Document: Arrest Made In Assault Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has made an arrest for an assault offense that occurred on Sept. 13.

At approximately 1:50 a.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW, attempting to take some merchandise. The victim confronted the suspect, and the suspected assaulted the victim with a metal sign before fleeing the scene.

MPD arrested a 54-year-old man on Sept. 24 and charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon.

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Judge Holds 8 Defendants and Released 21 During Initial Hearings

On Sept. 25, a DC Superior Court judge held eight defendants during their initial hearings.

A male defendant was charged with sex abuse and assaulting a police officer. On Sept. 24, police officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were called to the 600 block of New York Avenue, NE for an individual harassing a female. According to court documents, the defendant held a spray bottle in his hand and sprayed two MPD officers.

Judge James Crowell ordered the defendant held, due to evidence of him being non-compliant in the past.

Kenneth Greene, 38, is charged with second-degree theft. According to court documents, on Sept. 24, alarms were triggered as the defendant was leaving a building on the 1300 block of Potomac Avenue, SE. Greene was searched and items were found in his bag. The defendant allegedly admitted to stealing the items.

He is being held pending his next hearing on Oct. 13.

Anthony Wall, 44, is charged with receiving stolen property. He also had two outstanding arrest warrants for destruction of property.

According to court documents, MPD observed a vehicle with a D.C. government tag. The police then discovered the government tag belonged to a vehicle owned by MPD, and the VIN number of the observed vehicle was not registered.

Judge Crowell ordered that Wall be held and also ordered a mental health evaluation.

Elmer Lopez-Cortez is charged with being a fugitive from justice from the state of Maryland, with an underlying charge of homicide. The defendant agreed to stay in DC Jail to allow Maryland authorities to extradite him within three business days.

Shane Smith, 24, is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute while armed. On Sept. 24, officers were called to the 1800 block of Kendall Street, NE, to assist with serving court paperwork. MPD and the landlord of the property knocked on the door of the apartment where the defendant was staying. According to court documents, when the door opened MPD could see a firearm in plain sight. After searching the apartment, MPD recovered drugs and additional firearms.

Judge Crowell ordered the defendant held and scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 15.

Alvin Brown, 35, is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in a crime of violence. On Sept. 24,Brown backed into a police vehicle before attempting to flee in a vehicle. After being detained, MPD observed a firearm on the floorboard underneath the seat that Brown was sitting in.

Judge Crowell ordered the defendant held, due to the serious nature of his criminal history.

Shawn Fowler is charged with threat to kidnap or injure a person.

Judge Crowell said due to the serious nature of the crime and the repeated violent harassment of the victim, he could not guarantee the safety of the community and ordered the defendant held.

Tyrone Edmondson, 48, is charged with second-degree theft in four separate cases. Edmonson was discovered with stolen tools in an alleyway on the 1300 block of Randolph Street, NW.

Judge Crowell said because three of the cases involved the same victim at the same location, he could not guarantee the safety of the community and ordered the defendant held.

Two defendants were charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Judge Crowell released the defendants with stay-away orders, and ordered they report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) weekly.

Two defendants with outstanding bench warrants for failing to appear in court were also released. Judge Crowell quashed the warrants and ordered the defendants to return to court on Feb. 26, 2021.

Four defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, were released. Their extradition hearings are scheduled for Dec. 23. An additional defendant with fugitivity charges had his case dismissed by the prosecution.

Five of the defendants are involved in domestic violence cases. They were all released and given stay-away orders. The underlying charges included simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful entry and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.

Four additional defendants were charged in weapons cases. One was given a stay-away order and one was ordered to be on GPS monitoring.

Four final defendants were released, two of whom were given stay-away orders.

Two initial hearings were postponed due to the defendants currently being in the hospital. The defendants’ cases will be reviewed on Sept. 26.

Judge Presides Over Show Cause Hearings

On Sept. 25, a DC Superior Court judge presided over seven pretrial and probation show cause hearings.

Edward Cowser appeared before Judge Julie Becker for a pretrial show cause hearing on charges of simple assault, second-degree theft, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted threats to do bodily harm and shoplifting.

Cowser, 43, allegedly sprayed lotion into the face of a Special Police Officer (SPO) and spat on another when they tried to escort him out of United Medical Center on April 19.

The defendant has been noncompliant with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and two more re-arrests happen while Cowser was out on pretrial release.

On April 22, the defendant allegedly attempted to steal alcohol from a store on the 1700 block of Good Hope Road, NE and brandished a box cutter at the victim, who tried to stop him.

Six days later, Cowser allegedly stole items from a store on the 3700 block of Minnesota Ave, NW and threatened to stab the shopkeeper with a steak knife when he also tried to stop him.

Judge Becker ruled that Cowser will have one last chance to comply with the PSA or he will be held in DC Jail until his trial date.

“You have to prove that you deserve to be out on the street instead of inside DC Jail,” said Judge Becker.

Aloysius Carter, 61, is charged with attempted threats after he allegedly threatened to kill an 11-year-old boy and his siblings outside a corner store on the 3400 block of Dix Street, NE on June 23. Carter was re-arrested on Sept. 1 for allegedly violating the stay away order he was given in the case.

At the Sept. 25 show cause hearing, the prosecution requested that Carter’s pretrial release be revoked due to his noncompliance.

Carter called into the hearing and consistently ignored Judge Becker when she asked him to remain silent so that his lawyer could best represent him.

“If I were you, I would think about my actions very carefully,” said Judge Becker.

Judge Becker denied the prosecution’s request and warned Carter that his compliance must be perfect going forward. His next hearing is set for Oct. 5 to re-evaluate his conditions of release.

Paris Simmons, 20, did not show up to his probation show cause hearing.

Defense attorney Sean Murphy reported that his client has been sick with COVID-19 like symptoms for the past three weeks and that he told his client not to come to court.

“Not to make light of COVID-19,” said the prosecution, “but Simmons has tried to dodge his way around probation.”

Judge Becker denied the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant and ruled to continue the show cause hearing when the defendant can be present.

Andre Ruddock is charged with simple assault in DC, but he has pending cases in California, Oregon, Florida, Massachusetts, and Virginia as well.

Ruddock, 40, did not show up for his hearing and his attorney, Joseph Fay, was around 15 minutes late. Fay had not shown up for the previous hearing on Sept. 21 and Judge Becker warned Fay to never let it happen again.

Judge Becker issued a bench warrant for Ruddock, making it the second warrant out for the defendant’s arrest. The other warrant was issued in Virginia for assault charges.

Dominique Buckman is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after she attacked a woman with a knife on the D6 Metro Bus after the victim asked Buckman to use headphones while listening to music. The defendant was also not present for her hearing.

The PSA reported that she has been a loss of contact for the entire seven months since her arrest, so Judge Becker issued a bench warrant.

Delonte Morris, 29, is awaiting sentencing on two counts of second-degree burglary.

Judge Becker granted the prosecution’s request to move the defendant to the High-Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) after he failed to charge his GPS device and acknowledged that the prosecution will ask for more time to be sentenced at the next hearing.

Trayvin Wilson, 21, is charged with assault with the intent to commit robbery while armed.

The PSA said that they had issues with tracking the defendant’s GPS and Wilson did not come in to get a replacement when the battery died.

Defense attorney Peter Cooper reported that his client does not reside in DC and that Wilson had come to DC last week to resolve the GPS matter with PSA.

Judge Becker discharged Wilson’s pretrial show cause hearing, which completed the morning docket.

Judge Sentences Defendant in 3 Cases

On Sept. 25, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for killing a cat.

Antonio Jacobs, 37, pleaded guilty to a bail violation, cruelty to animals and a Civil Protection Order (CPO) violation. As part of a plea agreement with the prosecution, his simple assault and unlawful entry charges were dropped, as was his other cruelty to animals charge.

Judge Robert Okun sentenced Jacobs to serve 15 months for cruelty to animals and 90 days for the bail violation. The sentences will run consecutively. Jacobs was given 30 days for the CPO violation. That sentence will run concurrent to the other two.

“He intentionally stomped on the cat’s head,” a witness said. “He’s a very violent man, he needs some help”

Jacobs’ attorney, Isaac Kunnirickal asked Judge Okun to put Jacobs on probation.

“Right now giving him any additional time in jail is counter-intuitive,” said Kunnirickal. “He has mental and physical health issues.”

During the hearing, Jacobs said he loves animals and what happened with the cat was just an accident, he did not mean to kill it.

“You say you love animals, but you express it in unusual ways,” said Judge Okun.

Jacobs must also comply with several stay away orders.

Document: Suspect Sought for Armed Robbery Investigation

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking public assistance in locating an armed robbery suspect.

The incident occurred on Sept 23 at around 1:44 a.m., according to a press release. The suspect entered a building on the 4800 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. He brandished a firearm, took money and fled the scene.

The suspect’s photograph was captured by a surveillance camera.

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Judge Issues 2 Bench Warrants in Felony Cases During Show Cause Hearings

On Sept. 24, a DC Superior Court judge presided over seven pretrial and probation show cause hearings as well as one bench warrant return hearing.

Thomas White did not show up to his pretrial show cause hearing. In his first case, White is charged with prisoner escape. While on pretrial release for that case, he was re-arrested for second-degree burglary for allegedly stealing power tools from a construction site.

White, 59, has not been compliant with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and has continued to pick up charges. The prosecution asked Judge Julie Becker to issue a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest.

Due to White’s continued non-compliance, Judge Becker agreed to the request.

Christian Worley, 38, was also absent from her pretrial hearing. Worley is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

PSA reported that Worley has not been in contact with them since her arrest in April and has missed all weekly call-ins.

Judge Becker decided to issue a bench warrant for her case as well.

Marcus Brockington called in late to his pretrial show cause hearing. Brockington, 19, is charged with assault with serious bodily injury for allegedly attacking his victim to the point of unconsciousness at the Stadium Armory Metro Station on March 18.

Defense attorney Randy McDonald said that his client’s loss of contact with PSA was due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic. McDonald said Brockington is living with high-risk family members who would be susceptible to the virus.

The defendant told Judge Becker that he was concerned about appearing in person today because he was scared of possibly infecting his family inadvertently.

Judge Becker ruled that Brockington must call-in weekly to PSA and that he must appear in person in court for his next hearing.

Teenia Knott, 33, did show up to her probation show cause hearing. Knott pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on Aug. 23, 2019.

As part of her probation requirements, she has to undergo drug and alcohol treatment and GPS monitoring. Her probation officer has sent in reports of frequent breaks in curfew, which she believes is dangerous for Knott’s recovery.

The defendant tested negative on her last drug spot-test two days ago, so Judge Becker continued the show cause hearing for 60 days to ensure she continues to comply.

Kevin Jackson, 46, is charged with unlawful possession of liquid PCP.

The PSA originally reported that Jackson has been a loss of contact, but he has started reporting regularly over the past three weeks.

Judge Becker discharged the show cause hearing since the defendant has started being compliant with his release conditions.

Tyche Briscoe, 28, is charged with distribution of crack cocaine.

The defendant has had sporadic contact with PSA and mental health services. Briscoe said he did not own a phone until this past week.

Judge Becker ruled to continue the show cause hearing next month to check on Briscoe’s compliance now that he has a phone.

Reginald Gardner, 23, is charged with carrying a pistol outside a home or business.

The PSA said that Gardner has only reported 4 out of the 13 weeks he was expected to and always from a different phone number. Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough said that he also has trouble getting in contact with his client because he did not have his own cell phone.

Judge Becker decided to discharge the show cause because Gardner said he now has a way to check in regularly.

A walk-in bench warrant case was seen by Judge Becker today in between her show cause hearings. Ricardo Lewis is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and was arraigned today by Judge Becker.

Lewis was not aware until yesterday that he had an outstanding bench warrant and he immediately turned himself in.

Judge Becker chose to release him on the condition that he report to the PSA weekly by phone.

Judge Schedules Status Hearing for Convicted Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a status hearing for a convicted murder defendant who has motioned for a new trial.

Dominique Williams was convicted of second-degree murder while armed in the death of Marcellus Green. He was also convicted of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in 2018.

Williams, 26, will serve 18 years for the murder charge, four years for two assault with a dangerous weapon charges, and five years for possession of a gun during a crime of violence. These charges will run consecutively,

Williams is also charged with 15 years for three more possession of a gun during a crime of violence charges, two years for another assault with a dangerous weapon charge, and 18 months for carrying a pistol without a license charge. These charges will run concurrently with the previous ones.

However, Williams motioned for a new trial in August 2019, arguing that his constitutional rights were violated. According to court documents, Williams says his former attorney, Kevin Irving, failed to represent him correctly during plea negotiations.

Judge Craig Iscoe agreed to schedule a post-disposition status hearing to hear the evidence brought to the table by Williams’ new attorney, Jonathan Ference-Burke.

Judge Iscoe said the defense must provide evidence of what plea deal was originally offered as a starting point.

Judge Iscoe scheduled Williams’ next hearing for Nov. 30.

Judge Sentences Defendant Time for Drug Offense

On Sept. 25, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to serve six months for a drug charge.

After making a deal with the prosecution, Karl Johnson, 42, pleaded guilty to attempted distribution of a controlled substance – offenses committed during release.

Judge Judith Smith sentenced the defendant to 14 months, suspending all but six of them. Because he is receiving credit for time served, Johnson will be done with his sentence in about a month and a half.

Once he is released, Johnson must serve one year of supervised probation. As part of his probation, Judge Smith ordered Johnson to receive a mental health assessment and comply with any recommendations for treatment. He will also need to participate in any drug and alcohol programs deemed appropriate by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

Judge Smith also ordered transitional housing and employment referrals to aid Johnson in his transition back into the community.

Defense attorney Susan Ellis said that her client’s history of chronic homelessness, and his inability to receive support from organizations due to his mental health condition being diagnosed, contributed to his criminal actions.

Judge Smith asked Johnson what his plan would be, were he to be released on probation. Johnson said that he would tried to apply for disability, and continue searching for housing and employment opportunities.

Johnson is scheduled to return to court for two outstanding misdemeanor cases.

On Spet. 9, 2019, police officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were in the 1600 Block of 1st Street, NW at approximately 5 p.m. , according to court documents. Johnson approached the officers, who were dressed in plains clothes, and asked what the officers were looking for. Johnson explained that he would sell the officers a drug nicknamed “spice,” and watch over them as they smoked it. The officers handed over 20 dollars in exchange. After receiving the drug, officers identified themselves and the defendant tried to flee the scene. Officers were able to subdue Johnson, and place him under arrest.

Document: Police Find Two Victims:1 Fatally Shot, 1 Wounded

On Sept. 24, the Metropolitan Police Department responded to a homicide shooting that occurred on the 5200 block of Western Avenue, NE–leaving one male dead and another wounded.

Around 7:39 p.m., D.C. police responded to a shooting in the Friendship Heights neighborhood near the border of Montgomery County. Police discovered a male, 20-year-old Tavon Brown, who was fatally shot and left unconscious and unresponsive while suffering from gunshot wounds. D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to the hospital, where he later succumbed from his injuries.

Furthermore, a second male victim was located on Harrison Street in Montgomery County, Md., just two blocks away from Western Avenue. The victim was then transported for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.
The department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.

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Judge Holds 3 Defendants During Initial Hearings

During initial hearings on Sept. 24, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 32 defendants, postponed four initial hearings and held three defendants in DC Jail.

One defendant is being held for a domestic violence case with an underlying charge of simple assault. The judge said the defendant should be held due to the nature of the case and the violation of a recently implemented stay-away order.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 13.

Another defendant is a fugitive from the state of Maryland with an underlying charge of burglary. The defendant was deemed a loss of contact and is being held in order for Maryland officials to pick him up.

A third defendant is also a fugitive in the state of Maryland. The defendant is also charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse in DC. He is being held due to his lengthy criminal history and the fact that many of his previous cases involved minors. In his fugitive case, he is being held in order for Maryland officials to pick him up.

Four initial hearings were postponed due to the defendants currently being in the hospital. The defendants’ cases will be reviewed on Sept. 25.

Eight other defendants were charged in domestic violence cases. The underlying charges included simple assault, threats to do bodily harm, second-degree theft, hate crime and contempt. Six were released with stay-away orders and two were released with a no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking (HATS) order toward the alleged victims.

Three other defendants with fugitivity charges were also heard by Judge Crowell. One defendant is wanted in Maryland for a robbery charge. Another defendant is wanted in Florida for a burglary charge and the third is wanted in Virginia for failing to register as a sex offender and for being in possession of drug paraphernalia. All were released with orders to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions as soon as possible.

Ten defendants with felony charges were also released. Charges included distribution and production of fentanyl, unlawful possession of weapons with a prior conviction, unlawful possession of ammunition, second-degree burglary, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, carrying a firearm without a license and having an unregistered firearm.

Finally, eight defendants with misdemeanor charges were released. The charges included possession of heroin, threats against a government official, destruction of property less than $1,000, sexual abuse and theft.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant During Probation, Pretrial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge continued hearings, issued a bench warrant and terminated a defendant’s probation during pretrial and probation hearings on Sept. 22.

Judge Julie Becker Issues a bench warrant for Marquis Hicks after he failed to appear in court.

Hicks is on probation for conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon and robbery while armed for an offence that occurred in 2010.

Hicks’ attorney, April Downs, said she had not had any contact with the defendant. Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) has also been unable to contact Hicks since late July.

Judge Becker sentenced Davon Childs to 30 days plus one day of supervised release, for bail violations.

Childs, 33, was on supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license in 2015.

According to CSOSA, Childs had been a loss of contact since August.

Defense attorney Bruce Cooper asked for Childs’ release, arguing that the defendant’s probation was about to expire anyway.

The prosecutor requested a probation revocation and 60 days because of Childs’ history of failing to comply and failing to appear in court. Childs had failed to appear in court three times and had been brought in on three separate bench warrants.

Judge Becker continued a burglary defendant’s pretrial show cause hearing after he fell out of compliance from May 27 to Sept. 17. The defendant’s GPS monitoring device was also turned off for unknown reasons.

Kareem Watkins, 43, is charged with first-degree burglary for taking property from a residence in DC. Watkins, a resident of Riverdale MD, was arrested on Jan. 31.

Judge Becker scheduled two hearings for Watkins, including a review hearing on Sept. 23, to make sure the defendant has a new GPS monitor installed and a new pretrial show cause hearing for Oct. 9.

Judge Becker discharged another defendant’s pretrial show cause hearing.

Matthew Russell, 50, is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. The defendant did not appear in court because he is currently in a mental health treatment program.

Russell’s attorney, Andrew Ain, said he is currently homeless and has no address, making it impossible for him to verify his address. Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) said Russell has been contacting them by phone.

Russell’s next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21.

Judge Becker continued another pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant charged with possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Garvanni McGriff, 30, did not appear in court. According to PSA, the defendant had been a loss of contact from Aug. 21 to Sept. 17.

Since McGriff had come back into compliance, Judge Becker chose to continue his case on Oct. 6.

Judge Becker continued a pretrial show cause hearing for an assault defendant.

Lawrence Brown, 53, is charged with assault for a stabbing on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW, on May 31.

According to PSA, Brown had never contacted the agency by phone.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller said Brown’s phone had been turned off for several months but had just been turned back on.

Judge Becker ordered Brown to report to PSA in-person once, then report by phone every week.

Brown’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 8.

Judge Becker continued a pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant charged with possession with intent to distribute PCP, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, attempted possession with intent to distribute Cocaine and a bail violation, in three separate cases.

Paul Nunnally, 27, has violated his home confinement order 17 times since he was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

Nunnally’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller said her client has had trouble staying on home confinement in the past but hasn’t had any violations in the last month.

Judge Becker told the defendant to stay at home, charge his GPS monitor and check in with PSA every wednesday. Nunnally’s next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 19.

Judge Becker continued an assault defendant’s probation show cause hearing in order for him to receive in-patient drug treatment.

Amadu Fomah, 33, was charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct and threatening to kidnap or injure a person in 2018.

Since Fomah is currently receiving treatment, Judge Becker scheduled a new show cause hearing date for Nov. 24.

Judge Becker continued a probation show cause hearing for a firearm defendant.

Robert Brandon, 20, was charged with carrying a pistol outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving without a permit.

Brandon has complied with all of his release conditions.

His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 17.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Probation

On Sept. 23, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced an assault defendant to six months of probation.

Danyale Green, 34, pleaded guilty to destruction of property less than $1,000 and leaving after colliding. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, her other charge of assault with a dangerous weapon was dropped.

Judge Michael Ryan sentenced Green to 30 days for destruction of property and 45 days for leaving after colliding. He suspended the entirety of both sentences. Green will have to serve six months of probation. She will also be required to undergo mental health assessments while on probation.

A victim talked about the medical and auto bills she had to pay as a result of this incident during the Sept. 23 hearing.

However, Judge Ryan was not presented with any doctor bills. Therefore, he gave the prosecution 14 days to file for restitution.

Judge Sentences Drug Possession Defendant to Probation Under Youth Act

On Sept. 23, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a drug possession defendant to 24-months of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

Derek Prince pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine back in August. As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution dropped a possession of drug paraphernalia and a distribution of cocaine charge.

Judge Craig Iscoe also sentenced Prince, 26, to 20 months with time suspended and three years of supervised release. While on his 24-month probation sentence, Prince must take part in drug and alcohol testing. He must also maintain employment and must pursue further educational opportunities.

The prosecution asked for Prince to not be sentenced under the act because he has been sentenced under it three times before.

However, Judge Iscoe was willing to give Prince one more chance based on his pretrial compliance. Because Prince was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.

Prince must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund, which is under the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program. He also has 18 months to do 50 hours of community service.

Judge Continues Mental Observation Hearing for Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge continued a mental observation hearing for a defendant accused of stabbing a child.

Devonte Wright is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly stabbing a two year-old victim on May 27 on the 1700 Block of Benning Road, NE.

On Aug. 27, Judge Neal Kravitz found Wright, 21, competent to stand trial following a report by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). However, the defense objected to the findings and chose to have another study conducted by their own psychologist. Judge Kravitz agreed to the request, setting a four week deadline for it to get done.

During the Sept. 24 hearing, Wright’s attorneys Madeline Harvey and Laura Rose asked Judge Neal Kravitz for additional time to allow for competency restoration. An order for a full competency examination was also made.

Reports will be exchanged between the defense and prosecution on Nov. 16.

Judge Kravitz scheduled a status hearing for Nov. 20 and another mental observation hearing for Dec. 10.

Judge Schedules New Hearing for Robbery Case

On Sept. 24, a DC Superior Court judge re-scheduled a hearing to determine if a robbery case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Juan Morris is charged with robbery for allegedly taking a victim’s cell phone on July 22. The victim was having the suspect’s car towed from her private parking space on the 300 block of G Street, SW, according to court documents. The defendant then allegedly grabbed the victim’s phone and ran towards 4th Street, SW.

Morris’ preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 24. However, defense attorney Sara Kopecki’s car broke down on the way to court. Judge Rainey Brandt chose to schedule a new preliminary hearing for Sept 29.

Morris, 33, has been held at DC Jail since his arrest.

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