Judge Releases 3 Domestic Violence Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Jan. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe heard a total of 27 cases, three of which involved domestic violence.

Of the three domestic violence cases presented before the judge, all defendants were released.

The first defendant is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted second-degree cruelty to children and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.

The defendant, an adult woman, allegedly threatened a 12 year-old with a knife.

She is currently on probation for destruction of property and threats to kidnap or injure a person. According to the woman’s defense attorney, she is compliant with her probation conditions and is seeking mental health treatment.

Due to her compliance and minor criminal history, Judge Pipe released the defendant with a stay-away order from the child.

The second defendant, an adult woman, is charged with a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) violation and destruction of property resulting in less than $1,000 in damages. At the request of the prosecution, the defendant was released with a stay-away order.

The final defendant is charged with a simple assault. Judge Pipe served her with a Civil Protection Order (CPO) and released her with a stay-away order.

All three defendants are scheduled to return to court on July 1.

Document: Man Killed in Cleveland Park, Suspect Arrested

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect for first-degree murder while armed in connection with a homicide that happened on Jan. 28.

At around 7:11 a.m. that day, officers responded to the 3300 block of Newark Street, NW for the report of a domestic violence assault.

There, they found 54 year-old Donald Arndt inside of a residence, suffering from severe trauma. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Twenty-eight year-old Christian Arndt was apprehended by responding officers, according to a press release.

Domestic Violence Defendant Pleads Guilty After Nearly 1 Year of Detention

After being held at DC Jail for nearly a year, a defendant entered a plea in his domestic violence case.

The defendant pleaded guilty to two felony charges, including attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The latter charge carries a mandatory minimum of one year.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to request that the sentences run concurrently.

Defense attorney Lloyd Malech asked DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker to release his client into home confinement pending sentencing, given how long he’s been held.

Judge Becker denied the request, but did say that the time he’s spent at DC Jail so far will count as credit towards time served.

According to a proffer of facts, on April 3 in Southeast, DC, the defendant approached a vehicle with the victim in it and began arguing with her. When the victim’s partner returned to the vehicle, the defendant pointed a gun inside the vehicle. When the vehicle drove away, he fired one shot at it. He also brandished a gun during a separate incident, but did not fire it.

The 31 year-old defendant was charged on April 6, and has been held ever since. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25.

Andrea Keckley wrote this article.

Crime Alerts: January 27-28

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 9:00 p.m. on Jan. 27 and 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 28.

The alert was sent at 8:27 a.m. on Jan. 28 for a robbery investigation on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

Police are looking for a Black male with a dark complexion, shoulder length dreadlocks, a black skull cap, black coat, black jeans and armed with a blade or knife.

Murder Defendant Takes Agency of Life, Judge Says

A murder defendant, who was recently put on probation, was acknowledged Jan. 27 for being in compliance with her release conditions.

Lakeesha Wilson, 42, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed in the stabbing of 20-year-old Tomika Blackwell on Jan. 17, 2000, on the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SE.

During the probation review hearing, it was reported that Wilson is in compliance with her probation conditions.

According to a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Colombia (CSOSA) and a representative of the Public Defenders Office, Wilson is doing is well on probation. She has even acclimated to the community by actively participating in community groups.

She also tested negative for illegal substances.

Judge Danya Dayson congratulated Wilson for “taking agency over her own life.”

The drug test was not discussed in open court.

Wilson was the leader of a group of young women who went to Blackwell’s apartment with the intention of physically attacking her after an altercation that occurred the night prior, according to court documents. Blackwell physically assaulted Wilson’s sister.

In retaliation Wilson, along with six friends, arrived at Blackwell’s apartment and stabbed Blackwell to death with a butcher knife, court documents said.

Wilson was convicted on Nov 8, 2000, and was sentenced to 36 years to life in prison by Judge Russell F. Canan.

On Dec 23, 2020, Judge Dayson signed a compassionate release order.

Wilson’s next probation review hearing is scheduled for June 11.

Judge Continues Child Sex Abuse Case for Possible Resolution

A DC Superior Court judge continued a first-degree child sex abuse case that it could be resolved with a plea.

The 19-year-old defendant is accused of sexually abusing an 11-year-old in December 2019 in Northwest, DC.

Back in February, the defense reported that they were considering a plea deal. During the Jan. 27 hearing, the defense attorney said he needed more time with his client to finalize his ability to accept the offer.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled the next hearing for March 1.

In the meantime, the defendant will remain held at DC Jail where he has been since he picked up the charge the day after the alleged offense.

Lauren Pelzner and Andrea Keckley wrote this article.

Document: Juvenile Fatally Shot in Southeast, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on Jan. 26.

At around 7:03 p.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of 12^th Place, SE for the sounds of gunshots.

There, they found 15 year-old Jamarid Robinson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Hearing Set for Defendant Charged in 2 Separate Homicides

DC Superior Court Judith Smith set a hearing for a defendant who is being charged with two homicides that occurred last November.

Antoine Turner, 27 was charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed in connection with the fatal shootings of Demetrius Benson and Demeitri Anderson. On Nov. 3, 2020, Benson, 34, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the armpit on 4500 block of Dix Street, NE. Twenty-six days later on Nov. 29, 2020, Anderson, 23, was shot 13 times on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE.

During the Jan. 26 proceedings, the defense requested a hearing to begin proceeding with Turner’s case. The prosecution stated that it anticipates the hearing would take all day given it is a felony case with two counts.

Judge Smith emphasized that given the backlog due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prosecution should make sure they request enough time for the hearing in advance.

She also reminded the defense that it must ensure Turner completes a COVID test before appearing in court or the hearing could be delayed.

The next hearing is scheduled to begin on March 18.

Murder Case Set for Preliminary Hearing

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

Deandre Levy, 20, is charged with first-degree while armed in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Taijhon Wyatt on Aug 10, 2020 on the 5500 block of 9th St, NW.

Judge Judith Smith scheduled the preliminary hearing for March 3.

Prosecution Not Expecting Indictment for Murder Case Within Next Week

A DC Superior Court judge postponed a February felony status conference after the prosecution said they do not expect to receive a grand jury indictment within the next week.

Knico Wheaton is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of Tavon Cox on Jan. 11, 2020, on the block of 24th Street, NW. During a preliminary hearing back in November, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that Cox was still conscious when he arrived on scene and said that the incident was a drug deal gone wrong.

The prosecution said they cannot provide the defense with a timeline as to when an indictment will be filed. Both parties agreed to the change the date.

Wheaton, 23, is currently being detained. However, defense attorney David Richter said that the defense intends to file a release motion in the coming days.

Judge Michael Ryan scheduled Wheaton’s next hearing for May 10.

Document: Suspect Arrested for Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a Virginia resident for first-degree murder while armed in connection with a homicide that happened on Jan. 25, according to a press release.

At around 8:54 a.m. that day, officers responded to the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE for the report of a shooting.

There, they found three men suffering from gunshot wounds.

Two were taken to the hospital: one with non life-threatening injuries and the other with life-threatening injuries.

A third victim, 22 year-old Edward Wade, was pronounced dead on scene.

Two other men also sought treatment at local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.

“Through the detectives’ investigation, it was determined that one of the victims that sought treatment at a local hospital was a suspect in this case,” the press release states.

Terrance Oxner, 21, was arrested on Jan. 25.

The case remains under investigation.

Prosecution in Murder Case Requests Continuance

The prosecution in a murder case asked a DC Superior Court judge to continue a Jan. 26 hearing to adress the current status of the defendant withdrawing his guilty plea.

Back in Febuary, Elijah Jarmon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in connection with the fatal shooting of 18 year-old Taquan Pinkney on the 2800 block of Stanton Road, SE on Sept. 9, 2018.

At the time, Judge Anita Josey-Herring predicted that the 19-year-old defendant would serve 12 years in prison with a minimum of five years on supervised release, D.C. Witness previously reported.

The next status hearing in this case is scheduled for March 1.

Trial Prep Underway for Fatal Shooting of 11 Year-Old

Trial preparations are underway for a defendant charged in the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy.

Tony McClam is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Karon Brown on July 18, 2019, on the 2700 Block of Naylor Road, SE.

Parties anticipated that the victim’s young age and the case’s publicity could cause jury selection to take more time.

“This case basically made national news and was all over social media including outlets with up to five million followers,” said defense attorney James King.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson agreed to schedule a hearing for June, when the court anticipates knowing more about the availability of courtrooms for jury selection.

The next trial readiness hearing is set for June 7.

McClam, 30, is also charged with possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in this case.

The prosecution estimated it would take them around six days to present their evidence. King estimated that the defense would need around two days.

Andrea Keckley and Adriana Montes wrote this article.

Crime Alerts: January 25-26

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert between 2:00 p.m. on Jan. 25 and 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 26.

The alert was sent at 4:42 p.m. on Jan. 25 for a robbery investigation on the 400 block of Ridge Road, SE.

Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Judge Hears 11 Domestic Violence Cases During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Jan. 25, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe heard 11 domestic violence cases out of a total of 32 cases.

Of the 11 domestic violence cases she heard, the judge only held one defendant.

The defendant is charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and contempt. The 30-year-old defendant allegedly violated a stay-away order while threatening the victim with a pellet gun and choking her.

The defendant’s defense counsel requested his release, citing that he lives with the alleged victim and helps support her and their five children.

Given the allegations in the police report as well as the defendant’s lengthy history of assaultive conduct toward the complainant, Judge Pipe decided to hold the defendant at the jail pending his next hearing, which is scheduled for Feb. 9.

Additionally, the court served the defendant with a Temporary Protection Order (TPO), which orders him to stay away from the victim and gives her temporary custody of their children.

Of those who were released, one defendant was brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear in court to discuss his probation in two cases. The defendant’s cases are from 2015, and he was released with orders to return to court on Feb. 25.

The remaining nine domestic violence defendants presented before the court had charges that include assault with a dangerous weapon, sex abuse, simple assault, threats to do bodily harm, Civil Protection Order (CPO) violoation, assault on a police officer and destruction of property.

Eight of the defendants were given stay-away orders from either the alleged victims, the locations of the incidents or both. One defendant was additionally put on GPS monitoring, and the final defendant was ordered not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the alleged victim.

All released defendants with new cases were ordered to return to court on June 28.

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