Judge Holds 3 Defendants During Initial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge held three defendants and released 24 during initial hearings on Dec. 12.

Michael Curtis is charged with simple assault for allegedly assaulting a victim and a police officer on Dec. 11.

According to court documents Curtis, 31, allegedly approached the victim, asking for money. When the victim refused, Curtis lashed out and hit the victim multiple times. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on the scene and apprehended Curtis, who then resisted arrest, injuring an officer in the process.

Curtis will be held at DC jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 29.

Lewis McCarson is being charged with a Civil Protection Order (CPO) violation, contempt, simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm. McCarson was also brought before the court in two bench warrants for failing to appear in court.

On Dec. 11, on the 3500 block of A Street, SE, an MPD officer allegedly observed McCarson, 47, walking on the sidewalk. The officer, having prior knowledge of an arrest warrant being out on McCarson, asked him to identify himself. After he did so, the MPD officer arrested McCarson.

Judge Sean Staples found probable cause, citing the defendant’s additional pending CPO violation charge. He decided to release him on his new charges but granted the prosecution’s request to hold him in his bench warrants, based on the violations.

McCarson will be held at DC jail until his next court hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 16.

Leon Winder is charged with possession of ammunition and a firearm with a prior conviction in a Federal charge.

“I have no choice but to hold you until Monday for you to be seen in Federal Court,” Judge Staples said.

Leon Winder will be held at DC jail until his next hearing on Dec. 14.

Of the 24 defendants that Judge Staples released, eight of them were charged with domestic violence-related offenses. Some of those charges include attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon and contempt. All eight defendants were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and issued stay-away orders from people and places. They are all scheduled to return to court on May 14, 2021.

Ten defendants who were charged with misdemeanors were released. Some of the underlying charges include cruelty to animals, simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted second-degree theft and unauthorized use of a vehicle. All defendants were released under PSA and ordered to return to court on May 14, 2021. Only a few of the defendants were issued stay-away orders.

Among those released were four defendants with felony charges. The charges were carrying a pistol without a license, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and unarmed carjacking. They were released on their personal recognizance to return to court and ordered to check in with PSA.

One fugitive from the state of Maryland is wanted for vehicle theft. Judge Staples released the defendant so he could turn himself in to the demanding jurisdiction. His next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2021.

A defendant charged with possession of an unregistered firearm was released. The defendant was ordered to report to PSA and return to court on May 14, 2021.

This article was written by Emily Pengelly.

Judge Continues Sentencing for Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge vacated a Dec. 11 sentencing after the prosecution filed a motion to reschedule the hearing.

Rasheed Murray pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in July of 2018 after initially being charged with second-degree murder, reckless driving and a DUI. According to court documents, Murray, 33, was racing a 28-year-old down 16th street, NW on July 19, 2015. Murray lost control of the vehicle and struck 24-year-old Matthew Roth, who died from his injuries.

The prosecution filed a motion on Nov. 25 to continue the sentencing until next year to allow Thompson’s family to attend the hearing in person, which is not possible at the moment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The sentencing was rescheduled for May 20, 2021.

Document: Suspect Sought for Assault on a Police Officer

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with an assault on a police officer offense that happened on Dec. 12.

At around 7:05 p.m., the suspect and another individual were engaged in a physical altercation on the 1600 block of K Street, NW.

According to a press release, an on-duty MPD officer, tried to intervene when the suspect struck them with an unknown object.

The officer was treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

The suspect was captured by a camera.

Document: Additional Arrest Made in Connection with Stabbing of Four People

On Dec. 13, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a 39 year-old Minnesota resident for simple assault in connection with an incident from the previous day, in which four people were stabbed.

The first arrest was made on the day of the incident. A 29 year-old resident of Northeast, DC was apprehended by police and arrested for assault with a dangerous weapon after allegedly stabbing four victims, all of whom were taken to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

According to a press release, the stabbings happened on the 500 block of 11^th Street, NW after a verbal altercation between the suspect and the victims escalated into a physical one.

The simple assault arrest came as a result of the detectives’ investigation. The detectives are also trying to identify other suspects, who were captured by cameras.

Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Two Assault on Police Officer Offenses

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with two assaults on a police officer.

The first offense occurred on May 31 at around 7:35 p.m. when the suspect allegedly approached and assaulted an MPD officer on the 1400 block of H Street, NW.

The second offense occurred at around 11:00 p.m. on Dec. 12 on the 1500 block of K Street, NW. The suspect allegedly assaulted an on-duty MPD officer and immediately fled the scene.

A 30-year-old resident of Rockville, Md. was arrested on Dec. 12.

Document: Suspects Sought for Destruction of Property

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking the public’s help identifying suspects of a destruction of property offense that happened on Dec. 12.

At around 6:00 p.m., suspects allegedly removed a banner from an establishment on the 900 block of 11^th Street, NW and then lit the banner on fire.

The suspects were captured by a surveillance camera.

Crime Alerts: December 13-14

Between 9 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 14, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 10:12 p.m. for a robbery on the 1600 block of Eckington Place, NE. Police are looking for two Black males.

The first suspect is a 20 year-old with curly hair. The second suspect is believed to be armed with a handgun.

Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Four Stabbings

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

At around 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 12, the suspect and victims were arguing on the 500 block of 11^th Street, NW. The verbal altercation escalated into a physical one.

The suspect then allegedly brandished a knife and stabbed four victims. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers, according to a press release.

The victims were taken to a hospital with none life-threatening injuries.

Document: Suspect Arrested for First-Degree Burglary and Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with a first-degree burglary offense that happened on Dec. 12.

At around 9:39 p.m., the suspect entered a residence on the 1800 block of North Capitol Street, NW to conduct a transaction with the victim.

Once inside, the suspect allegedly brandished a handgun and demanded money and property. The victims complied and the suspect tried to flee, but was apprehended by responded officers.

A firearm was recovered from the suspect, according to a press release.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 30 Months With 12 Months Suspended

On Dec. 11, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant in a drug and weapon’s possession case.

Jorge Sweet was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed. The 34-year-old was found to be in possession of the unregistered firearm and thirty baggies of cocaine on Oct. 5, 2019, on the 2500 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Indictment charges filed against him include possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction on Jan. 24. Per the plea agreement, the prosecution dismissed the remaining counts of the indictment.

Judge John Campbell sentenced Sweet to 30 months incarceration with 12 months suspended with credit for time served. He was given two years supervised probation and must comply with all probation conditions the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) recommends. Any recommendations by CSOSA were not presented during the sentencing.

Sweet will also have to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund and must register as a gun offender following his release.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Carver/Langston Homicide

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection with a Dec. 11 homicide.

At around 3:58 p.m., officers responded to the the intersection of 21^st Street and Benning Road, NE.

There, they found 35 year-old Antoine Pierce, of District Heights, Md., inside a vehicle, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on scene.

On Dec. 12, 26 year-old Jamall Thornton was arrested for second-degree murder while armed.

The case remains under investigation.

Document: Homicide in Randle Highlands

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide that happened on the afternoon of Dec. 11.

At around 4:09 p.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of 29^th Street, SE for the report of a shooting.

There, they found 26 year-old Vincent Gyamfi suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Benning Road Shooting

On Dec. 12, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect in connection to a homicide at the intersection of 21^st Street and Benning Road, NE.

Officers arrested 26-year-old Jamall Thornton on charges for second-degree murder while armed.

A press release stated that officers found 35-year-old Antoine Pierce in a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds on Dec. 11. He died on the scene.

The case is still being investigated.

The department is offering up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other murder in DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Or, text the department’s text tip line — 50411.

Document: Homicide At Intersection of Benning Road and 21st Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting at the at the intersection of 21st Street and Benning Road, NE.

A little before 4 p.m. on Dec. 11, officers found, 35-year-old Antoine Pierce, in a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. He died on the scene.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411.

Judge Holds Seven Defendants During Initial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge held seven defendants and released twelve during initial hearings on Dec. 11.

Mohamed Goodwin is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting and killing 25 year-old Devonte Wilson.

On Dec. 3, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a traffic incident that occurred on the 700 block of Morton Street, NE. Upon arrival, they found Wilson suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. He was immediately taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead the next day due to the severe nature of his injuries.

The police were able to identify Goodwin, 32, with the help of surveillance footage and multiple eyewitness testimonies.

Goodwin’s defense attorney, Lee Smith, requested that the defendant be placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

The prosecution argued against this request, saying that he is a flight risk and should be held.

“The defendant is on pretrial release for a gun case. There is evidence of flight–he was in Indianapolis but came back,” the prosecution said.

Judge Sean Staples granted the prosecution’s request and held Goodwin. Goodwin’s next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 30.

A 23-year-old male defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The defendant is also charged with simple assault from a domestic violence case.

On the evening of Dec. 10, on the 500 block of R Street, NW, the defendant allegedly approached a victim, attempting to rob them while brandishing a handgun. MPD officers happened to be driving by and were able to stop the robbery from taking place.

Judge Staples held the defendant without bail given the seriousness of the allegations. The defendant will be held at DC jail until his next court hearing.

Irving Hutchinson is charged with simple assault in a felony case and has an outstanding bench warrant for failure to appear in a misdemeanor case.

According to court documents, on Dec. 10, Hutchinson, 24, approached and robbed a victim at Union Station, located on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE. The victim reported the incident to nearby police, who were able to locate Hutchinson quickly.

Hutchinson will be held at DC jail until his next hearing, which will occur on Dec. 30.

Judge Staples also held Robert Bland, who is charged with felony contempt for repeatedly violating a stay-away order.

Bland, 54, has been ordered to stay away from a location in several cases in which he is accused of dealing heroin.

The prosecution noted that Bland has six pending cases, with five of those cases taking place during the past three months.

“He has been given enough opportunities, and he will be held no bond,” Judge Staples said.

Bland will be held at the DC jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 30.

Jackson Brian is charged with being a fugitive from justice from the state of Florida. Brian failed to appear in DC for his extradition hearing on Dec. 9, so he is being held at DC jail until authorities from Florida can pick him up.

Among those held is Mark Burnett, who is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly stealing a pack of cigarettes from a victim who was apparently unconscious. Burnett, 31, is also charged with being a fugitive from justice from the state of Maryland. Burnett will be held at DC jail in both cases.

Leslie Hines is charged with being a fugitive from justice from the state of Maryland. He is also charged with prison breach. Hines, 39, was released in his prison escape case, but Judge Staples held him in the fugitive matter for Maryland authorities to retrieve him within three business days.

Of the 12 defendants that Judge Staples released, five were charged with misdemeanors. Some of the underlying charges were the distribution of a controlled substance, destruction of property less than $1,000 and attempted threats to do bodily harm. All defendants were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They are instructed to come back to court on May 14, 2021.

Four defendants charged with felonies were released. The majority of the charges included the distribution of a controlled substance or unlawful possession of a firearm. They are all ordered to report to PSA. One defendant was ordered to get a GPS monitoring device installed.

Two fugitives from the state of Virginia were released with orders to turn themselves in to the appropriate authorities.

One defendant charged with a traffic offense was released and ordered to come back to court on May 14, 2021.

A hearing was also continued to Dec. 12 for a defendant who is in the hospital.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

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