Judge Orders Competency Screening for Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ordered a screening to assess if a defendant charged with kidnapping and third-degree sex abuse is competent to stand trial.

The defendant, 35, is accused of grabbing a woman from behind with his pants down on Oct. 14 in Northeast, DC. According to court documents, when the victim first tried to escape, the defendant allegedly grabbed her hair after she fell before she was able to escape on her second attempt.

During the Nov. 5 hearing, defense attorney Kevin Mosley asked that his client receive a forensic psychological evaluation.

Judge Robert Okun granted the request and scheduled a mental observation hearing for Dec. 2.

Until then, the defendant will continue to be held at the DC Jail, where he has been since his arraignment on Oct. 16.

Judge Orders Additional Mental Observation Screening After Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

A DC Superior Court judge ordered an updated competency evaluation for a defendant deemed competent after over two years of treatment.

Steven Jones was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in November 2017. He entered a guilty plea less than two months later. But the follwing May, a psychological screening was ordered and Jones was found mentally incompetent. He was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, for treatment, and was found competent in July. He currently remains at the hospital.

The defense is arguing for the defendant’s medication to no longer be forcibly administered. The judge authorized the medication to be given this way after it was discovered that Jones was pretending to take his medication.

However, he was found competent while not taking the medicine, prompting defense attorney Brandi Harden to question the medication’s necessity.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled a hearing for Jan. 28, 2021, so that an expert can inform the court on a necessary timeline for Jones to take the medication and eventually go off of it while still maintaining competency.

This report will need to be completed not later than Dec. 7.

Jones is currently scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 16.

Judge Schedules Preliminary Hearing for Assault Case

On Nov. 5, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if an assault case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Greg Burch is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed in connection with a shooting that happened Sept. 17 on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. According to witness accounts, the shooting took place over a stolen bicycle.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled Burch’s preliminary hearing for Dec. 15.

In the meantime, Burch, 36, will remain in the DC Jail, where he has been held since he was arrested on Oct. 14.

Judge Holds Six Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Nov. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released five defendants and held six defendants in DC Jail.

Josh Fenner is a fugitive from justice in the state of Maryland, with an underlying charge of homicide. Given the nature of the charge, Fenner was given the option to be held in the DC Jail until an extradition hearing could be held in January, or to waive his right to an extradition hearing and be picked up by Maryland authorities.

He chose to have Maryland authorities pick him up within three business days to pick him up.

Javon Barnes, 22, is charged with armed robbery in connection to a robbery that occurred on the 900 block of L’Enfant Plaza, SW on Nov. 4.

The victim called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and reported that two men robbed him at knife point inside the L’Enfant metro station. Police were able to canvas the area and arrested Barnes, who was found to be in possession of several of the stolen items, including $20, a phone charger and an EBT card with the victim’s name.

He is being held due to the violent nature of the offense.

Wayne Jones is charged with simple assault and second-degree theft. The simple assault charge is in conjunction to an event that occured on Oct. 8 on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, where a detention facility is located. Jones, 25, allegedly grew angry with a corporal officer and poured an unknown substance suggested to be feces on him.

The theft charge is for an incident that occurred on Nov. 4, when an MPD officer was waved down for a shoplifting offense in progress.

The officer went inside a CVS, located on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, and observed Jones walking out with several items that were not paid for. The officer also discovered that Jones had been previously barred from entering the store.

Jones is being held due to the theft charge being a violation of his parole.

Giselle Hartzog is charged with robbery for an event that occurred May 24, 2019, on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The victim alleged that Hartzog, 31, stole the victim’s keys out of her hand, unlocked her car and then fled the scene. MPD officers found Hartzog soon after on the 1100 block of S Street, SE. The defendant was initially released but failed to appear for her felony arraignment and a bench warrant was issued.

She is being held due to Judge Herrmann believing the defendant is a potential flight risk.

A 37-year-old defendant was held in a first-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping case where he allegedly threatened to kill, kidnapped and tried to rape his victim.

He is being held due to the nature of his crime and the fact that there have been previous domestic violence cases filed by the victim against the defendant.

Another defendant is being held in a domestic violence case with underlying charges of simple assault and attempted second-degree cruelty to children.

He is being held due to past instances of disregarding court orders. A stay away order was also granted by Judge Herrmann.

Judge Herrmann saw two additional defendants charged in misdemeanor cases with charges of simple assault, attempt to possession of a prohibited weapon and contempt. Both defendants were released and one was given a stay away order.

One defendant was released on a fugitive matter, where he is a fugitive from justice in the state of Virginia. The defendant was told to report to the demanding jurisdiction as soon as possible.

Another defendant was released in a domestic violence case with underlying charges of simple assault and destruction of property worth less than $1,000. The defendant was released with a stay away order.

Adefendant was released in a felony matter for carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a weapon outside a home or business.

Two other defendants are still in the hospital, so their hearings were moved to Nov. 6.

This article was written by Abigail Grifno

Judge Continues Hearing for Child Sex Abuse Defendant

A DC Superior court judge continued a Nov. 5 hearing to give the defense time to discuss a plea agreement.

The 36-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree child sex abuse. The victim in the incident is a 12-year-old relative.

Defense attorney Anthony Matthews said he has had difficulties reaching his client, who is currently being held at DC Jail.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the defendant’s next hearing for Dec. 21.

Judge Continues Hearing for Assault and Weapon Possession Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge continued a Nov. 5 hearing for a defendant to give time for the defense to review a plea offer.

Rodney Patterson is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Patterson, 44, is accused of shooting a victim three times in the stomach on May 2 on the 3200 block of 23rd Street, SE.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled Patterson’s next hearing for Dec. 30.

He is being held without bail.

Judge Sentences Robbery Defendant Under Youth Act

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a robbery defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Dominique Peterkin was initially charged with robbery. As part of a deal with the prosecution, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted robbery.

Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Peterkin to one year, the entirety of which was suspended, plus 18 months of supervised probation. Conditions of his probation include getting his General Education Diploma (GED) and doing 90 hours of community service.

Since the 19-year-old defendant was sentenced under the Youth Act, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.

During the Oct. 5 hearing, Peterkin told Judge Brandt how he wanted to change and get an education.

“I am trying to go to junior college, so I can go to regular college,” he said.

Judge Brandt acknowledged his plan, but also expressed concern.

“I see a young man who is drawn to the gangster life where you are glorifying and embracing a life filled with guns and money,” she said.

Judge Brandt warned that the lifestyle could get him killed.

The prosecutor also stressed the seriousness of Peterkin’s offense and reminded him he has one chance to redirect his life.

Peterkin must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Releases Defendant from Jail

A DC Superior Court judge granted a request to release a defendant from DC Jail.

Darryl Smith Jr. was initially charged with armed robbery in May 2018. The following August, he was indicted on 17 counts, including first-degree burglary, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, armed kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, credit card fraud, first-degree theft and conspiracy.

All counts except conspiracy were charged as offenses committed during release.

The judge’s decision to release him was made so the defendant could resolve an outstanding warrant in another jurisdiction.

The defendant is currently released on his promise to return to court for his next hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 12.

After the defendant resolves his warrant, Smith will be eligible for placement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.) His release conditions are set to be revisited during the Nov. 12 hearing.

Homicides Rise by 33 Percent in October

There were 20 homicides in October, five more than the previous month, according to D.C. Witness data.

Most of the victims died from shootings with Ward 8’s count topping the district with six homicides.

There were no homicides in Ward 2.

George Bernard Shaw III is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of 59-year-old Marcus Nelson and 39-year-old Simmeon Williamson Oct. 20.

The arrest came just two days after the two were killed.

D.C. Witness previously reported that officers responded to the 1700 block of Irving Street, NE for the report of a burglary in progress and the sounds of gunshots. There, they found Nelson and Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both men were pronounced dead on the scene.

Their deaths accounted for two of the four October homicides that happened in Ward 5. The third victim was 45-year-old Orlando Miller, who was shot on the first of the month on the 1700 block of Lang Place, NE.

On Oct. 22, 64 year-old Tyrone Brown was arrested for first-degree murder while armed in connection with Miller’s death.

The fourth victim in Ward 5 was Yisa Jeffcoat, 28, who was shot on the 1600 block of W Street, SE on Oct. 9.

Police have not apprehended any suspects in Jeffcoat’s death as of Nov. 5, according to D.C. Witness data.

Saul Hernandez, a 64 year-old, was the only victim in October to not be killed by gun-related violence. He died of blunt force trauma in the Columbia Heights neighborhood in Ward 1.

During the early hours on Oct. 18, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 1400 block of Perry Place, NW after receiving a report of a man down. They found Hernandez who died at a local hospital.

Hernandez was the oldest of October’s homicide victims. The average age of the victims was 37. In comparison, the average age of the victims killed in September was 33.

Twenty year-old James Williams was arrested for involuntary manslaughter on Nov. 2 in connection with his death.

Williams was one of five people DC Police have arrested in connection with the month’s homicides.

Data also shows that three of the victims in October were women, including Noelle Wilson, 31; Cyhneil Smith, 23; and Lorraine Marie Thomas, 21.

Andrea Keckley wrote this article. LaTrina Antoine contributed.

*Editor’s note: The September count listed above does not include the police-involved shooting on Sept. 2.

Document: Homicide on Georgia Avenue

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened in the late hours of Nov. 4.

At approximately 10:35 p.m., officers responded to the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW for the sounds of gunshots.

There, they found 24-year-old Terrence Jones, of Northwest, DC suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at a local hospital.

Officers also found a woman inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Crime Alerts: November 4-5

Between 9 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out seven crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:23 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 3800 block of 9th Street, SE. Police are looking for two Black males driving a black BMW with a paper tag. Suspect one is 5’8″-6’0″ in height with a slim build, wearing all black. Suspect two is wearing all black with dreads. They were last seen by Barnaby Street, SE heading towards Wheeler Road, SE.

At 4:52 a.m., an alert was sent for a stabbing on the 600 block of Lamont Street, NW.

At 12:34 a.m., an alert was sent for a confirmed shooting at Parkland Place, SE and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE.

At 12:08 a.m., an alert for an attempted armed robbery was sent at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Girard Street, NW. Police are looking for three Black males traveling in a black sedan. Suspect 1 is wearing a gray sweater and black pants armed with a handgun.

An alert was sent at 11:22 p.m. for a shooting on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Police are looking for a Black male with a hat and all dark clothing, armed with a handgun.

An alert was sent at 9:34 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 900 block of Burns Street, SE. Police are looking for three to four males with unknown ethnicity or clothing descriptions.

The final alert was sent at 9:15 p.m. for a robbery investigation on the 3100 block of K Street, NW. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a black jacket. The suspect fled the scene in a silver Crown Victoria, which was last seen on K Street, NW.

Judge Releases Two Defendants Charged with 1st Degree Murder During Initial Hearings

On Nov. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 13 defendants and held three defendants in DC Jail.

Judge Herrmann released two defendants, Antonio Turner and Ta’Jeanna Eason, who are charged with first-degree murder and first-degree cruelty to children for their alleged involvement in the death of 2-year-old Gabriel Eason.

According to the prosecution, both defendants allegedly abused the 2 year-old as well as two other minor children, who are 11 and 3 years-old.

The Gabriel died on April 1 after sustaining significant injuries believed to be from the beatings.

Though Judge Herrmann acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, she decided to release both defendants with orders to stay away from the other two minor children as well as all children under the age of 18, saying she did not believe they are a danger to the community.

Judge Hermann decided to hold two defendants who are charged with being fugitives from justice.

Troy Rawlings and a juvenile male are both wanted in Maryland for homicide. Given the serious allegations, Judge Herrmann said she was not inclined to release either defendant. Given this, both Rawlings and the juvenile waived their extradition hearings in DC to be held in jail for three business days in order to allow Maryland authorities to retrieve them.

Judge Hermann also decided to hold Quaishie Wise, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly swinging a baseball bat at a victim. The 32-year-old defendant is also charged with being a fugitive from justice in the state of Virginia.

The judge made his decision after considering Wise’s criminal history and the nature of the alleged assault. Wise is scheduled for another hearing on Nov. 23.

Of those who were released, two defendants were charged in domestic violence cases. One was released with a stay away order, and the other was released with an order not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the victim.

Judge Herrmann released three defendants charged as fugitives. The defendants are wanted in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina for various charges, and Judge Herrmann released them with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions.

Four defendants charged with misdemeanors were also released. The charges include contempt, unlawful entry onto private property, threats to do bodily harm, destruction of property, resisting arrest and lewd, indecent or obscene acts. Two of the defendants were released with stay away orders, and the other two were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Two defendants, charged with carrying a pistol without a license, were released with orders not to possess any firearms or ammunition. One was also placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring.

Two final defendants are in the hospital, so their hearings were moved to Nov. 5.

Document: Police ID Victim of Homicide on Dix Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department identified a victim in a homicide on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE.

According to a press release, the homicide occurred at midnight on Nov. 3. Police found 24 year-old Demetrius Benson suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at a local hospital.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should contact the police at 202-727-9099 or send a text anonymously to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

Judge Holds One Defendant During Presentments on Election Day

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held one defendant in DC Jail out of the 15 that she saw on Nov. 3.

Judge Herrmann decided to hold Darrell Warren, a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted in Maryland after violating parole in relation to a dangerous drugs conviction. This was the first of three fugitive charges.

One of the defendant’s hearings was rescheduled for Nov. 4 as the defendant remains in the hospital.

The final fugitive defendant was released to turn himself in to Virginia authorities as soon as possible.

There were five defendants who were released that are facing simple assault charges. One of them is still in the hospital.

One of the defendants with a simple assault charge is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.

Of the cases, eight defendants were ordered to stay away from the alleged victims or location of the incident and 11 defendants are required to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Four defendants are charged with weapons charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, armed robbery and unlawful possession of ammunition. They were all released with orders not to possess weapons or ammunition, and the defendant charged with armed robbery was also placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring.

Two defendants are charged with second-degree theft and unlawful entry. One of the defendants allegedly entered a vehicle and the other entered private property. Both were given stay away orders.

One final domestic violence defendant is charged with property damage under $1,000. The defendant was released on a stay away requirement.

This article was written by Andrew Douglas

Document: Suspect Sought in NW Burglary

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is looking to identify a suspect in a second-degree burglary that occurred on Oct. 22.

The incident took place on the 1200 block of Lamont Street, NW around 1:52 a.m. The suspect forced themselves into a residence and took property before fleeing the scene.

The suspect was caught by a nearby surveillance camera.

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