Crime Alerts: November 24-25

Between 9 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 25, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 8:24 a.m. for a robbery on the unit block of M Street, SE. Police are looking for a male of unknown race with a light complexion, 6’2″ in height, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. He was last seen headed towards Half Street.

An alert for a robbery of an establishment (a 7-Eleven) was sent at 6:26 a.m. on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a white hoodie. He is also wearing black track pants with a white stripe and neon yellow designs on the sides and black shoes. He is thought to be in his late 20s or early 30s.

At 1:48 a.m., an alert was sent for an armed robbery investigation on the 800 block of Bladensburg Road, NE. Police are looking for two Black males, both wearing dark clothing and face masks with dark complexions. One is short and one is tall, and one of the suspects was armed with a knife.

Another armed robbery investigation alert was sent at 1:14 a.m. on the 2400 block of New York Avenue, NE. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is thought to be between 6’2″ and 6’3″ in height with a dark complexion and wearing dark clothing. The second suspect has a medium complexion, wearing dark clothing and armed with a long gun. Both were seen in an older model, green Honda Accord with Georgia tags #RSX3007.

The final alert was sent at 12:11 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1000 block of 4th Street, NW. Police are looking for two Black males. The first suspect is short with a heavy build and light complexion, wearing a camouflage mask and armed with a black shotgun. The second suspect is tall with a dark complexion, wearing dark clothing.

Judge Finds Substantial Probability in Double Homicide Case

After seven minutes of deliberation, a DC Superior Court judge found substantial probability in a double homicide case.

George Bernard Shaw III is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the Oct. 10 shooting of Marcus Nelson, 59, and Simmeon Williams, 39, on the 1700 block of Irving Street, NE.

Defense attorney Ieeshaah Murphy argued that her client acted in self-defense because after the two victims reportedly broke into the defendant’s home and started a fight. She said he was trying to protect both himself and his family, who were present at the time.

During the Nov. 24 hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that the autopsy report concluded that Nelson was shot 11 times and William was shot 13 times.

The prosecution showed video surveillance from an establishment across the street that appears to show the defendant chasing Nelson into the street. The short chase is followed by both men falling, but Shaw getting up quicker and standing over Nelson before shooting him multiple times in the head.

The video also shows Shaw moving back towards his house out of the frame. However, multiple loud sounds are heard in the audio after Shaw is no longer in the frame. The prosecution and MPD allege that those sounds are the gunshots that kill Williams.

The prosecution argued that self-defense is not a viable defense because of the use of excessive force and pre-meditation.

Towards the end of the fight, Williams had allegedly been shot in the leg by Shaw before the defendant chased Nelson into the street. The prosecutor pointed out that it is not self-defense to return to Williams and shoot him multiple times after he has already been incapacitated.

However, Murphy argued that the prosecution was viewing her client’s action with a calm mind and not taking into account whether Shaw believed he was in imminent danger at the time of the crime.

She also argued that, in the heat of passion, a person may reasonably believe something, such as excessive force is necessary when in reality it is not.

She pointed out that there are at least four minutes from the point when video evidence shows the descendants walking to the house to the point when it captures Nelson’s death. Physical evidence in the house also points to a violent struggle.

“Four minutes is a long time to be in your own house and be subjected to an assault by outsiders,” said Murphy.

After making his substantial probability ruling and hearing arguments for detention, Judge Todd Edelman decided to hold Shaw.

He did say that Murphy made a good argument when she pointed out her client’s lack of a prior record. But, Judge Edelman recalled an MPD search warrant of Shaw’s room in which police found liquid PCP, a bulletproof vest, a shoulder holster and a firearm magazine pouch.

He also said Shaw is the only defendant in a double homicide; therefore, he sided with the prosecutor.

Shaw’s next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Defendant Sentenced to Time Served for Drug Charge

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a re-sentenced a defendant to time served for a drug charge.

Back in 2018, Terrell Jackson was sentenced to 14 months, 11 of which were suspended, plus 18 months of supervised probation for attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. After having his probation revoked, he received the same sentence again last February.

However, Jackson fell out of compliance with his probation again and was detained at DC Jail in May.

On Nov. 24, Judge Erik Christian re-sentenced the defendant to time served. He did not impose any period of probation or supervised release.

However, Jackson must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Judge Vacates One Hearing, Schedules Another

On Nov. 24, a DC Superior Court judge vacated a status hearing for one defendant and scheduled another hearing in a traffic case.

Kevin Bynum’s status hearing for two of his cases were vacated. He is charged with conspiracy, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and receiving stolen property in a 2020 case. He is also charged with robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon and threat to injure or kidnap a person in a 2019 case.

Kashmia Lang, 30, is charged with a DUI, operating a vehicle while impaired and driving without a permit. She entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) during her hearing.

The prosecution will dismiss Lang’s case if she abides by the conditions of her agreement for 12 months. This includes not being rearrested based on probable cause, remedying her license and providing proof of a valid license, completing the Traffic Alcohol Program (TAP) and attending a victim impact panel and a DC Department of Motor Vehicles approved traffic safety program.

She must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund and $100 to the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP).

The judge scheduled a hearing for her on Nov. 23, 2021.

Judge Schedules Status Hearings for Murder Cases

On Nov. 24, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled status hearings for two murder cases.

Jahamar Thaxter and Raymond Avent are charged with first-degree murder while armed in their respective cases.

Thaxter, 29, is charged with the murder of 26 year-old Victor Bolden, who was shot on Dec. 8, 2016, on the 600 block of Nicholson Street, NE.

Thaxter was charged in November 2019, but has yet to have a preliminary hearing, which will determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial. Dominique Winters, who stood in for defense attorney Mani Golzari, asked for another status hearing, as the defense isn’t ready to schedule a preliminary yet.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled Thaxter’s next hearing for April 19, 2021. She told the defense to file a motion when they are prepared to go ahead with a preliminary hearing.

Avent, 20, is charged with the murder of 23 year-old Rafiq Hawkins, who was shot on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood, NE.

Avent is also charged in a co-defendant matter that was also called on Nov. 24. In that case, he is charged with unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer, destruction of property, leaving after colliding, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Avent’s co-defendants are Keith Baham and Tyler Springfield. There was also a third co-defendant in that case, Dante Hicks, who passed away.

Judge Dayson scheduled a status hearing for April 13, 2021, for both of Avent’s cases.

Document: Police Identify Victim of Traffic Fatality

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have identified the victim of a traffic fatality that happened on the evening of Nov. 19 as 42 year-old Latoya Sommers, of Southeast, DC.

The incident happened on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to a preliminary investigation, at around 5:55 pm, a Mercedes-Benz was traveling northeast on Southern Avenue, SE, when it struck Sommers, a pedestrian not in a marked crosswalk. Sommers was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Crime Alerts: November 23-24

Between 8 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 9 a.m. on Nov. 24, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 8:35 p.m. for a robbery on the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE. Police are looking for two Black males, one wearing a grey jacket and armed with a handgun.

The second alert was sent at 8:01 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 3300 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Police are looking for a dark colored vehicle.

Document: Suspect Sought In Simple Assault Offense

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Criminal Investigations Division seek the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a simple assault offense that occurred on Nov. 14 on the 200 block of Constitution Avenue, NW.

Around 2:30 pm, the suspect approached the victim at the listed location. The suspect assaulted the victim and then fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a camera and can be seen in the photo below:

Anyone who can identify this individual or who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. Crime Solvers of Washington, DC currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Judge Holds 2 Defendants, Releases 20 During Initial Hearings

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna held two defendants and released 20 defendants during initial hearings on Nov. 23.

Tariq Scott was held on charges of robbery and armed robbery.

Scott, 20, was already on probation for the same charge when he allegedly committed the crime. However, defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman argued that her client was merely present at the crime, but was not the one committing the offense. Cadman requested release, citing Scott’s stable employment and housing, as well as his efforts to obtain his GED.

Judge McKenna denied Cadman’s request, citing noncompliance in his probation requirements as well as his past criminal history. She also prohibited Scott from communicating with a co-defendant in this matter–who was released.

Scott’s next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 where the parties will schedule a date for the preliminary hearing.

Judge McKenna also held a domestic violence defendant who is charged with simple assault, contempt and threats to do bodily harm.

The acting defense attorney argued that a High Intensity Supervision (HISP) program would be better suited for the defendant. However, the prosecution cited a pending case of a similar nature and violations of pretrial release conditions as reasons why a hold would be more appropriate.

Judge McKenna scheduled the defendant’s next hearing for Dec. 8.

Of those who were released, six defendants were charged in domestic violence cases. Five of the defendants were given stay-away orders, and one was reminded not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the victim in his pending case.

Judge McKenna also released two defendants who are charged as fugitives from justice. One of the defendants is wanted in Virginia for forgery and one is wanted in Maryland for cocaine possession.

The defendants were ordered to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions. Additionally, the defendant from Maryland is also charged with misdemeanor unlawful entry and second-degree theft in DC. He was given a stay-away order in his DC case as well.

Nine additional defendants charged with misdemeanors were also released. The charges include possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault, destruction of property, unlawful entry onto private property, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and assault on a police officer.

Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders while the rest were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Two of the defendants had their charges dismissed by the prosecution.

Judge McKenna released two defendants charged with felonies of unlawfully possessing a firearm with a prior conviction and armed robbery. The defendant charged with armed robbery is a co-defendant to Scott and was given a stay-away order.

Only one defendant was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing. He was released with orders to check in with his probation officer immediately.

A defendant charged with possession of a controlled substance is in the hospital, so his hearing was moved to Nov. 24.

This article was written by Maria Marzullo and Krystin Roehl

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case, Releases Defendant into Home Confinement

A DC Superior Court judge ruled that a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial. The judge also placed the defendant on home confinement under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Dohn Harmon, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins, who was fatally shot on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE on July 1.

On Nov. 23, Judge Robert Okun ruled that the case had probable cause, citing footage from multiple surveillance cameras and Harmon’s admission that he was driving the car that the shots were fired from on the night of the murder.

“I think this is a very close case, on one hand, I have found substantial probability that the defendant committed the offense, on the other hand, this is a defendant who has no criminal history at all,” Judge Okun said. “The fact that the evidence shows that he was not the shooter is still a factor in his favor.”

Judge Okun also cited a photograph of the car taken moments before the shooting, shows the driver wearing a bright yellow head covering that matched a jacket with a yellow hood found in the defendant’s possession.

The prosecutor called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who worked on the case to testify about his investigation and findings. The prosecutor also showed multiple videos from surveillance cameras at the scene and from Harmon’s home, along with footage from Harmon’s interview with MPD detectives.

During his testimony, the detective pointed out a grey Honda Pilot driving down 19th Street, SE. The car appeared to slow down at the intersection of 19th and Q Street, then a passenger appeared to shoot in the direction of the victim.

The prosecutor paused the video as the shooting started and the detective pointed out a bright flash coming from the passenger side of the vehicle.

The prosecutor also showed the detective an image of the vehicle taken moments before the shooting. The detective testified that the driver can be seen wearing a yellow hoodie.

Images also show the defendant walking out of his apartment before the shooting, roughly an hour after the shooting wearing a black hoodie with a bright yellow hood.

The prosecutor went on to show the detective a video of MPD detectives interviewing Harmon, which was taken shortly after his arrest on Oct. 8. In the video, Harmon admits to driving the vehicle but says he didn’t know that a shooting would occur.

Later in the video, Harmon said that Goggins was not the intended target.

“The defendant admitted that he was driving the Honda Pilot from which the bullet was fired, Judge Okun said. “He told the police that Mr. Goggins was not the intended target and he knew who the intended target was and that he and his friends wanted to shoot the intended target.”

Judge Okun said, based on the evidence, Harmon knew about the shooting before it happened.

Defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, questioned the detective about a witness who identified another person as the shooter.

The witness said the shooter was at the top of the stairs of an apartment building on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.

The detective said he investigated the witness’s report, but found no evidence supporting the claim.

Kiersh went on to ask for Harmon’s release because he has never been convicted of a crime or even arrested. Harmon has a supportive family and would not be a danger to the community if he were placed on 24-hour home confinement, he said.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 8 for another hearing.

Judge Holds Off on Prelim Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge continued a status hearing for co-defendants charged in felony cases.

Jamar Turner and Davon Pratt are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed. The two are suspected of being involved in two shootings that took place on June 12 in the Trinidad neighborhood of DC.

During the Nov. 23 status hearing, defense attorneys Wole Falodun and Errin Scialpi requested to set a date for a preliminary hearing.

However, Judge Judith Smith said she thinks the defense and the prosecution need to have all of their forms that are consistent with the administrative order before setting a date for the preliminary hearing.

“I am not trying to delay this case, but I think that there are some things that need to happen first.” Judge Smith said.

The first shooting occurred on the 1200 block of Megis Place, NE. According to court documents, the victim was riding on their scooter when they were shot by a passenger in a light blue car, according to court documents. The second shooting happened four hours later on the 1200 block of Simms Place, NE.

Judge smith continued the status hearing to Jan. 25, 2021.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Murder Charge Dropped in Global Plea Deal

A defendant was sentenced to serve five years after reaching a global plea deal that involved dropping a homicide charge.

Cinquan Cartledge was previously been charged with first-degree murder while armed and first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery in the death of Orlando Silver III. Silver was 37 years-old when he was fatally shot Nov. 13, 2016, on the 1300 block of Howard Road, SE.

Cartledge, 26, was also charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in this case.

The defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in exchange for all the other charges being dropped.

He also pleaded down from assault with a dangerous weapon to a lesser charge of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in another case.

During the Nov. 23 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Cartledge three years in prison for the firearm charge and two years for the attempted assault charge. The sentences will run consecutively.

Defense attorney Carol Blume asked that his client’s sentences run concurrent, but Judge Edelman denied the request due to the severity of the crimes.

However, the defendant, who has been held at DC Jail since 2017, will receive credit for time served.

Another case, in which the defendant was charged with simple assault, was also dismissed as a result of the plea deal. Cartledge has one other simple assault case that is undisposed.

During the hearing, Cartledge said his experience in custody had helped him grow as a person and he is ready to begin moving on with his life.

Abigail Grifno wrote this article.

Kidnapping and Sex Abuse Case Set for Prelim Hearing

On Nov. 23, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a case against a defendant charged with sex abuse and kidnapping has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping for allegedly grabbing his ex-partner as she was walking down a street and forcibly taking her back to his home on Nov. 4. The victim was reportedly held against her will in his home for four hours and was sexually abused during that time period, according to court documents.

Judge Judith Smith set a preliminary hearing date for Dec. 29. The defendant is being held without bail.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Schedules Trial Readiness Hearing for Man Accused of Killing Infant Daughter

A defendant accused of fracturing his daughter’s skull is set for a trial readiness hearing in March of next year.

Cornell Holton, 26, is charged with first-degree felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children in the death of three-month-old Skylar Newman.

Holton called 911 on March 16, 2019, saying he found his baby unconscious in her crib. In the recording of the call, he can be heard crying and screaming. Three days later, Newman was pronounced brain dead as a result of the blunt force trauma and subsequent brain bleed.

During a previous hearing in August 2019, the prosecution said the medical examiner determined that the multitude of injuries found on Newman could not be accidental.

“This is going to be a forensic heavy baby-death case,” said defense attorney Jason Tulley during the Nov. 23 status hearing.

Tulley asked that the deadline for expert witness notices be moved up for both parties so that they have more time to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. It was moved up to Feb. 1 for the prosecution and Feb. 18 for the defense.

“Our experts will be mostly medical in nature,” said the prosecution.

Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the trial readiness hearing for March 16, 2021. In the meantime, the Holton will remain held at DC Jail.

Although Holton accompanied his daughter to the hospital and notified the mother by calling from a blocked number, he fled shortly after and never returned. Holton was arrested in May of last year.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Sets Hearing for Murder Case

On Nov. 23, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Glenn Dolford, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 26-year-old Raheem Murray, who was shot on Feb. 2 on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE.

The prosecutor said that a plea offer has been discussed but nothing has been offered as of now.

Judge Judith Smith scheduled the preliminary hearing for Jan. 26, 2021. If a status hearing is needed before the preliminary hearing due to a plea agreement, the court should be notified ten days before the preliminary hearing date.

Search