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Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Assault

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a man who is connected to an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that occurred on the 1900 block of Gallaudet Street, NE.

According to a press release, the 20-year-old man was one of the suspects involved in the incident in which he brandished a gun, took property and shot a victim. The parties were meeting at the location for a property sale.

The victim was treated at a local hospital for nonlife threatening injuries.

The case remains under investigation.

The department is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest or conviction. Anyone with knowledge of this incident should call the police at 202-727-9099 or text the department’s text line — 50411.

Judge Sentences Felony Domestic Violence Defendant, Sets Restitution Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a felony domestic violence defendant to serve four years in prison.

William Mckenzie was sentenced to serve 48 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 16 months for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The sentences will run concurrently and will be followed by three years of probation.

Mckenzie was accused of sitting in a car and using a rifle to fire two shots in the direction of two individuals. One of the bullets struck one of the victims in the abdomen. 

In an impact statement read by an attorney, the victim stated that she received seven surgeries, four blood transfusions and had to learn to walk again after spending at least a month in the hospital as a result of the bullet wound. 

“The pain was so much more than the initial wound,” the statement read. “…I couldn’t wrap my head around why.”

The prosecutor acknowledged the differing accounts of what actually happened but urged Judge Ryan to consider the pain the victims and their families had suffered. 

“Certain facts don’t change,” the prosecutor said. 

Mckenzie was sentenced for two counts of robbery and one account of larceny in an Alabama court back in 2003. He was sentenced to 25 years incarceration for the robbery and 10 years for larceny. Mckenzie was on parole for those crimes when the current crime occurred. 

Mckenzie’s parents addressed the court and his mother took the opportunity to argue that his previous sentence in Alabama was given unjustly as it was his first offense. She also said the mass incarceration of Black men in America is a serious issue. 

She told the judge that she believed such a long sentence had a negative impact on her son, and she believed rehabilitation would be the best course of action. 

The family also expressed remorse for the trauma the victims experienced and prayed for a full recovery.

“I apologize for what happened,” Mckenzie said. 

Defense attorney Joseph Wong argued that intent was an important factor in this case and the law is structured to take what a person meant to do into account.

Wong said his client did not show up to the scene of the crime with the intent to harm anyone. He argued that Mckenzie would succeed on supervised release. 

Judge Ryan acknowledged Mckenzie’s family’s concern regarding his previous conviction; however, he noted the significant harm one of the victims suffered. 

“[For] crimes in which a person is harmed, we start looking at punishment,” said Judge Ryan. 

As part of Mckenzie’s probation, the judge ordered him to participate in anger management classes and individual counseling,  maintain or commence vocational training and stay away from the victims. 

Judge Ryan also scheduled a hearing for Jan. 6 so that the parties may discuss restitution for the victim who was shot.  

Mckenzie must also pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund. 

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Holds 3 Defendants, Releases 25 During Initial Hearings

On Dec. 7, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples held three defendants and released 25 defendants during initial hearings.

Oscar Salgado-Aquilar, 46, was held on an assault with intent to kill while armed charge. 

“The court is prepared to find substantial probability at this time,” said Judge Staples. 

Judge Staples also found the prosecution presented more evidence than needed for a probable cause ruling. 

The prosecution argued that the alleged crime was witnessed by seven people many of whom were allegedly threatened by Salgado-Aquilar. 

The prosecutor told the judge that the defendant was heard saying, “I’m going to kill you; I’m going to kill your sister; I’m going to kill all of you.”

Salgado-Aquilar’s attorney, Amanda Rogers, argued that her client had no criminal record and that the prosecution did not provide enough evidence apart from court documents to satisfy the requirements for a hold. She suggested placing her client on GPS monitoring instead. 

Judge Staples also held Mark Bryant in a probation violation matter from 2019. 

Bryant, 48, was originally sentenced to serve a year on probation on a misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance conviction; however, that probation has been revoked. 

Judge Staples cited his noncompliance with probation conditions and two pending cases as reasons for the hold.

Judge Staples held Zacharia Unique Raines as a fugitive from justice from Maryland after she failed to appear in court for a hearing in August. 

She is held for three days in order to allow time for the demanding jurisdiction to pick her up.

Of those who were released, 10 defendants were charged with felonies, seven were charged with misdemeanors, seven were fugitives and one defendant was charged in a domestic violence case. 

Release conditions include verifying addresses with the Pretrial Services Agenc (PSA), various stay away orders, involvement in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) or a combination of requirements. All of the defendants will be required to return to court on May 10, 2021, unless the defendant is given an earlier date.

The defendants who are charged with felonies have charges that include weapons possession, unlawful entry, assault and drug possession or distribution charges. All were released with varying conditions. 

Defendants released on misdemeanor charges include failure to register as a sex offender, assault, drug possession, weapons possession, unlawful entry and resisting arrest. All were released with various conditions. 

Of the defendants who were brought in on fugitive charges, seven were released so that they may turn themselves into the demanding jurisdictions. All of the defendants were fugitives from either Virginia or Maryland.  The underlying charges included assault, burglary, failure to appear, larceny and harassment. 

The defendant involved in the domestic violence case is charged with assault and attempted second-degree cruelty to children. The defendant was given orders to stay away from the victims in this case. 

This article was written by Maria Marzullo.

Judge Schedules Hearings in 9 Murder Cases, Including One for 6-Year-Old’s Death

Amid the suspension of jury trials due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearings for nine murder defendants on Dec. 7. 

The hearings include a defendant whose case has been open since 2014.

Mark Bowser is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 39-year-old Tracy Womack on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE on Sept. 20, 2014.

 The 41-year-old defendant is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business and obstructing justice in this case. 

He was scheduled to have a trial in July, but it was delayed due to the pandemic.

Judge Michael Ryan scheduled Bowser for a trial readiness hearing on March 3, 2021. 

Judge Ryan also scheduled trial readiness hearings for Kaevon Sutton, David Hahqwon Beale, Brandon Randall and Steven Maye. 

Sutton, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in connection with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Aujee Tyler on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE on March 19, 2018.

Sutton’s trial readiness hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2021. 

Beale, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed carjacking and assault with intent to kill for allegedly shooting 43-year-old George Johnson, Jr. on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE on May 7, 2018.

According to court documents, Beale allegedly stole a car from a pizza delivery driver after the shooting. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Beale and his girlfriend in the stolen car several hours later.  

Beale’s attorney, Betty Ballester, said they were ready to move forward with the case, after Beale turned down a global plea deal to resolve his four open cases.

In his other cases, Beale is charged with simple assault, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and bail violation. 

Beale’s trial readiness hearing is scheduled for March 8, 2021. 

Randall, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of 30-year-old David Elijah Brandon on the 4300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on Feb. 24, 2019. 

Randall also had a jury trial scheduled for October, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

His trial readiness hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2021.

Maye, 51, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Derek Anthony Walcott on Dec. 22, 2018. Walcott, 46, was found with multiple stab wounds on the 5100 block of B Street, SE. 

Judge Ryan scheduled Maye’s trial readiness hearing for March 9, 2021. 

Judge Ryan also scheduled hearings for Eldred Watts, Kavon Young and Terrance Prue. 

Watts, 27, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 33-year-old Zenus Epps to death on the 3500 block of A Street, SE on March 25.

Watts’ felony status conference is scheduled for May 27, 2021.

Young, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of 66-year-old John Pernell on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE on July 3, 2010. Young was arrested on August 22, 2019 and has been held at DC Jail since his arrest. 

Judge Ryan scheduled Young’s status hearing for April 22, 2021. 

Prue, 20, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 39-year-old Bruce Gilmore on the 3500 block of 22nd Street, SE on June 5, 2019. 

Prue’s status hearing is scheduled for March 15, 2021.

Judge Ryan also continued a status hearing for 26-year-old Mark Price after the prosecutor did not show up to the hearing.

Price is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threats to kidnap or injure a person and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE on July 30, 2018.

Price’s status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18.

Judge Finds Murder Defendant Is In Compliance With Pretrial Release Conditions

A murder defendant was determined to be in compliance with his pretrial release conditions on Dec. 8. 

Dohn Harmon is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on July 1 on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE. 

Harmon, 21, is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

A notice of noncompliance was filed on Dec. 4, according to DC Courts. However, according to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Harmon is in compliance with his conditions. 

During a preliminary hearing on Nov. 23, a judge said Harmon’s case has enough evidence to go to trial. However, due to the defendant’s clean record, he was released. 

Judge Jonathan Pittman did not schedule another hearing as the case is pending action from a grand jury.

In person juries are not currently happening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Document: Suspects Sought for Armed Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s help locating suspects of an armed robbery that happened on Dec. 4.

At around 2:00 p.m., the victim met up with the suspects using the app “Offer Up” to conduct a transaction, on the 2500 block of Sayles Place, SE, according to a press release. One of the suspects took out a handgun and demanded property. A bystander intervened and the suspects fled the scene without obtaining property.

The suspects were captured by a surveillance camera.

“As a reminder, citizens are encouraged to use the Safe Exchange Zones when conducting in-person transactions using online applications such as Craigslist and Offer Up,” the press release stated.

More information is available here: http://mpdc.dc.gov/release/mpd-exchange-zone-locations-reminder

Document: Police Seek Robbery Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are seeking a suspect in connection to a robbery that occurred on Dec. 4.

At around 11:39 a.m., the suspect snatched property from the victim on the 5100 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Two bystanders helped the victim obtain the property from the suspect before he fled the scene.

Document: Homicide in Washington Highlands

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on the morning of Dec. 7.

At around 9:23 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE for the report of a man down.

There, they found 30-year-old Anthony Orr suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Crime Alerts: December 7-8

Between 12 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 12:05 p.m. for a confirmed stabbing on the 3100 block of Berry Road, NE. The offense is believed to be domestic in nature, and the police have a suspect in custody.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 14 Months for Assault and Gun Charges

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 14 months for assault and firearm charges. 

Travon Hungerford, 26, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, his other misdemeanor case, in which he was charged with unlawful entry, was dismissed. Hungerford’s original assault charge was also reduced to an attempted assault charge.

According to court documents, on Feb. 29, Hungerford was seen walking out of the store with items that he had stolen. When confronted by a security officer, Hungerford turned around and punched the officer in the face. The two engaged in a physical altercation which resulted in the officer’s handgun to fall out of its holster, leading Hungerford to pick it up and point it at him. Hungerford dropped the gun as the altercation continued and fled the scene.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Hungerford to serve 14 months for each charge. The sentences will run concurrently. 

After he serves his sentence, he is also required to serve 18 months on supervised probation.

The conditions of his probation include a stay away order, mental health evaluation, transfer to a mental health community court, participation in a GED program, participation in substance abuse treatment, referral to a mentor and grief counseling.

Hungerford will also pay $100  to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund for each charge.

Co-Defendants Sentenced for Robbery and Assault Charges

Two co-defendants were sentenced for assault and robbery charges on Dec. 7.

Tayshun Price, 19, and Jabria Gray, 20, were originally charged with assault with intent to commit armed robbery. Price pleaded down to assault with a dangerous weapon and Gray pleaded down to attempted robbery.

The incident occurred on May 12. According to court documents, Gray can be seen in video surveillance footage asking the store clerk to assist her with the ATM inside when Price approaches the two with a handgun leading the clerk towards the cash register.

During the incident, Price can be seen striking the clerk in the face with the pistol causing him to bleed from his head and have to leave work for an extended period of time.

Both defendants were sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which will effectively seal their cases once they complete their sentences.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Gray to one year, fully suspended, plus nine months of probation. She sentenced Price to three years, all but six months of which were suspended, plus two years of probation. 

Gray’s probation requirements include completing a mental health screening, participating in grief counseling and doing 90 hours of community service.

Price was also sentenced for attempted robbery in another case, in which he pleaded down from his original charge of armed robbery. In this case, he was sentenced to 18 months, all but six of which were suspended, plus two years of probation.

As conditions of his probations, Price must participate in substance abuse assessments, complete a mental health screening, take part in mentoring services, complete courses towards receiving his GED, seek or maintain employment if he’s not in school, do 90 hours of community service and comply with a stay away order.

The two must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes fund (VVC) for each charge.

Judge Continues Sex Abuse and Kidnapping Case

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a status hearing for a defendant who is charged with first-degree sex abuse and kidnapping.

The 41-year-old defendant allegedly kidnapped and raped a victim in the back of a liquor store parking lot in the University Heights neighborhood on May 6. 

The defendant is also on probation for assault with significant bodily injury in a felony domestic violence case, which is now trailing his other case. 

Parties are currently in ongoing plea negotiations. 

Defense attorney Matthew Davies asked Judge Rainey Brandt to continue the Dec. 7 status hearing. Judge Brandt scheduled the defendant’s next court appearance for Jan. 19. 


Judge Holds 6 Defendants During Initial Hearings Over the Weekend

A DC Superior Court Judge held six defendants and released 21 during initial hearings on Dec. 5. 

Tyra Anderson is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children in one case in addition to being a fugitive from justice in another case. Anderson, 27, allegedly hit and threw her 11-month-old child, Makenzie, against a nightstand on Feb. 6 on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE. The child was taken to the hospital, where she later died from non-accidental head trauma. 

Anderson’s attorney, Pierce Suen, requested she be released on GPS monitoring, arguing that there are conditions in which the defendant can be released without being a danger to the community. 

The prosecution said the defendant also has a warrant status in a separate case in Virginia, two convictions for assault and prison breach. 

Judge Errol Arthur held Anderson in the felony murder and first-degree child cruelty case but released her in the fugitive case. Anderson will be held at DC jail until her next hearing on Dec. 24. 

Among those held is Cotey Wynn, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to court documents, on the evening of Feb. 17, 2017,  Wynn, 39, allegedly shot Eric Wright on the 900 block of 12th Street, NW. Wright, 53, was transported to the hospital, where he later died from a gunshot wound to the chest. 

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was able to identify Wynn as their suspect three years later after a witness came forward who was able to identify the defendant from video footage. 

Suen asked the judge not to find probable cause based on the fact that it was a single identification. 

“Considering how long it has taken for witness four to make a disclosure and identification is not credible, and you should not hold him,” Suen said.

Judge Arthur denied his request and held Wynn without bail. Wynn’s next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

A defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping and threat to kidnap or injure a person. Defense attorney Gregg Baron spoke on behalf of the defendant, requesting that he be released due to the fact that the victim recants their original testimony. 

The prosecution rebutted Baron’s argument, saying there are text messages and a second witness account that corroborate everything in the original affidavit. The prosecution also requested that the defendant be held due to the seriousness of the crime.

Judge Arthur found probable cause and granted the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant until his next hearing on Dec. 24. 

Kemoni Shakir Ware is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly carrying around a firearm at the McKinley Technology High School in Northeast, DC on the evening of Dec. 4. The prosecution requested that Ware, 21, be detained since he has a prior firearm conviction.

Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request to hold Ware without bail. His  next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

Judge Arthur also held Devon Anderson, who is charged with first-degree burglary while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. 

According to court documents, on the morning of Dec. 5, MPD arrived at the 1300 block of Vermont Avenue, NW after receiving a call from a victim asking for help. Upon arrival, MPD officers allegedly saw Anderson, 33, drop an item and flee from the scene. Officers chased Anderson and were eventually able to apprehend him. 

Anderson will be held at DC Jail until his next hearing on Dec. 24.

The judge also held Anthrone Cabos, who is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. 

On June 28, Cabos, 23, allegedly shot and wounded a victim on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE. The victim was taken to the hospital, where they received treatment for their injuries. Cabos is being held at DC jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

Four defendants with domestic violence-related misdemeanors were released. All four defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims and places of the alleged incidents. The defendants were also ordered to return to court on May 10, 2021.

Judge Arthur released eight additional defendants charged with misdemeanors. Some of those charges include GPS tampering, simple assault, destruction of property, attempted threats to do bodily harm, second-degree theft, a probation violation and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. All eight defendants were issued stay-away orders from victims or places of the alleged incidents and required to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They are all scheduled to appear in court on May 10, 2021. 

Five defendants with felony charges were released. Some of those charges are failure to register as a sex offender, possession of a controlled substance, GPS tampering and burglary. The defendants are required to report to PSA.

Judge Arthur released two defendants charged with being fugitives from the states of Maryland and Virginia. The defendants had outstanding bench warrants and were released on the condition that they resolve the warrant with the demanding jurisdiction. 

One defendant charged with a DUI was released. They are ordered to return to court May 10, 2021.

, Judge Arthur released a defendant who was brought to court on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing.

Five defendants had their charges dropped by the prosecution. 

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 3 Years for Firearms Charges

A DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a defendant to three years for two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

“I apologize for the decisions I made strictly for safety purposes,” said Medhane Tedese during the Dec. 7 hearing. “It’s been hard at times to depend on law enforcement. I take full responsibility and will serve any time you think fits.” 

According to the cases’ gernsteins, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found a firearm on Tedese, 28, on July 4 while patting him down. Ten days later, they found a 9mm semi-automatic gun in his bedroom.

The prosecution requested that Tedese be incarcerated for 18 months for his first case and 21 months for his second case.

“We are asking for a higher sentencing in the second case due to the fact that it was a reoffense,” the prosecutor said. 

Defense attorney Colleen Archer asked that Tedese be sentenced to 15 months in both cases. Archer pointed out that the defendant did not brandish his firearm or threaten anyone with it.

He also said Tedese was in complete compliance with the MPD when they searched his home and took full responsibility for his actions. 

Tedese’s sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. 

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.