Judge Finds Homicide Defendant Back in Compliance With Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park determined a homicide defendant was back in compliance with pre-trial release conditions on April 21.

Steven Washington, 26, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol outside a home or business, and attempt to commit robbery while armed. These charges stem from Washington’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW on July 21, 2020. Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh.

During the hearing, an officer from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) confirmed that Washington was back in compliance with the terms of his release, stating Washington had reported for his check-in via telephone on April 20.

The prosecution reviewed the PSA report and requested that the show cause order should remain to monitor compliance for 30 days. There was no objection from Washington’s attorney, Veronice Holt.

Judge Park accepted the terms and permitted Washington to attend future hearings remotely, as long as he remains in compliance with the terms of his release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Homicide Defendant ‘Suffering’ in Jail While Attorneys Discuss New Trial Date

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied defense’s motion to withdraw as counsel, and cautioned a homicide defendant to not make a rash decision regarding his trial date on April 21.

Deonte Spicer, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated 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 for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Tyvez Monroe, 27, at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW on Dec. 26, 2023. Monroe sustained a gunshot to the head.

During the hearing, Spicer’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, filed a motion to withdraw from the case. Judge Park stated if Dorsey withdrew, it would be the sixth attorney that has pulled out of Spicer’s case.

The prosecution said they were ready for the trial scheduled on July 6 and if Judge Park rescheduled it, they would not be able to commit to another date in 2026.

Dorsey, Spicer, and Judge Park spoke privately before Judge Park denied the defense’s motion without prejudice, meaning Dorsey can refile at a later date. Dorsey then indicated that his client wished to assert his rights under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA), allowing defendants to independently test DNA evidence before trial.

The prosecution stated that they needed to go through correspondence regarding the IPA hearing with the previous defense council, but had no objection. Judge Park granted the defense’s request and stated he would look into appointing a second chair defense attorney to the case.

Judge Park suggested vacating the original trial date in July, offering to reschedule for March 29, 2027. Spicer objected, claiming he no longer needs the independent DNA test, and would rather have his trial in July.

“I’m the one in jail suffering and y’all are picking dates like I’m not in jail,” Spicer said.

Judge Park reminded Spicer that the July trial was no longer an option and a co-counsel would not be prepared for the March trial date. Spicer then inquired about one of his previous defense attorneys, Marnitta King, stating that she was involved in the case from the start.

Judge Park replied that King was temporarily suspended from the practice of law, and would not be able to contribute to his defense. Judge Park cautioned Spicer about making an impulsive decision, urging him to discuss the matter with Dorsey.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.

Judge Says Fatal Stabbing Defendant Has ‘Peculiar’ Mental Health Situation

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan said he plans to release a murder defendant to a halfway house given concerns about her mental status on April 23.

Anna Hyman, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Robert Dent who sustained 55 sharp force injuries. The incident occurred on July 26, 2025 in an apartment complex at the unit block of Galveston Street, SW while Hyman’s two children were in the apartment.

According to court documents, Hyman claimed the victim was trying to rape her and she suffered lacerations to her hands and arms.

A report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed on Sept. 9, 2025 shows Hyman has a history of paranoia and potential delusional thinking. However, the report said social work documentation from Sept. 6, 2025 described Hyman as “stable and absent of any symptoms of psychosis, mood disturbance, or behavioral management concerns.”

The report found Hyman mentally competent to stand to trial, meaning she understands the charges against her and can assist her attorney in her defense.

Judge Ryan noted his “concerns about Hyman” regarding her “peculiar” health situation. He thinks the best course of action is sending her to a new, all women’s halfway house that will require the “significant restrictions on liberty” he plans to place on Hyman.

The prosecution asked to be heard, and Judge Ryan said they would discuss the matter further at the arraignment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for arraignment on April 28.

Judge Sets Trial Date For Homicide of Special Police Officer

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park set a trial date for a homicide defendant, a separate trial from his brother and co-defendant, on April 23.

Jayden Bracey, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with attempt to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the death of Special Police Officer, 42-year-old Angela Washington. The incident occurred on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE on Sept. 21, 2021. Washington died from one gunshot wound to her head.

His brother Jadohn Bracey, 26, is also charged in the case. Judge Park granted severance for the brothers to have separate trials on Feb. 17.

Prosecutors said surveillance footage captured a man matching Jadohn’s description in a black mask and distinctive attire allegedly shooting Washington. His associate, whom prosecutors argue is Jayden, was also wearing a mask but wore no recognizable clothing.

Judge Park scheduled Jayden’s trial to begin on Sept. 27, 2027. Jadohn’s trial is scheduled to begin on April 12, 2027.

Parties for Jayden are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 1.

Defense Claims There are Evidence Gaps in a Homicide Trial

A defense attorney claimed the prosecution conducted a flawed investigation, leaving gaps in the evidence in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 22.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These counts stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on June 11, 2020 on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE.

Before the jury returned for the proceeding, Whitley’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey claimed there were gaps in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigation of the shooting. Harvey noted there were no arrest warrants issued despite requests from Redd’s mother about three other suspects.

When the jury entered, the prosecution cross-examined the lead MPD detective for the case who was in close contact with Redd’s mother throughout the investigation and communicated with her frequently via text message.

In redirect, Harvey asked the detective about “Be On the Look Out” (BOLO) reports the detective filled out with information about a wanted suspect in a case. The detective was unclear regarding how many BOLO’s she filled out. She claimed to remember creating one for a suspect car present at the crime scene, and believed she created another but was unsure for what or whom.

Harvey asked the prosecution for the other BOLO to refresh the detective’s memory, which they didn’t have. The prosecutors claimed it was not their job to have the other BOLO on hand and that it was included in the evidence they turned over to the defense prior to trial.

Harvey insisted that it was not in the evidence and the prosecution has a duty to correct the record if a “witness testified to something inaccurate” or admit if they failed to turn the BOLO over to the defense.

Judge Dayson agreed to have the detective review her notes during the lunch break to refresh her memory.

Following the break, the detective claimed she made a BOLO for Whitley, but that another BOLO had already been distributed online. According to the detective, MPD will only post a second BOLO for the same individual if the first posting doesn’t garner many leads, which was not the case for Whitley’s BOLO.

The detective stated that she doesn’t believe the second BOLO was ever posted, but isn’t sure, as BOLO postings are handled by someone else in MPD.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 23.

‘I Just Wish it Didn’t Happen,’ Says Middle-Aged Assault Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a stabbing defendant in his late fifties to probation only in an assault case on April 17.

Rayton Carry, 58, was originally charged with aggravated knowingly assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon while armed for his involvement in an incident that occurred on Oct. 12, 2022 on the 900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

At the hearing, Carry pleaded guilty to simple assault in exchange for dismissal of the other charges. The prosecution also agreed to limit their sentencing request to a fully suspended sentence except for time already served. Judge Hertzfeld accepted the agreement and proceeded directly to disposition.

According to court records, the victim initially reported a stab wound in the butt, but prosecutors never determined a weapon for the offense and the related charge was dismissed in the deal.

According to prosecutors, the victim went to Carry’s home, where an argument began regarding his being there. The dispute turned physical, causing the victim to fall to the ground and into the street, where Carry continued to assault him. Prosecutors argued Carry used excessive force and had no legal justification for his actions.

Carry’s attorney, Brandon Burrell, said this incident was a case of “imperfect self-defense.” Burrell claimed the victim was a trespasser on Carry’s property and was told earlier in the day to not come back to Carry’s house.

Burrell highlighted Carry’s compliance with his pre-trial release, his stable job, and his limited criminal history. He agreed with the sentence proposed by the prosecution but asked for the probation to be unsupervised because he is confident Carry won’t re-offend.

When asked by Judge Hertzfeld whether he had anything to say, Carry replied, “I just wish it didn’t happen.”

Judge Hertzfeld said other than previous minor traffic violations, this incident is an “aberration” for Carry. She noted that someone of Carry’s age rarely makes their first contact with the criminal justice system this late in their life.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Carry to a suspended sentence of 180 days and six months of unsupervised probation. She noted that he is on unsupervised probation because he was unsupervised on pre-trial release and had no issues.

No further dates were set.

‘Have Mercy On Me,’ Pleads Defendant in Postal Worker Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a stabbing defendant to 39 months in prison on April 17.

Michael Bennett, 42, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13 to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Nov. 12, 2025 on the unit block of Webster Street, NE. The victim, a United States Postal Service (USPS) worker, sustained a back wound.

During the hearing, the prosecutor said the “violent attack” occurred when postal worker was doing his job and the victim had “taken a while to get back on his feet.” The prosecutor asked Judge Hertzfeld to impose a sentence of 39 months followed by three years of supervised release.

Additionally, the prosecutor highlighted that Bennett committed the offense while on release for a separate case. They cited Bennett’s pattern of criminal history including prior assaults, firearm offenses, and various probation and contempt violations as well as his history of substance abuse. They asked for a “strict sentence.”

Angela Ramsey, Bennett’s attorney, asked Judge Hertzfeld to sentence Bennett between 16-to-18 months of imprisonment. She explained that the USPS worker was a relative of Bennett’s fiancee’s ex-husband. Ramsey described the incident as a domestic situation that “got out of control.”

According to Ramsey, Bennett expressed deep remorse for his actions and “really overreacted.” She told Judge Hertzfeld that Bennett suffers from mental health issues, which contributed to his extreme reaction.

“I am so sorry for what I’ve done,” Bennett said, expressing remorse.

He asked Judge Hertzfeld for leniency and said he was under significant stress at the time of the incident and was not in a clear state of mind.

“I ask the court to have mercy on me,” Bennett pleaded. He told Judge Herzfeld he wanted to remain with his children and fiancée, promising not to repeat the behavior.

Judge Hertzfeld said Bennett’s criminal history was a primary concern when determining the sentence. She noted that the victim was “just doing his job” and was walking away when Bennett stabbed him in the back.

As a result, Judge Herzfeld, sentenced Bennett to 39 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. She also imposed a no-contact order with the victim. Judge Hertzfeld recommended that Bennett be placed in a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility that offers mental health treatment.

“Good luck to you,” Judge Hertzfeld said.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Release for Domestic Stabbing Defendant After Probation Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release after repeated probation violations in a ruling on April 20.

Manuel Yeager, 41, was sentenced on Jan. 9 to three years imprisonment, all suspended, in favor of one year of probation for assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 2300 block of Q Street, SE on June 3, 2025. The victim, Yeager’s brother, sustained a stab wound to his right shin.

According to court records, Yeager is currently charged with threatening to kidnap or injure a person in an unrelated matter, which led to his probation violation and revocation in this case on March 26.

During the hearing, Yeager’s attorney, Daniel Kovler, requested Judge Pipe consider releasing Yeagar with GPS monitoring. He cited his limited criminal history and noted that he is currently being held on a separate case involving alleged threats.

Judge Pipe denied the request, stating that after a prior release, Yeager violated a stay-away order by returning to the address where the stabbing occurred. She also noted that Yeager has since incurred an another charge–this one involving threats at a retail store.

According to a representative from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Yeager failed to report to probation after receiving a fully suspended sentence.

As a result, Judge Pipe emphasized that based on these factors, there were no conditions she could impose that would ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 12.

Judge Considers Mistrial in Homicide Case

Defense attorneys in a homicide trial requested a mistrial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 23.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year old Kevin Redd on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE on June 11, 2020.

Whitley’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, said that the prosecution’s mislabeling and failure to provide notice of discovery documents prevented the defense from properly preparing a Winfield defense to suggest that a third party committed the crime instead of the defendant.

According to Harvey, prosecutors provided a report filed with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from July 4, 2020 reporting that a car, registered to the third-party, which they named in court, rammed the Redd’s wife’s car. However, images from a separate July 2, 2020 vandalism incident were included in the same report.

Harvey requested that Judge Dayson rule the case as a mistrial. Harvey claimed that evidence amounts to a Winfield defense, if it had been properly provided . Since the trial is underway, the defense argued that an insufficient investigation was completed.

Additionally, Harvey said that the defense would have called other witnesses had they known the information.

In response, the prosecution said they were unaware that there were two separate incidents.

Judge Dayson said that she didn’t think the prosecution knowingly misrepresented the dates, but ultimately the photos do not match the report.

“I’m not saying you knew this was a different thing,” Judge Dayson said to the prosecution.

Harvey proceeded that it was “inconceivable” that the prosecution would try to bury evidence favorable to the defense. Specifically the report that shows that the third-party had a gun at the time. Harvey stated that the defense struggled to get the materials, and had they had access to this information prior, they would have used the Winfield strategy from the beginning. Harvey claimed the reports would show that the Winfield defense was “backed by hard evidence” and used this to argue for a mistrial.

“The [prosecution] sat silent,” Harvey said, emphasizing that this was not merely a case of sorting through voluminous evidence possibly exculpatory, but the evidence was actually mislabeled.

The prosecution said they labeled evidence based on what the lead detective told them .

The prosecution confirmed that the body-worn footage from officers responding to the shooting no longer exists.

The prosecution stated they had filed this information as discovery early in the case. They argued that this was a failure on the part of the defense for not reading the discovery thoroughly.

The prosecution told Judge Dayson that the defense had spoken to witnesses involved in the incident in question, meaning they had the opportunity to gather relevant information for their defense.

Harvey responded by telling the court that they did not know to ask about the car crash incident during their interviews.

The detective in the case repeatedly reported that she did not remember many different aspects of her investigation. For example, whether she investigated the third-party and their alleged involvement in the case.

The detective also stated she did not remember her previous day’s testimony. Thus Judge Dayson questioned if the prosecution had met their burden of proof, and enabled Harvey to call another detective, for verification purposes, as her last witness in the case.

Judge Dayson ordered the prosecution to collect and turn over any information related to the third-party, including 911 calls, police notes, and communication with Maryland police.

She will take the motion to dismiss under advisement.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 27.

Defense Requests Missing Security Footage in 16-Year-Old Murder

A defense attorney requested prosecutors disclose missing security footage and information about a witness before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 22.

Randolph Thomas, 43, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, armed robbery, first-degree burglary while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and five counts of possession of a firearm with a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE. Thomas was arrested in 2023 and charged for the incident.

Pierce Suen, one of Thomas’ attorneys, asked prosecutors to provide security footage from a 7-Eleven store around the time of the incident.

The prosecutor said the footage showed a person showing interest when an individual took out a “wad” of cash to pay, though the person with the cash said he was certain the aforementioned individual wasn’t the killer. The parties did not specify how the 7-Eleven footage relates to the homicide but according to a defense filing on Feb. 24, the footage is from Dec. 30, 2009–the day before the murder.

The prosecutor said the footage is missing and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), and the US Secret Service all unsuccessfully searched for the video.

Suen also asked prosecutors to disclose whether they offered benefits to a witness and his family in exchange for testifying because it could point to bias. He said the witness failed a polygraph test when asked if he was testifying in the case about threats or harming other witnesses.

The prosecutor said the witness repeatedly requested protection from threats over multiple years, and prosecutors didn’t request the witness be relocated until recently. They said threats toward the witness escalated when he came forward with information in Thomas’ case and said the witness previously requested to be put “in the hole” due to threats.

Suen said he assumed National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) tests did not indicate a connection between the December 2009 homicide and previous incidents because when cartridge casings are entered into NIBIN, they are analyzed and compared to prior entries, and there was no “hit” for the NIBIN testing in this case.

Judge Edelman said NIBIN testing would likely not prove Thomas’ innocence because it is considered less accurate than a human analyzing cartridge casings, and he has never seen a prosecutor’s case rely on NIBIN testing.

The prosecutor said the NIBIN algorithm may have changed since the testing was performed and said they would attempt to obtain and disclose to the defense records comparing the NIBIN entries in this and prior cases.

Suen requested an evidentiary hearing where he would call the lead detective on the case to testify, which he said would be helpful to clarify the timeline of the prosecutors’ investigation.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release in a Shooting During a Fight Among Groups

DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan denied release in a shooting case on April 21 because of the defendant’s prior criminal history and violent nature of the offense.

James Payne, 44, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly grave risk, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the corner of 2nd Street and Chillum Place, NE on Nov. 23, 2025. The incident left a victim with two gunshot wounds to the abdomen.

According to court documents, the incident began as a planned fight between two groups, but a third group joined later. The victim reportedly deployed pepper spray in the crowd before Payne allegedly fired a handgun at the victim.

At the hearing Payne’s attorney, Lauren Morehouse, informed Judge Nolan her client waived his right to a preliminary hearing thus acknowledging a finding of probable cause. After reviewing the waiver with Payne, Judge Nolan accepted it.

Morehouse asked Judge Nolan to release Payne under supervision from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). She stated he has strong support from family, cares for his stepchildren and grandchildren, and is employed. “[Payne’s] entire community is here and [he] has no reason to flee,” said Morehouse.

Morehouse cited Payne’s probation records from a separate case in Maryland saying it “shows exemplary compliance,” with no violations. Morehouse said that Payne’s record shows “he can be supervised successfully.”

The prosecutor noted that Payne’s Maryland case was a homicide where he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

The prosecutor argued Payne should remain held because of the violent nature of the offense. According to the prosecutor, the fight was planned prior to the shooting and Payne chose to bring a firearm. In addition, the victim’s injuries were so severe, they required emergency surgery and blood transfusions, said the prosecutor.

As a result, Judge Nolan ruled to keep Payne detained.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 12.

‘I Want You to Work Hard on This Probation,’ Judge Says to Teen Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro encouraged a teen carjacking defendant to maintain his release and probation conditions on April 22.

Denhym Boykins, 17, was sentenced on Jan. 16 to two years in prison, all suspended, in favor or 18 months of probation for robbery, carrying a pistol outside of a home or business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1000 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE on Aug. 7, 2025.

Boykins was charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

However, he was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), a policy that gives judges leniency when sentencing a defendant younger than 25 at the time of the incident. The YRA also grants the defendant the possibility to have their convictions sealed upon successful completion of requirements.

In the hearing, Boykins’ attorney Carrie Weletz confirmed that Boykins was attending regular check-ins with his probation officer and has not run into any issues meeting release requirements.

Boykins’ probation officer was not present at the hearing, but the courtroom clerk said that she was informed that Boykins was doing well.

Judge Di Toro told Boykins, “I want you to work hard on this probation.” She encouraged him to continue on the right path so that his conviction can be sealed.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Acquittal Motion in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied defense motion to acquit a homicide defendant of first-degree premeditated murder while armed on April 17.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained gunshot wounds to his left shoulder, left forearm, and chest.

In a hearing on April 14, James Brockway, Whitley’s attorney, motioned for a judgement of acquittal arguing that there was insufficient evidence. Judge Dayson denied the motion to acquit on all charges except for consideration of premeditated first-degree murder while armed.

At the hearing, several pieces of evidence were mentioned by Judge Dayson, including the Shell gas station surveillance video, in which prosecutors claimed that Whitley was holding a gun. However, Judge Dayson noted that the footage was unclear to definitively identify the object, and therefore said the claim has little value.

Judge Dayson also reviewed video footage that showed Whitley leaving the Shell not wearing a mask, then returning masked while picking up Redd.

Ultimately, the judge said the timing of Whitley’s movements aligned with Redd’s death. Thw act of concealing identity and transporting Redd to a more secluded location could reasonably support an inference of premeditation, according to Judge Dayson.

Considering the evidence, Judge Dayson denied Brockway’s motion for acquittal of premeditated first-degree murder while armed, finding that the prosecutors had presented enough evidence for a reasonable juror to find Whitley guilty.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 21 to resume the trial.

Conflicting Opening Arguments in Carjacking Case

Despite police and expert witnesses alleging a carjacking, a defense attorney argued the prosecution’s evidence was inconsistent in opening statements before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 21.

Miquel Beasley, 23, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 22, 2024, on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.

According to court documents, Beasley reportedly entered the victim’s vehicle for a marijuana transaction that allegedly escalated when Beasley pulled out a handgun. He then allegedly forced the victim out of the vehicle before fleeing the scene in it.

The prosecutor’s opening statements laid out what allegedly happened duirng the incident. He mentioned that Beasely and the victim knew each other for a couple of months, as they met through multiple friends. The prosecutor said the victim was at the scene to buy marijuana and ended up getting carjacked at gunpoint.

The prosecutor argued that the evidence will prove Beasley’s guilt. Their witnesses include a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, the lead investigator in the case, a DNA analyst, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent. Photographs and videos of the carjacked vehicle leaving the scene will also be presented to the jury.

Beasley’s attorney, Antoini Jones, stated that Beasley is innocent and argued that the prosecutor’s case is built on inaccurate and inconsistent evidence, including statements by the victim.

Judge Arthur thanked both parties and dismissed the jurors, instructing them to come back to court the next day to continue the trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

Judge Delays Lengthy Homicide Deliberations Given Jurors’ Prior Commitments

After an eight day stretch, Jurors were asked to take about a two week break, then continue deliberations for a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 21.

Jaime Macedo, 25, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, attempted robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of more than one year, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE, on July 5, 2023.

The jury began deliberating on April 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz but Judge Edelman is now presiding over the case in Judge Kravitz’s absence.

On the eighth day of deliberations, in notes, many jurors raised concerns about personal obligations, such as international travel, graduation ceremonies, and job related commitments. One juror also expressed that a member of their jury felt ill and might require a visit to the emergency room.

As a result, Judge Edelman instructed the jurors to resume deliberations on May 4.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 27 for a motions hearing.

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