Document: Arrest Made in Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest of a suspect in connection with a third-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping while armed offense.

The incident occurred on Dec. 9 on the 1500 block of Young Street, SE around 3:53 p.m.

According to a press release, the 62-year-old suspect allegedly waved a handgun and demanded the victim get into his vehicle. The suspect then drove to a residence where he engaged in sexual acts with the victim.

Responding officers were able to apprehend the suspect and a firearm was recovered from the scene.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Felony Assault Case, Holds Defendant in Jail

A DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in a felony assault case during a preliminary hearing.

Derrick Ferguson, 47, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault on a police officer after he stabbed a Special Police Officer (SPO) outside St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, on Oct. 12.

Judge John Campbell decided to hold Ferguson until his trial, citing his extensive criminal record, the nature of the case, and a current parole hold.

During the Dec. 10 hearing, the prosecution admitted video evidence that captured the crime. The footage showed the defendant, who was identified by a witness, standing off to the side as a fight broke out next to St. Elizabeth’s entrance.

The video then shows Ferguson engaging in the fight. The witness said Ferguson struck one of the SPOs on the head from behind before being pushed off to the side.

The two on-duty SPOs then approached Ferguson who appeared to reach into his pocket before making a swinging motion at the officers. The witness said Ferguson had reached for a knife and ended up cutting the shirt of one officer and then stabbing the second.

MPD was unable to recover any weapon from the scene.

Defense attorney Donna Beasley argued that the video evidence provided by the prosecution does not show the full story because there was no audio.

“We don’t know what the interaction between Mr. Ferguson and the complainants were,” said Beasley.

Beasley also argued that the police’s investigation was incomplete.

“This detective did not bother to interview anyone who could have heard what was going on,” said Beasley.

She also argued that her client acted in self-defense after the SPOs approached him.

However, Judge Campbell said the video clearly shows Ferguson choosing to enter the fight of his own accord. He pointed out that the video also showed several bystanders who did not engage in the fight.

Ferguson’s next hearing is scheduled for Jan 11.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Discharges Show Cause Hearing in Child Sex Abuse Case

On Dec. 10, a DC Superior Court judge discharged a show cause hearing in a child sex abuse case.

The defendant was charged with a felony for first-degree child sex abuse on Sept. 16, 2019. He was released on home confinement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) on Sept. 19, 2019.

The defendant received a notice of noncompliance on Feb. 18 for violating conditions of home confinement. At a pretrial show cause hearing on Oct. 23, the defendant was said to have regained compliance with his pretrial release conditions. The defense requested for the defendant’s removal from home confinement, but it was denied.

During the hearing, set to monitor the defendant’s progress, he was deemed compliant. The prosecution introduced a plea offer which the defense attorney said he will discuss with his client.

Judge Anita Josey-Herring set a hearing for Dec. 24 to see if the defendant will accept or reject the plea offer.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Document: Homicide on 13th Street, SE

During the evening hours on Dec. 9, another person was fatally shot in the District of Columbia.

According to a press release, officers found 30-year-old Kelvin Gross suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1000 block of 13^th Street, Southeast. The person died on the scene.

Another male victim was also found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The second victim received treatment at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The department is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. 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.

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Crime Alerts: December 9-10

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts between 9 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 10.

The most recent alert was sent at 3:57 a.m. for a shooting on the 2300 block of Savannah Terrace, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

The second alert was sent at 1:14 a.m. for a shooting on the 600 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE. Police are looking for four Black males, who are all believed to be armed with handguns. They were last seen in a tan Nissan.

Judge Schedules Hearing for Child Sex Abuse Defendant

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

The 18-year-old defendant allegedly forcibly raped a 10-year-old victim in an apartment building located on the 3600 block of Hayes Street, NE on May 27.

The defendant is currently being held at the New Beginnings Youth Development Center. However, defense attorney Pierce Suen said that his clients commitment at New Beginnings will end on Jan. 8.

The defense is attempting to get the defendant accepted into the Wayne Housing Program, which will provide shelter and transition to adulthood services. This will allow him to continue with school and work at a part-time level.

However, Judge Juliet McKenna isn’t prepared to release the defendant based on the circumstances.

“I am frankly concerned about the lack of structure and monitoring from these programs,” said Judge McKenna. “Because this is a case with a very young complainant, I would be very concerned to release him into Wayne place.”

The prosecution also said the defendant should be held at a secure facility rather than a transitional program.

Suen asked Judge McKenna for more time to make a formalized plan and submit it to the court. Judge McKenna scheduled the defendants next court hearing for Dec. 30.

Judge Dismisses 27 Cases During Extradition Hearings

On Dec. 9, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples heard 38 extradition hearings, where all defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice from various jurisdictions.

Of the 38 cases, Judge Staples dismissed 27 per the prosecution’s request.

One of the defendants, Jonathan Fenwick, was held by Judge Staples for Maryland authorities to pick him up within three business days.

The prosecution requested thirty-day extensions on three cases as they are still waiting on paperwork from the demanding jurisdictions. Judge Staples granted these extensions, giving the demanding jurisdictions until Dec. 14 to pick them up.

One of the defendants, who was in the hospital, and was unable to turn himself in to authorities in North Carolina. Judge Staples granted the extension for his case. Authorities will have until Dec. 14 to pick him up.

Seven defendants failed to appear for their extradition hearings. They also did not surrender to the demanding jurisdictions. Judge Staples issued bench warrants for their arrests.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Thanksgiving Homicide

On Dec. 9, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 27-year-old male in connection to a fatal shooting in Northwest, DC.

Ernest Cleveland was arrested for second-degree murder while armed and assault with the intent to kill. He allegedly shot 39-year-old Edward Pearson on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Nov. 26.

According to a press release, officers located Pearson inside his apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. He died on the scene. There were two additional male victims in the hallway who were also suffering from gunshot wounds. They were treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

Cleveland has also been connected to charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon offense, carrying a pistol without a license, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of unregistered ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession with the intent to distribute the drug known has ecstasy.

Judge Schedules Hearings For Murder Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearings for three murder defendants in two separate cases.

Judge Michael Ryan scheduled a status hearing for George Anderson on April 14.

However, defense attorney Joseph Wong said that a report from the mental examination found his client was “not criminally responsible” for the crime.

Anderson, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Devin Butler. The incident occurred on April 13 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

With the results of the mental examination, Wong said he plans to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on behalf of his client and requested a status hearing before the projected April date.

Judge Ryan said he presumed the parties would prefer to have a bench trial in front of Judge Todd Edelman, who is the calendar judge assigned to the case. However, the court calendars will change in the new year, so there is no guarantee that Judge Edelman will be assigned to the case next year, Jusge Ryan said.

Judge Ryan suggested that counsel set a date in April in order to ensure the case would stay on track, but told Wong and the prosecutor that they need to reach out to Judge Edelman and schedule a sooner date directly with him.

Judge Ryan’s courtroom clerk does not have access to Judge Edelman’s schedule.

Judge Ryan also scheduled a trial readiness hearing for two murder defendants on Jan. 19.

Demonte Hewitt, 18, and Kurt Hewitt, 20, are both charged with second-degree murder while armed in the 2018 stabbing of Tyshon Perry. Perry was stabbed on the 1300 block of 2nd Street, NE on May 1, 2018.

Both defendants are also implicated in a three-person co-defendant matter where they are charged with kidnapping.

The kidnapping cases is also scheduled to be heard on Jan 19.

However, Demonte’s defense attorney, James King, said he would need more time to file motions. Co-counsel Amanda Rogers suggested that the deadline for the defense motions be set on Feb. 1. She said the later date would also give the prosecution time to prepare a response.

The prosecutor agreed to the deadlines.

Rogers also raised an issue with Judge Ryan concerning physical evidence that was transferred to the defense in November 2019. One of the defendants requested DNA evidence testing so the item was sent to the defense’s lab.

However, the prosecutor said she has not received any information about the status of the test since she sent it last year.

Rogers assured the prosecutor that she would include that in her motion if the defense does not receive any information from the lab.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

November Homicides Decrease from October, Count Still High

Even though the homicide count was lower than October, the overall count still showed an increase from the year before.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 18 homicides in November, two less than October. However, as of Nov. 30, Washington, DC had a homicide count of 189 for 2020. There were 170 homicides by Nov. 30, 2019, showing an 11 percent increase.

Of the 18 homicides, three resulted from stabbings and 15 resulted from shootings. Police have apprehended five suspects, including Antoine Turner who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Demeitri Anderson and 34-year-old Demetrius Benson on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE and the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE, respectively.

Benson was killed on Nov. 3 and Anderson was killed on Nov. 29.

According to court document, Benson was shot at a McDonald’s in Southeast, DC. Anderson was shot thirteen times. A rented car from Enterprise was used in both homicides.

Turner, 27, is scheduled for a hearing on Dec. 23. He is being held without bail.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for November Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect who is wanted in connection to a homicide that occurred on Nov. 18.

According to a press release, the suspect allegedly entered a resident that was under construction on the 1600 block of Olive Street, NE. The suspect brandished a gun, shot 49-year-old Elias Flores, a resident of Adelphi, Md., and rook property the scene. The victim succumbed from their injuries on Nov. 23.

The suspect is 26-year-old George Miller, a resident of Capitol Heights, Md. He was arrest for first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Vacates Hearing in Burglary Case

On Dec. 9, a DC Superior Court judge vacated a status hearing in a burglary case.

Deonte Little, 23, allegedly robbed the same residence on the 5200 block of 5th Street, NW on three separate occasions. On Aug. 18, 2018, items stolen from the house included an iPad, a cell phone, a set of car keys, a laptop and the home owner’s manual for a Toyota Corolla. On Oct. 13, 2018, Little is accused of stealing an Android cell phone and charger, house and car keys and a Toyota Camry. On Oct. 18, 2018, he is accused of taking an alarm system, an Amazon kindle, an Xbox 360, a Droid cell phone and a Nissan Versa.

During the Aug. 18 and Oct. 13 incidents, the homeowner was asleep while the offense was taking place. During the Oct. 18 incident, the homeowner returned home and noticed that his basement window was broken and his door was wide open.

Little pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary on March 13. He has been held in DC jail since charges were filed on Jan. 1.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case, Holds Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial and held the defendant at DC Jail.

Cory Brown, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting his girlfriend, 40-year-old Latasha Estep, with a crossbow on the 1900 block of Good Hope Road, SE on Aug. 8.

“He is seen leaving the scene, weapon in hand shortly after the incident, his appearance matches the person leaving the scene and the person in the footage is wearing identical clothes to what Mr. Brown was wearing when he was arrested,” Judge Todd Edelman said during the Dec. 8 hearing. “And there is evidence regarding the motive in terms of the decedent ending their relationship,” Judge Edelman said for these reasons he found probable cause that the defendant was involved in the homicide.

The prosecutor also showed the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective surveillance footage from outside the victim’s apartment on Good Hope Road, SE, photographs of the crime scene and of Brown at the time of his arrest, and text messages between Brown and the victim.

The detective testified that on the day leading up to the shooting, the victim was ending her relationship with Brown, citing multiple text messages that allegedly show the victim saying, “I don’t trust you,” with Brown responding “I’m not going to hurt you,” before the victim tells Brown that she is not going to pay his phone bill anymore.

The prosecutor also showed the detective multiple photographs of the scene. The detective pointed out the boxes of crossbow arrows in a crib next to the victim’s bed, four small holes in the wall behind the bed and one large crossbow that was allegedly used by Brown.

After viewing surveillance footage, the detective pointed out one smaller crossbow in the man’s hand as he left the building before he got into the victim’s car and left the area.

The detective also said, an MPD officer responded to the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE for the report of a man with a knife, who appeared to be suicidal. The detective said a witness, who is a member of Brown’s family, called the police after Brown entered their home and asked the witness to “put him out of his misery.”

The detective testified that when MPD officers arrived, Brown put his hands forward and asked the officers to cuff him. However, at the time, the officers were unaware of the incident and told him to put his hands down.

Photographs of Brown at the time, show him wearing a white shirt with reddish-brown stains on its front.

Officers had responded to a domestic violence call at the victim’s apartment on Good Hope Road in the past.

During the homicide investigation, police also discovered the victim’s body when they went to the apartment to check on the victim, the day after the incident.

According to the detective, shortly after arriving at the victim’s apartment, MPD officers placed Brown under arrest. When the victim’s car was searched on Stanton Road, police found a small crossbow on the floor of the passenger side of the car.

A witness told the detective that Brown was acting paranoid and said there were people outside trying to get him. A witness told Brown to “go home to your lady,” but Brown allegedly said he couldn’t go home and she isn’t there.

Defense attorney, Ronald Resetarits, asked the detective if he received any forensic reports on the DNA found on the scene or on Brown’s shirt. The detective testified that he had not received any forensic reports on the DNA evidence.

Resetarits argued that there is no forensic evidence linking Brown to the incident. He also said, even if Brown was involved, there is evidence that he is suffering from a mental health condition and may have been hallucinating at the time.

“The government has clearly proven probable cause,” Judge Edelman said.” In terms of the mental health issue raised, I think it’s relevant, but I don’t think the evidence was developed in a way that comes anywhere near what it would take to defeat probable cause.”

The prosecutor asked for Brown to be held, due to the nature of the crime, and Brown already being on pretrial release in a domestic violence case involving the same victim.

But, Resetarits argued that Brown has a good education, work history, and many of his prior convictions are relatively old.

Given the arguments, Judge Edelman chose to hold the defendant at DC Jail.

“There is ample evidence of dangerousness here, the judge said. “The court has already found probable cause and, at the time he committed this offense, he was on pretrial release for threatening the same victim.” Judge Edelman also cited Brown’s five other assault convictions between 2007 and 2015 as reasons why the defendant cannot be released.

Brown’s next hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2021.

You can read more about the case in this Washington Post article from August.

Document: Police Seek Vehicle of Interest in Murder Case

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a vehicle of interest in connection to a homicide that occurred on the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE on Dec. 7.

Around 9:23 a.m., MPD officers responded to the listed location in response to a report of a person down. Upon arrival, they found a male identified as 30-year-old Anthony Orr, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The MPD has released photographs of a vehicle of interest, a possible 2020 Kia K5, that can be seen below. Police say the vehicle could be missing a passenger side window.

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