Jury Reaches Partial Verdict in Metro Bus Driver Stabbing Case

A jury reached a partial verdict in a three-year-old stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 8.

Stephanie Fawbush, 51, was originally charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, with an aggravating factor of the victim being a Metro transit officer or station manager and threat to kidnap or injure a person for her involvement in a stabbing at the 900 block of 17th Street, NW on Aug. 14, 2023. One victim sustained a stab wound to the arm and Fawbush allegedly assaulted another victim in the incident.

After some three days of deliberations, a jury found Fawbush guilty on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon against the stabbing victim and not guilty on threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The jury could not come to a unanimous decision on the second count of assault with a dangerous weapon against the assault victim. It is unclear whether the prosecution will refile on the undecided charge.

The maximum sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon is 10 years in prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 12.

Judge Commends Stabbing Defendant on Probation, Asks For Improvement

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean acknowledged a stabbing defendant’s progress in complying with probation orders, yet asked for continued improvement on April 9.

Marshal Baxster, 40, was sentenced on March 14, 2025, to six months incarceration, suspended in favor of 18 months of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that took place on the 3000 block of R Street, NW, on Nov. 29, 2024. The victim sustained a deep laceration to their wrist.

Baxster’s probation officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) described his most recent report as “mixed,” citing progress in some areas but noting several instances of non-compliance with his GPS monitor.

According to the officer, Baxster reports for employment and takes advantage of mental health services. However, he has not regularly attended classes or properly managed his GPS monitor, which disconnected multiple times.

Baxster’s defense attorney, Shawn Sukumar, stated Baxster was “putting in a significant amount of effort” to comply with his probation conditions. Additionally, Sukumar noted that Baxster has difficulty charging his GPS monitor where he lives.

Judge McLean acknowledged Baxster’s progress, calling his continued use of mental health resources “fantastic.” However, Judge McLean told Baxster he needed to “continue to improve” in other areas.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 10.

Judge Denies Request to Release Teen Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied a teen carjacking defendant’s request for release after he waived his preliminary hearing of the evidence against him on April 8.

Darryl Gladney, 18, is charged with armed carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE on May 4, 2025.

Gladney is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

According to court documents, Gladney allegedly lured the victims by saying he wanted to purchase a watch the victim listed for sale on Instagram. Gladney and another suspect reportedly assaulted the victim, forced him into his vehicle at gunpoint, drove to Maryland, and threatened him before fleeing with his car.

At the hearing, Charles Haskell, Gladney’s attorney, said his client waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which Judge Raymond accepted.

Haskell then asked Judge Raymond to release Gladney on home confinement, a curfew, or GPS monitoring. He argued that Gladney is only 18 years old and has no criminal history. “This is a shocking event for everyone,” said Haskell.

According to Haskell, Gladney is a senior in high school, where he is a soccer and football athlete. He stated that Gladney plans to enroll into the military and then pursue higher education.

The prosecution argued that Gladney should not be released because of the severity of the case. They claimed Gladney orchestrated the carjacking and was aware of his intent to rob the victim.

Judge Raymond determined there were no conditions of release that could ensure the safety of the community and ordered Gladney remain held.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Preliminary Hearing For Stabbing Co-Defendants Delayed a Third Time

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond delayed five stabbing defendants’ preliminary hearing again on April 8 due to one’s detention in another jurisdiction.

DeVaughn Gibbs, 19, Jaliel Holland, 25, Antonine Jones, 24, Marlan Smith, 19, and Kwesi Pyne, 21, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in stabbing another inmate in the showers at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Sept. 25, 2025.

The victim sustained two stab wounds in his back.

During the hearing, Gregory Copeland, Jones’ defense attorney and Thomas Key, Smith’s defense attorney, told the courts that both of their clients were not present.

Copeland stated that Jones was specifically being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail, in Virginia, where he is waiting to be sentenced for another case. It is unclear why Smith was absent.

Due to all the defendants not being present in court, Daniel Dorsey, Holland’s defense attorney, asked for a continuance in the case.

Judge Raymond stated she hopes Jones is present at the next hearing to progress with the case. This is the third time parties delay the preliminary hearing due to the defendants’ absence.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 29.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

In a hearing on April 9, a carjacking defendant entered a guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Dartanian Owens, 21, was originally charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of armed robbery for his involvement in a carjacking on April 6, 2025 on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE.

Owens was also involved in three armed robberies on April 7, 2025 on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE, the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, and the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

Owens’ attorney, Albert Amissah, read the terms of a plea offer from the prosecution at the hearing. The plea required Owens to plead guilty to possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, unarmed carjacking, and robbery in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges and reserving sentencing recommendations. Owens would also be required to register as a gun offender.

The prosecution presented their factual basis for the plea, saying that if the case had gone to trial, they would have been able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Owens purposefully stole one victim’s vehicle after pointing a gun at him, and robbed three other victims of their belongings. The prosecution also stated in their factual basis that Owens was accompanied by an unidentified individual in robbing the fourth victim.

Judge Hertzfeld confirmed with Owens that he understood the terms of the plea and that the prosecution’s factual basis was accurate. After verifying that Owens was entering the plea voluntarily, Judge Hertzfeld accepted his guilty plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 7 for sentencing.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment to Jail Stabbing That Injured 4

A jail stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to four charges at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 9.

Joly Germine, 33, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Aug. 28, 2025, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE at the DC Jail.

According to court documents, the incident left four victims, including Germine injured.

At the hearing, Germine was formally read the charges against him. His defense attorney, Susan Ellis, entered a plea of not guilty on her client’s behalf. An interpreter was also present at the hearing to assist with communications between Germine, Ellis, and Judge Hertzfeld.

Ellis was newly appointed to the case and requested another hearing be scheduled, and the prosecutor offered to continue discussions for a possible plea agreement.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 11.

Defense Says Homicide Defendant is Compliant With Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park asked a defense attorney to file a written request to change a homicide defendant’s release conditions on April 8.

Huey Bandy, 55, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 60-year-old Orlando Murphy on June 7, 2022 on the 3600 block of Brothers Place, SE. Murphy sustained multiple stab wounds.

Bandy’s attorney, Sylvia Smith, asked Judge Park to remove Bandy’s GPS tracker. Smith said he has been on electric monitoring since July 2022 and fully compliant with the conditions of his release.

The prosecution opposed the request due to the severity of the crime.

Judge Park said he was not prepared to rule on the issue and asked Smith to submit the request in writing so he could review the relevant information.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 2 for a status hearing.

Judge Orders Ex-Girlfriend Stay-Away in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe granted prosecutor’s request for a stay-away order from the victim in a stabbing case on April 9.

Jackson Onunaku, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Dec. 28, 2025 on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

According to court records, Onunaku allegedly called his ex-girlfriend earlier that day and threatened to shoot both her and her mother. Onunaku reportedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend after arriving at her house, and pulled a knife out. The ex-girlfriend allegedly grabbed the knife blade to stop Onunaku and sustained cuts on both hands.

The prosecution asked for a stay-away order to be put in place for the ex-girlfriend, after Onunaku had reportedly contacted the ex-girlfriend multiple times while in jail on a recorded line.

Prosecutors stated they previously asked for the stay-away order, but the judge did not grant the request.

Judge Pipe granted the stay-away that will require Onunaku to not contact his ex-girlfriend in any way.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 24.

Jury Acquits Domestic Shooting Defendant on All Counts

A non-fatal shooting defendant was found not guilty on all four counts by a jury in front of DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on April 9.

Marquis Allen, 32, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, threats to kidnap or injure a person, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 19, 2025 at the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

Allen’s trial began on April 7, and lasted only two days. In the trial, the prosecutors attempted to prove Allen shot towards his sister after a verbal altercation in his sister’s apartment.

Defense attorney Shawn Sukumar argued that the victim was the only eyewitness and had a clear motive to lie, stating that the prosecution didn’t meet the burden of proof and left many questions unanswered.

Parties concluded the trial by delivering closing arguments on April 8.

The following day, the jury found Allen not guilty on all four charges. All members of the jury were polled to confirm that the decision was unanimous.

No further dates were set.

Judge Orders Homicide Defendant’s Transfer to Hospital for Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a defense request to transfer a homicide defendant to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for medical treatment on April 9.

Desmond Barr, 25, 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 greater than one year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ambria Farmer at the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE, on July 13, 2024.

All of Barr’s charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.

At the hearing, Barr’s attorney, Hannah Claudio explained to Judge Park that she and her co-counsel, Dominique Winters, formed a plan to have their client successfully transferred to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for treatment of what has been described as an acute medical issue.

Claudio requested that Judge Park order the Department of Corrections (DOC) to immediately transfer Barr to MedStar Washington Hospital Center and that after treatment he is transferred directly to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) for in-patient treatment.

Judge Park questioned whether the plan would succeed because they tried to transfer Barr there previously. Claudio explained that there was no communication between Howard University Hospital where Barr was previously admitted and MedStar Washington Hospital Center for a successful transfer. Now, the DOC can carry out the transfer themselves and be present with Barr at the emergency room until he is admitted to the hospital.

Under the proposed plan, DOC officers will wait with Barr until he is admitted at which time the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) would place him on GPS monitoring.

Additionally, Winters stated that she will be present with Barr at the emergency room to make sure he is admitted to the hospital as soon as possible.

Judge Park accepted the defense plan and ordered the DOC to transfer Barr the following day.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

Carjacking Defendant Wants to Withdraw Guilty Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno granted a carjacking defendant’s request for a new attorney on April 8 after the defendant expressed his intention to withdraw his guilty plea.

Jordan Grice, 19, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking on Aug. 20, 2025 for his alleged involvement in a carjacking at the 1000 block of 10th Street, NW on Aug, 16, 2024.

Grice is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

According to court documents, Grice is accused of holding the victim at gunpoint, before driving off in the victim’s car with their cellphone. Using a GPS monitor placed on Grice as a condition for release in a separate case, detectives reportedly placed Grice at the incident location.

Craig Richard, Grice’s attorney, informed Judge Salerno he is withdrawing from the case in light of Grice’s desire to withdraw his guilty plea. In a motion filed by Richard on April 7, Richard said “Grice will benefit from consultation with independent counsel.”

Judge Salerno inquired if new counsel has been assigned. Richard stated Carrie Weletz will take over the case.

The prosecution objected to the potential withdrawal of Grice’s guilty plea, but will wait until the next hearing to make arguments with Weletz.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal For Shooting Victim’s Leg

A defendant accepted a plea deal for shooting a victim in the leg before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 8.

Xavier Anderson, 23, was originally charged with aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that injured one person on the 600 block of Galveston Street, SE on July 11, 2025.

At the hearing, Judge Di Toro said that she received paperwork that Anderson accepted a plea agreement from prosecutors.

Anderson’s attorney, Thomas Lester, said that the agreement required his client to plead guilty to aggravated assault. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not seek an indictment on additional charges and that Anderson will serve two years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Di Toro’s approval at sentencing.

Without the deal, Anderson could face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment for aggravated assault.

The prosecutor said that if this case had gone to trial, they would have proven that Anderson fired a handgun at an individual and one bullet struck her in the leg which has hindered her walking for several months. Anderson’s actions were voluntary, on purpose, and do not have any legal justification.

Judge Di Toro ensured that Anderson knowingly and willingly plead guilty.

Anderson’s sentencing hearing is set for July 17.

Defense Says Prosecutors’ ‘Hunches’ Aren’t Probable Cause in Homicide Case

A defense attorney argued a homicide defendant’s presence at the scene does not suggest probable cause before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 8.

Kevin Hider, 20, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale on Dec. 16, 2023, on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE. Barksdale sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen and arm.

Hider’s co-defendants, 21-year-old Eric Sheffield and 20-year-old D’Andre Montgomery, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or business for their alleged involvement in the same incident.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who the prosecutors called to testify, said police recovered cartridge casings from the scene that matched cartridge casings found in the vehicle the suspects used. He said the vehicle, a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu, was reported stolen on Dec. 15, 2023.

The detective said GPS data placed the Malibu and Montgomery’s GPS ankle monitor at the location of the homicide when it occurred. He also said Sheffield’s DNA was allegedly found on the door handle of Barksdale’s vehicle.

Security footage from near Barksdale’s home played in court showed three individuals getting out of a car and Barksdale exiting his house and running toward his car. The video showed flashes consistent with gunshots before the individuals drove away.

The detective said police knew the three co-defendants are “associates” based on prior police encounters and photos depicting them together. A YouTube video played in court depicted Hider performing a rap song that referenced “Baby Drac,” which the detective said is a nickname for Montgomery because it is similar to his Instagram handle, “dbg_babydrac.”

He said a blue iPhone, determined to be Sheffield’s based on fingerprints and email accounts found on the phone, contained a text thread between Sheffield, “Drac,” “Tall,” and another individual. He said police linked the Instagram handle “dbgtall” to Hider.

According to court documents, security footage shows Sheffield, Montgomery, Hider, and another individual together at a restaurant in Maryland, on the day of the homicide, earlier in the day.

The prosecutor argued there was probable cause because evidence shows connections between Hider and his co-defendants and suggests he was at the scene of the homicide. He said the evidence was consistent with robbery and conspiracy.

Adam Harris, Hider’s attorney, said probable cause is an “amorphous” concept but is not based on association with other suspects, mere presence at the scene, or “hunches.” He said there is no indication of premeditation to murder or proof of robbery.

Judge Brandt said she did not immediately agree with the conspiracy argument but would review the evidence before ruling.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 13.

Judge Orders Full Mental Competency Exam for Soup Kitchen Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a full inpatient mental competency exam for a homicide defendant on April 8.

Jose Sierra Perez, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 37-year-old John Despertt at Miriam’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen on the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW on Feb. 5. Despertt sustained a stab wound to the chest.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan stated that the report filed by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on March 30 deemed Sierra Perez mentally incompetent to stand trial. In order for a defendant to stand trial, they must understand enough about the legal proceedings to help their lawyer defend them. The report suggested Sierra Perez be transferred to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for inpatient psychiatric treatment.

Both parties agreed with the findings in the DBH report and Judge Ryan ordered a full inpatient competency exam.

Before the conclusion of the hearing, Sierra Perez’s attorney, Christen Philips, stated that there was sensitive information about her client’s background in the DBH report. She requested that the report be placed under seal. Judge Ryan understood, asking Philips to prepare a redacted copy of the report for the public docket.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 11.

‘DNA Testing Does Not Take This Long’ Prosecutor Claims, Accusing Defense of Stalling Homicide Trial

Despite strong objections from the prosecution, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted the defense request to delay a homicide trial on April 8.

Samuel Mack, 59, 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 possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Erica Ward, 35, on Dec. 30, 2020 on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE. Wood sustained a gunshot wound to her neck.

Due to the lack of availability of attorneys from the Public Defender Service (PDS), Dominique Winters, the Chief for the Trial Division at PDS, asked to delay the trial scheduled for Oct. 19.

The prosecution strongly opposed this request stating this is the, “fifth or sixth PDS attorney” involved in the case and it is not fair to the community that this case has been ongoing for so long. She also noted that when the incident occurred, Ward’s oldest child was 11, now they are 17.

Judge Park brought up that the defense was waiting for the results of DNA testing. One of Mack’s attorneys, Molly Bunke, said she spoke to the lab on Friday and the testing was still not complete.

The prosecutor argued that “DNA testing does not take this long” and accused the defense of stalling the process.

Judge Park said that a four-month wait for DNA testing is not unheard of and while he understood the prosecution’s position there “is another side of the story here.” He moved the trial date to May 10, 2027.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing on June 5.

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