The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an additional arrest in the fatal nightclub mass shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2023 on the 1300 block of H Street, NE. Blake Bozeman, 31, was identified as the deceased victim, with three others suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Frank Johnson Jr., 43, was recently arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed, following the earlier arrest of Cotey Wynn, 44, for the same charge.
Prosecutors say a parking dispute between neighbors led to a non-fatal shooting in opening statements of a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Feb. 2.
Juwan Russell, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with firearm (public place), carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in a June 25, 2025 non-fatal shooting on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE.
During opening statements, the prosecution told jurors the case involved a long-running neighborhood conflict over parking that escalated into gunfire. Court records indicate, the victim and Russell were neighbors who shared a back alley behind their residences, and what began as a normal relationship became increasingly hostile over disputes about where they parked.
The prosecutor claimed the victim avoided confrontation whenever possible. The day of the shooting, the prosecution said Russell approached the victim with another male and threatened him. The victim left the area but later returned because his fiancée called, concerned about her safety when parking near their home.
Prosecutors said that as the victim walked toward his vehicle, Russell intentionally fired at the car while wearing a black and yellow hoodie.
The prosecution said jurors will hear testimony about cartridge casings recovered at the scene, see the damage on the vehicle, and watch surveillance footage of a person matching the shooter’s description. According to the prosecution, officers later searched Russell’s home and recovered clothing consistent with witness descriptions and video evidence.
Lisbeth Sapirstein, Russell’s attorney, told jurors that Russell was not guilty and argued the prosecutor’s version of events was not what actually happened. She asserted that the victim was the source of escalating tensions between the neighbors.
According to Sapirstein, in a separate incident, the victim brandished an object at a teenager, but later claimed it was not a gun. Sapirstein suggested jurors should question the victim’s credibility and reminded them that the burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trial is set to continue on Feb. 3.
A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Jan. 30.
Christopher Warren, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 20, 2024, on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.
According to court documents, the victim was delivering a DoorDash order when Warren allegedly shot him from another vehicle. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his arm and received medical treatment.
During the hearing, Warren’s attorney Emma Mlyniec entered a not guilty plea on Warren’s behalf to all charges. Mlyniec also raised concerns that she would not be ready for a jury trial that is scheduled for Feb. 17 because the defense had not received results from DNA testing and could not adequately prepare without the evidence.
Judge Arthur echoed Mlyniec’s concerns about whether the DNA evidence would be available in time for trial and noted that the pending results could affect the timing of proceedings.
Mlyniec also motioned for Warren’s release, arguing the defendant was compliant throughout pre-trial proceedings. Judge Arthur denied this motion, citing the impending trial date.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 6.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz heard opening arguments in which parties disputed if a fatal shooting was self-defense in a trial on Feb. 5.
Khalid Claggett, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence , and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Claggett’s release for another offense. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Isaac Aull Jr. on June 11, 2021 on the 1600 block of Franklin Street, NE.
In their opening statement, the prosecution argued, “an execution is not self-defense, this was an execution.” They alleged that Claggett murdered Aull while he was “unarmed and exposed,” laying crumpled on the ground. According to prosecutors, Aull shot at Claggett in the parking lot of a Walgreens, Claggett then “returned fire” and chased after Aull, after Aull stopped shooting.
The prosecutors said Claggett left the scene and returned wearing new clothes and with a different gun. Aull was lying in the street with wounds from a 9 mm gun, when Claggett returned to “execute him” and “finish him off,” prosecutors alleged.
Claggett’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern, argued that Aull’s murder was a result of self-defense. He explained that the jurors would see Aull shooting at Claggett in the parking lot, with no altercation of any kind occurring beforehand.
McEachern alleged that Clagett was “ambushed with gun fire” in the middle of the day. The real question was why the shooting happened, McEachern said. He argued that it was “kill or be killed” and that Claggett had a “fear for his life.”
After opening statements, Aull’s mother testified that she attended a hearing for the murder of her other son with Aull the day he was killed. She described Aull as “kind, silly, and a protector.”
The first Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to arrive on scene testified that she saw a person laying on the ground and bleeding profusely. She explained that the person on the ground had “no signs of life” and did not move.
When cross-examined by McEachern, the officer said she did not know how long the victim had been in the street and was not present at the Walgreens when the first shots were fired.
An eyewitness testified that she called 911 after seeing a young man laying in the street. The prosecutors confirmed that when she first called the police the victim was still alive. The eyewitness also said that she saw a man come from behind a parked ambulance and shoot the injured man in the street. According to the eyewitness, the victim did not have anything in his hand when he was shot.
In her 911 call, the eyewitness said “he’s dead now” after she saw someone shooting the injured man.
A paramedic, whose ambulance dashboard camera caught the incident, testified that she saw the victim crawling on the ground, holding his leg. Moments later, she said the shooter returned, stood above the victim, and shot at him multiple times.
Another eyewitness said he was driving down Rhode Island Avenue when he saw the shooting. He said he saw the shooter in an “isosceles triangular] stance,” with his feet shoulder width apart, arms straight out holding the gun, and the gun brought up to eye level. The eyewitness testified that he saw the shooter in this stance for several moments as he heard gunshots.
Another eyewitness was a Special Police Officer (SPO) working security at the Walgreens. The SPO testified that he was in his car in the parking lot when the shooting began. He said he heard multiple rounds of gunshots, but did not actually see the shooter because he ducked down for safety.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 9.
A murder defendant rejected a plea deal from prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan at a hearing on Feb. 5.
Robert Carpenter, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of 43-year-old Tremaine Nicholson on May 7, 2024 on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE. Nicholson sustained five shots.
Aillayh Carter, 29, is also charged with two counts of obstructing justice for her alleged involvement in helping Carpenter cover-up the murder.
Carpenter’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, told Judge Ryan that her client wished to reject a plea agreement the parties had previously discussed. The plea deal would have required Carpenter to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, prosecutors would dismiss the remaining charges and parties agreed to a sentence between nine-and-a-half-to-12 years in prison.
Judge Ryan ensured Carpenter spoke with his attorneys before rejecting the plea deal.
Philips said she planned to file a motion to sever the co-defendants. The prosecution said that since the trial is scheduled for March 12, the defense acted in an untimely manner not filing the motion already. Judge Ryan allowed Philips until the end of business hours on Feb. 6 to file a severance motion.
Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 17.
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied sentencing a shooting defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Jan. 30.
Nathaniel Washington, 21, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 7, 2025, on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported, but approximately 15 shots were fired, striking a vehicle twice.
As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a five year prison sentence, subject to Judge Arthur’s approval.
At sentencing, prosecutors played surveillance video depicting a white vehicle stopped in the roadway as two people walked behind it and began firing while the vehicle drove away. The driver, described by prosecutors as a senior citizen adjusting his seatbelt, was not injured.
Washington’s attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, asked the court to apply the YRA, which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant.
Jean-Baptiste said Washington experienced trauma from the violent neighborhood he grew up in. Regarding the offense, she said Washington misinterpreted the vehicle stopping as a threat and fired out of fear. Jean-Baptiste added that Washington previously took medication that affected his behavior.
Washington addressed the court, accepted responsibility for his actions, apologized to the victim, and said he wanted to take care of his family.
Prosecutors read a brief statement written by the victim, stating they were satisfied Washington was caught and had nothing further to add.
Judge Arthur rejected the defense’s explanation of events, stating the video evidence contradicted the claim that Washington acted out of fear. The judge said it made no sense for Washington to run toward a vehicle as it was driving away and fire multiple shots if he were scared. Washington fired repeatedly at an occupied vehicle in a public space, emphasized Judge Arthur, and noted the number of shots reflected a serious escalation of violence.
Judge Arthur told Washington that a prior firearm conviction should have served as a clear warning to change his actions. The judge said Washington instead chose to possess another weapon and fire at an innocent person, stating, “At some point this needs to stop.” He added that repeated behavior like this is “why people characterize the neighborhood as violent.”.
Finding the Youth Rehabilitation Act inappropriate, Judge Arthur sentenced Washington to five years of imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Washington will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.
“You want to be a man, own it!” said the judge.
No further dates were set.
Before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, jurors heard sharply contradictory closing arguments on Feb. 2 in a homicide trial. Prosecutors urged conviction, while defense attorneys argued the evidence fell short in a 2021 fatal shooting.
Antonio Hawley, 22, was accused of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, along with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Aaron Wiggins. The incident occurred on Oct. 6, 2021, at Watkins Elementary School on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE.
Prosecution argued Hawley shot Wiggins after tensions rose when he scored the winning touchdown. The prosecution told the courtroom that surveillance video showed Hawley as the last person on the field before walking away with one of his close friends, who later testified as a prosecutorial witness.
Prosecutors reiterated that the witness testified he saw Hawley retrieve a gun from a fanny pack resting on a tree and fire at Wiggins. Prosecutors said the firearm has been shared between Hawley and the friend. They also pointed to social media photos allegedly showing Hawley holding the gun earlier that day and witness descriptions allegedly matching his clothing.
“What is normally a celebration was turned into a funeral,” the prosecution said.
Julie Swaney, Hawley’s defense attorney, urged the jury to acquit, arguing the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. She questioned the credibility of key witnesses, highlighting inconsistencies in testimony, including claims that Hawley wore a black ski mask, while arguing that surveillance footage showed another individual. Several witnesses also could not definitively identify the shooter.
“There is no deposition from an unbiased witness that matches Antonio,” Swaney said.
Swaney continued to argue that the prosecution’s investigation developed a sense of ‘tunnel vision’ by focusing on Hawley.
“They only focused on Antonio because that is what they want you to focus on,” Swaney stated.
She ended by noting that the key witness admitted to buying and bringing the gun to the game.
“Don’t compound one tragedy into two,” Swaney said as she urged the jury not to send an innocent man to prison.
In rebuttal, the prosecution acknowledged that inconsistencies were expected given the trauma of the event and argued that the evidence clearly pointed to Hawley.
They rejected the defense’s suggestion that the wrong person was charged, telling jurors that witnesses were “trying their best” to recall a traumatic incident and emphasized that they were human beings, not “robots”.
Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.
DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a defense request to delay sentencing in a shooting defendant’s case on Jan. 30.
Roscoe Atchinson, 34, pleaded guilty on Sept. 11, 2025 to assault with intent to commit robbery and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 15, 2020, on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE.
According to court documents, Atchinson was shot after he attempted to rob a Special Police Officer. The officer disarmed Atchinson, fired at him, and struck him in his right thigh and lower back.
At the scheduled sentencing, Atchinson’s attorney, Raymond Jones, asked for a continuance to contact doctors and gather medical documentation for mitigation of the sentence, and Judge Arthur granted the request. The prosecutors did not oppose the request.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 27.
Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Feb. 2 they were dismissing a jail stabbing case following the defendant’s plea acceptance in a homicide case.
Antoine Turner, 32, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing of an inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Jan. 1, 2024.
According to court records, Turner was involved in an altercation with another inmate over pre-existing tensions. The victim survived the attack but sustained a stab wound to his neck.
Judge Di Toro dismissed Turner’s stabbing case entirely following his guilty plea in the Nov. 29, 2020 murder of Demeitri Anderson, 23, on the 4500 block of B Street, SE.
As part of the plea deal all charges connected to this latest incident were dropped.
There are no further dates scheduled.
Parties discussed whether Public Defender Services (PDS) staffing issues will delay a murder trial again before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 3.
Joshua Franklin, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.
All of Franklin’s charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.
According to court documents, Franklin’s prior attorney, Prescott Loveland left PDS and the case in March 2024. As a result, the court granted Joseph Yarbough’s unopposed motion to reschedule the trial to allow PDS to appoint and prepare a second attorney.
Almost two years later, Yarbough left PDS on Jan. 23, and Franklin’s new attorneys, Emma Mylniec and Terrence Austin, filed a motion on Feb. 2 seeking to reschedule the trial again. Franklin’s trial is currently scheduled to begin on April 13.
At the hearing, the prosecutor said the situation was “a little ridiculous” and strongly opposed rescheduling the trial again for the same reasons. The prosecutor argued that the transfer of counsel within PDS was not procedurally effective and Yarbough should have filed a motion asking Judge Edelman to dismiss him from the case.
Judge Edelman asked Mylniec and Austin to have a PDS deputy trial chief present at the next hearing so he could determine when PDS knew about Yarbough’s departure and if they could have appointed a new attorney sooner.
Parties are scheduled to continue discussing the issue on Feb. 6.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz heard defense complaints on Jan. 30 that prosecutors failed to provide all potentially exculpatory evidence in a timely manner.
De’Angelo Goldston, 38, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly shooting and killing his father, 61-year-old Darryl Smith, on Feb. 4 on the 1000 block of First Street, SE.
Goldston’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, stated during the hearing that the prosecution provided jail calls and body-worn camera footage on Wednesday, Jan. 28. According to Mosley, the body-worn camera footage contains Brady information–which is exculpatory evidence.
In the footage, U. S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) overheaerd that Smith and Goldston were in a fight, according to Mosley. Mosley claimed that this would raise speculation that the murder is actually self-defense.
Mosley alleged that body-worn camera footage captured two witnesses at the scene. According to the defense, when officers initially entered the crime scene, a juvenile witness– Goldston’s child– remained silent, while Smith’s sister, and Goldston’s aunt, were emotionally distraught.
The defense claimed that the juvenile witness only said Goldston had shot Smith after she heard her great-aunt give her version of the events. Defense counsel argued that the statement was influenced by law enforcement and by her great-aunt’s emotional reaction, rather than originating independently.
Based on these assertions, Mosley asked for full discovery, which he contended the prosecution had not yet provided.
Judge Kravitz said that he had previously insisted that the prosecution turn over discovery.
The prosecutor stated that they had already turned over almost all discovery, including records, interviews, surveillance footage, and jail calls. The prosecutor said they would continue reviewing their records to ensure everything had been disclosed, but questioned why the defense was asserting that the prosecution had failed to turn over discovery.
Mosley argued that crucial information was disclosed only 48 hours earlier and that, aside from the body-worn camera footage and the defendant’s jail calls, no additional materials had been provided. “Almost” all discovery is not all discovery, Mosley insisted.
The prosecutor again disputed the defense’s assertions, stating that the parties could argue the issue all day. The prosecutor maintained that the body-worn camera footage shows only that the defendant was involved in a fight with his father. “
That’s it,” the prosecutor who added that it is police procedure to question witnesses and remove them from the crime scene, and that doing so does not constitute witness influence or absolve Goldston of responsibility.
Judge Kravitz reiterated his prior order requiring the prosecutor to provide full discovery to the defense and ordered that complete evidence be provided by Feb. 6.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 13.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno said “a person needs to decide for himself when it’s time to make a change,” as he sentenced a shooting defendant to 120 months in prison on Jan. 22.
Elijah Hernandez, 20, had previously pled guilty to aggravated assault while armed and one count of carrying a pistol without a license in relation to an April 23, 2024 non-fatal shooting incident. In that case one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg, on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW.
As part of the deal, Hernandez also agreed to plead guilty to armed robbery and one count of carrying a pistol without a license in connection to a Jan. 26, 2025 uncharged incident that took place on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW.
The defendant was also allegedly involved in a June 21, 2024 non-fatal shooting and carjacking that occurred on the 1300 block of 13th Street NW. All other charges associated with this case were dismissed as part of the agreement.
During sentencing, the prosecution relayed Hernandez’s involvement in three different crimes, including two non-fatal shootings and one armed robbery. The defendant was under GPS monitoring during all offenses, evidence the prosecution used to place him at the crime scenes.
The prosecutor requested 120 months of incarceration pointing to Hernandez’s 11 previous arrests. She said Hernandez had failed to make changes and characterized the defendant’s behavior as “more aggressive” and “cyclical.”
Defense attorney Joseph Fay admitted Hernandez’s behavior in one the non-fatal shooting was “objectively unreasonable,” and that the armed robbery “is what it is,” but that Hernandez has potential to be a “productive member of society.”
Fay also requested Hernandez be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements and allowing flexibility in sentencing. The request was denied.
In a statement to the court, the defendant’s great-aunt expressed her remorse for victims impacted by the crimes. She also expressed disappointment as Hernandez’s guardian and expressed hope that he would be rehabilitated.
“He’s one of these innocent souls that if guided right, would be productive to society,” she said.
Hernandez apologized to the court while affirming that he intends to make changes in his life.
“I refuse to let my past determine my future,” Hernandez said.
Judge Salerno sentenced Hernandez to a collective 120 months for all four charges. He will face five years of supervised release, must register as a gun offender, and must pay $400 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.
“The community is safer without Mr. Hernandez in it,” Judge Salerno said.
No further dates were set.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 2 on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW. The victim, identified as 27-year-old Nyesha Walden-Hatcher, was found deceased from a gunshot wound inside a residence. No suspect information is available at this time.
DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause during a preliminary hearing for a shooting the defendant says came from a “fake gun” case.
Derrick Carter, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW on Dec. 2, 2025.
According to court documents, the victim reportedly ran into Carter while making a food delivery and an argument ensued. After the victim left the building, she reportedly yelled at Carter, and he responded by pulling out a gun and allegedly firing once at her. The victim did not sustain any injuries and drove away.
At Carter’s preliminary hearing on Feb.2 , the prosecution extended a plea offer that would require him to plead guilty to possession of a firearm and unarmed robbery. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment for additional charges.
Emma Mlyniec, Carter’s attorney, said she sent a counter offer to prosecutors which they rejected. Parties decided to proceed with the preliminary hearing.
The prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who wrote the arrest warrant and interviewed the victim . The detective said she identified Carter as the person who shot at her and said they knew each other from the neighborhood and did not get along.
Additionally, the detective said the victim told him about a prior dispute between them involving a stolen gun, but the detective noted there was no proof of Carter’s involvement in that incident.
The prosecution said that Carter claimed the gun was fake. However, Carter still raised a firearm at the victim, and that it didn’t matter if the weapon was real. A suspect using a fake gun can be charged with a serious crime if the victim felt he was in danger.
Mlyniec pointed out the victim’s history of alleged credibility issues regarding the previous gun dispute. Myliec also pointed out that a witness in the building told the detective she didn’t hear an argument take place prior to the shooting. Myliec further emphasized that the ShotSpotter did not pick up any gunshots and the victim waited four hours to call 911.
Still, Judge Jones found probable cause Carter did the shooting. He agreed with the prosecution’s argument that it doesn’t matter if the gun was real or not, there was still enough evidence to support probable cause for all three charges.
Mylniec requested Carter’s release, citing strong community support and family responsibilities. According to Mylniec, Carter acts as a home health aide to his mother who just had her leg amputated. Carter is also an active father to his teenage daughter.
The prosecutors opposed his release due to the violent nature of the incident.
Judge Jones denied the defense’s request for release, ordering that he be held without bond.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz stated he would consult the presiding judge on whether to move a defendant’s case to a less serious felony calendar during a hearing on Jan. 30.
Nichelle Thomas, 38, is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder while armed, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, four counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and three counts of misdemeanor credit card fraud. The charges stem from her alleged involvement in assisting her boyfriend with the fatal stabbing of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE, on Aug. 4, 2023.
Nichelle’s boyfriend at the time of the murder, 29-year-old Lewis Jones, was sentenced on Jan. 9 to 14 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed and obstruction of justice.
At the hearing, Judge Kravitz asked why Nichelle’s case was on his most serious felony calendar. According to the prosecutor, the DC Superior court wanted to keep Nichelle and Jones together, and classified both cases as of equal severity.
Judge Kravitz asked if parties wanted to move Nichelle’s case to a lower calendar or keep it as a felony one. Nichelle’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested that the case be moved, while the prosecutor deferred the decision to Judge Kravitz.
Judge Kravitz said he would consult the DC Superior Court’s presiding judge of the criminal division to make a decision.
Alvin also requested Judge Kravitz to remove Nichelle’s GPS monitor because of her compliance with the terms of her release. The defense previously made this request, and Judge Kravitz once again denied it.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27 for an update on the case.
