement to report to PSA and not to drive a vehicle while intoxicated or without a valid license.

Lastly, the judge released a defendant charged with possession of a controlled substance and second-degree theft and a defendant charged with attempted second-degree burglary. Both are required to report to PSA.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick

Judge Sentences Defendant to 18 Years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant, who a jury convicted last February, in connection with a shooting in Southeast, DC.

“The only thing I want is justice, no matter what that looks like,” the victim said in an impact statement.

Gerald Ruffin, 40, was found guilty of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, obstructing justice and contempt.

Judge Anita Josey-Herring sentenced him to a total of 18 years during the Dec. 16 hearing.

Ruffin has been held at DC Jail since November 2018. He will receive credit for time served.

The defendant picked up the case after shooting a victim while he was in his car in Southeast, DC. According to court documents, the victim was driving with Ruffin’s former girlfriend when Ruffin began firing at their car. The victim sustained three non-fatal gunshot wounds to his legs, including one in his tibia.

After Ruffin was arrested, he was charged with 20 counts of contempt and five counts of obstructing justice for repeatedly violating stay away orders by calling the victim and pressuring witnesses to take the stand on his behalf.

The victim of the shooting told the judge about his experience as a combat veteran and a bronze star recipient during the Iraq war, expressing his disbelief that he would be shot at home “over nothing.”

“I’ve been blown up, I’ve been shot at, and I’ve been in several wars, but I couldn’t imagine that I would have to take bullets in my leg in my own streets, and it’s pointless, it’s for no reason,” he said. “Even in the war, I have never seen that kind of anger.”

The other victim in the car also made a statement at Ruffin’s sentencing. “Whatever sentence is given to him, is deserved,” she said.

Defense attorney Dorsey Jones asked for leniency.

He said his client was raised in difficult circumstances and experienced trauma growing up. He also pointed out that Ruffin was gainfully employed before the offense, working as a welder. He said Ruffin was a steelworkers’ union member.

Before he was sentenced, Ruffin also asked for leniency so he could provide for his family. He apologized to his family and anyone else who was affected by his actions.

“You were willing to seriously injure or almost kill someone because you were jealous that they were in a relationship with a former romantic partner of yours,” Judge Josey-Herring said before passing the sentence. “I don’t think it’s fair to put the burden on other people to think about your children when you did not consider them when you engaged in this act.”

Judge Josey-Herring also asked Ruffin to reflect on his actions and think about what he is capable of during his time of incarceration.

John Sullivan wrote this article

Judge Transfers Murder Defendant from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to DC Jail

A DC Superior Court judge ordered that a murder defendant be transferred from St. Elizabeth’s hospital, DC psychiatric institution, to DC Jail.

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

Two other people were also injured in the shooting.

The 49-year-old defendant 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.

On Jan 24, Kosh was found mentally incompetent to stand trial and inpatient competency restoration was ordered. On June 4, an order was filed finding the defendant competent.

During the Dec. 16 mental observation hearing, Judge Michael Ryan ruled that there is no basis to keep Kosh at St. Elizabeth’s.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Acquitted: Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder case

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 determined that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial on Dec. 16.

Devonte Brothers is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Deron Leake on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE. on Oct. 17, 2019.

Leake was pronounced dead on scene with a gunshot wound to the head, according to court documents. Another victim was shot in both legs but survived.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case testified that he identified Brothers, 26, as their alleged suspect based on cell phone data that put the defendant in the area before, during and after the homicide. A witness at the scene also identified Brothers as the alleged shooter.

During cross-examination, defense attorney John McKenna asked whether the witness, who was charged with a felony, was offered a cooperation agreement or if the charge was still pending.

“That is a question for the government,” the detective responded. “To my knowledge, he has not received any agreement, but I honestly have no idea.”

“This is a single identification circumstance,” McKenna told Judge Todd Edelman. “Witness Two only identified the defendant after he committed a crime and had the possibility of having his charges dropped. They come up woefully short of probable cause.”

McKenna also requested his client’s release from DC Jail.

The prosecution argued against the request, noting that the defendant already has a lengthy criminal history.

Judge Edelman found probable cause and granted the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant.

Brothers next court appearance is set for Feb. 22, 2021.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Crime Alerts: December 15-16

Between 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 16, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.

The first alert was sent at 7:55 p.m. for a robbery at the intersection of 16th and D Streets, NE. Police are looking for two suspects wearing all black and armed with handguns. They were last seen fleeing in a black sedan.

The second alert was sent at 7:26 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1300 block of Lawrence Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a green hoodie.

Document: Suspect Sought for Armed Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the pubic’s help locating a suspect in connection with an armed robbery that happened on the afternoon of Dec. 15.

At around 2:06 p.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

The suspect pointed a handgun at employees and demanded money, according to a press release. The suspect took the money and fled scene. They were captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened in November.

At around 6:01 p.m. on Nov. 20, the suspect and the victim were arguing on the 400 block of 2^nd Street, NW. During the argument, the suspect allegedly took out a knife, stabbed the victim and fled the scene.

The suspect was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was arrested on Dec. 15.

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