Judge Orders Full Mental Exam For Fatal Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a homicide defendant to receive a full mental competency exam on Aug. 11.

Anna Hyman, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Robert Dent on July 26, 2025, on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW. Dent sustained 55 sharp force trauma injuries to his face, neck, chest, left thigh, and right hand.

According to court documents, the homicide allegedly resulted from a domestic dispute between Hyman and Dent.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan said that an initial competency report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Hyman was partially competent.

The DBH report concluded that Hyman understood her attorney’s role but had less understanding of the role of the prosecution and the judge. The report also stated that Hyman didn’t appreciate the seriousness of the charges.

Therefore, Judge Ryan ruled Hyman be sent to Saint Elizabeths Psychiatric Hospital for a full competency exam.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 10.

Prosecutor Says Murder Defendant’s Injuries Are A ‘Ruse’

The prosecution alleged that a homicide defendant was not being honest about the extent of his injuries during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 8.

Tommy Whack, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and robbery for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam, 53, on April 5, 2024, on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

Whack appeared at the hearing in a wheelchair.

The prosecution asserted that Whack’s injuries are a “ruse” because DC Jail staff members have seen Whack walking around and playing basketball at the jail.

Prosecutors also informed Judge Kravitz that Whack claimed he was injured by DC Jail staff after he was caught bringing fentanyl into the jail. According to prosecutors, during visitation at the jail, Whack was allegedly seen hugging a visitor and, in the process, exchanging up to 300 fentanyl pills. DC Jail staff seized the pills from Whack, and it was during this encounter that he alleged he sustained injuries.

Prosecutors added that Whack has been non-compliant with many of the court and jail staff’s orders.

For example, prosecutors said Whack previously refused to take a mouth swab to obtain DNA. The prosecution contacted the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and planned to have staff members swab Whack after the hearing.

Additionally, prosecutors said they received a report of a social media post made by Whack from the jail with the caption,“This is the lady trying to frame me, her name is [prosecutors name].”

Whack’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that the defendant dosn’t have the technology to access social media from the jail and that if the post came from Whack’s account he was more than likely hacked.

Judge Kravitz said “Whoever made this post, it is utterly inappropriate. If I was [prosecutor’s name] I’d consider this threatening” and ordered Whack to not make any threatening messages.

O’Sullivan also argued that the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) hasn’t properly tended to Whack’s injuries.

According to O’Sullivan, during Whack’s last visit to George Washington Hospital, the staff ordered Whack to come back for neurological testing. Despite this, the jail transported Whack to his appointment two to three hours late so he missed the appointment.

O’Sullivan also stated that the DOC failed to transport Whack to any of his legal appointments and therefore O’Sullivan has not seen his client since the last hearing. Additionally, O’Sullivan claimed the jail refused to provide assistance for Whack to shower which caused a variety of infections and health issues.

Judge Kravitz stated that he will not order the DOC to do anything unless a representative is present to speak on their behalf.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 12.

Detective Testifies Attire, Instagram Messages Link Suspect to Homicide

The lead detective in a murder trial testified about a defendant’s clothing and phone records before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 12.

Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective presented surveillance footage that allegedly showed Gripper and other suspects leaving an apartment building on Quarles Street, NE, holding firearms shortly after Bradford left. The building is near Anacostia Avenue, where Bradford was ultimately shot.

More footage showed the suspects in an alley across from Quarles Street after the shooting occurred, getting in a car. The detective said that footage from several crime cameras in the area was used to track the car after it left the alley.

According to the detective, the car, an older model Lexus sedan, has been connected to Gripper and was towed for evidence at the beginning of the case but no significant evidence was recovered from the car.

Footage also shows a man in a Moose Knuckle jacket–a distinctive, higher end sportwear brand– leaving the apartment building on Quarles Street, which the prosecution argued is an identifier for Gripper.

The detective testified that he went to Gripper’s apartment in early January, more than two weeks after the incident, and questioned him about the shooting, informing him that his car was towed. Gripper told the detective that he did not know anyone from the area where the murder occurred, but that he had previously lived in another nearby neighborhood.

According to the detective, he directed a search warrant of Gripper’s apartment due to the video evidence and car connection and seized his phone at the scene. After getting an additional warrant to search the phone, the detective said he reviewed cell site data from Gripper’s phone.

The detective further testified that it took “a significant amount of time” to gain complete access to Gripper’s phone.

He said that Instagram messages between Gripper and another person from the night of the murder show Gripper attempting to call this person, saying there was an emergency. According to the detective, Gripper then requested to call the person over an app called TextNow and asked if that app records calls.

According to the records shown during the detective’s testimony, Gripper contacted another person in the early morning after the shooting, asking to swap his Moose Knuckle jacket for their Canada Goose jacket.

The prosecution also showed the jury the search history from Gripper’s phone. The detective said the phone records show Gripper searched “unsolved homicides” several times and viewed a MPD webpage with a list of major cases and unsolved homicides in the days following the shooting.

During the cross examination, defense attorney Wole Falodun probed the detective about his knowledge of what happened between Gripper’s leaving the building on Quarles Street and arriving at another building on Anacostia Avenue. The detective testified that he only knows what witnesses reported and what could be seen on surveillance footage.

The medical examiner who performed Bradford’s autopsy also testified that Bradford’s death was a homicide from one gunshot to the back of the head and he also sustained several injuries as he fell after being shot.

Falodun confirmed with the medical examiner further that she cannot determine from how far away the shot was fired or what position Bradford may have been in when shot.

With the jury dismissed, Falodun motioned for acquittal of the premeditation and conspiracy charges and argued that the government did not meet their burden of proof.

In response, the prosecution presented surveillance footage that showed Gripper and the other alleged shooters in the apartment building and then walking out together, all carrying guns. Bradford had walked out of the building less than a minute before the suspects.

“That is the product of an agreement,” prosecutors said.

Judge Ryan denied the motion of acquittal and said that although the evidence is “thin,” it is sufficient to prove conspiracy and premeditation.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 13.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Benning Road Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 31-year-old Brian Diggs, of Southeast, DC, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 6 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

The incident followed a verbal altercation, during which Diggs allegedly shot the victim, who survived with non-life-threatening injuries. He was found in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.

Diggs was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition.

Prosecutors Say Double-Homicide Suspect Linked to Gang Conspiracy

Defense attorneys representing a double-homicide suspect argued detectives used coercive tactics during a police interview. The challenge came in a gang-related, conspiracy case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman during a motions hearing on Aug. 12.

Michael Mason, 21, is charged with conspiracy, two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation while committing a felony or violent misdemeanor.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three separate incidents. The death of 21-year-old Brea Moon and injury of a second victim on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on April 7, 2020. A shooting that injured two on April 8, 2020 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. Additionally, the death of 18-year-old Antwuan Roach on May 22, 2020 on the 3800 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to court documents, Mason is part of the “Avenue Crew of Simple City” street gang and conspired to assault and kill the crew’s adversaries.

The defense asked Judge Edelman to have the conspiracy count tried separately from the other charges. They worried the jury might be influenced by unrelated or damaging evidence from the conspiracy charge affecting a verdict.

The prosecution argued all the evidence supports a conspiracy.

Prosecutors alleged that Mason is connected to 13 other shootings in DC as part of another street gang named “Avenue Crew.” On multiple occasions, according to prosecutors, Mason is visible in social media posts and group chats associated with co-conspirators, linking himself with several crimes that took place in 2020.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain argued Mason’s Instagram account was not the address for some of the messages prosecutors cited. He said, like other professionals, criminals may talk about the work they do, but that does not automatically prove conspiracy and that it is unfair that the alleged co-conspirators are not also being charged.

However, prosecutors also noted that many of the shootings happened in what they described as rival crew territory, and alleged that guns seized during the arrests were linked to other shootings on crew turf.

Prosecutors said they plan to call law enforcement officers as witnesses to testify who are familiar with how the crews operate and have knowledge of the locations they frequent.

Mason’s attorneys, Ain and Bernadette Armaand, filed a motion to prevent prosecutors from showing Mason’s second interview with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives to the jury. They argued that it’s manipulative and coercive.

They say Mason was only 16 at the time of the interview, had a 10th-to-12th grade education level, and invoked his right to remain silent during the first interview.

The defense says that despite his refusal to speak during the first interview, he was interviewed a second time for an extended period and was told that if he talked, detectives would reveal the evidence against him.

Judge Edelman stated that the DC Court of Appeals ruled in several cases that an interview can still be considered voluntary despite its length. He also noted that Mason was offered food and water during both interviews, that there was no yelling, no direct threats, and no promises made by the detectives and ultimately denied the defense’s motion.

Meanwhile, prosecutors stated that the firearms expert they intend to call during trial will present research purporting to show that recovered shell casings can be linked to a specific firearm with a high degree of conincidence.

Ain argued that is essentially the same as saying “studies have shown that.” He said this could prejudice the jury into believing the firearms expert’s assessment was made with absolute certainty, when in most cases it is only an educated guess.

The prosecution clarified that the expert will testify only that he observed specific marks on the casings and that studies have found each mark to be unique, with individual characteristics that can link it to a specific source.

Judge Edelman ruled that the firearms analyst cannot claim an accurate percentage during testimony and required prosecutors to say the results are not 100 percent certain.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 13 to continue discussing motions.

Judge Admonishes Suspect After Acquittal in Nephew’s Murder

“Don’t mistake my kindness for being foolish,” stated DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt after she released a murder defendant following an acquittal on Aug. 11.

Franklin Dorn, 45, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his nephew, 28-year-old Antonio Brown, on Aug. 6, 2023 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

During the week-long trial, prosecutors argued that although Dorn did not fire the fatal shot, he was guilty of Brown’s murder because was the aggressor in a conferontational situation and would have shot if his gun did not malfunction.

Dorn’s attorney, Kevin Irving, asserted Dorn’s innocence and said he acted in self-defense because the other shooter acted in a threatening manner.

Following one day of deliberations, the jury found Dorn not guilty of second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence. However, the panel found Dorn guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

After the jury returned the verdict, Irving asked for Dorn’s release and stated Dorn was willing to comply with any conditions of release the court imposed.

The prosecution opposed Dorn’s release due to his conviction on the firearms charge.

Judge Brandt stated she believed she could set conditions of release that would ensure the safety of the community and released Dorn with a GPS monitoring device and a curfew.

Judge Brandt told Dorn “if you sneeze out of place it won’t look good on sentencing day” at the end of the hearing.

Parties are slated for sentencing on Oct. 15.

Carjacking Co-Defendants Consider Plea Deal

Co-defendants in a carjacking case were granted time to consider a plea deal during an Aug. 8 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Laiten Bell, 20, and Cornell Jamison, 21, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery, carjacking, and assault of a woman on Jan. 22 on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE. Bell is also charged with armed robbery and an additional count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to court documents, Bell and Jamison allegedly knew the victim for more than ten years and targeted her because of her ties to her neighborhood. A video of the assault, connected to an Instagram account name allegedly associated with Cornell, was posted online. The video portrayed the suspects kicking and punching the half-dressed victim. Following the assault, Bell and Jamison reportedly stole the victim’s car.

Prosecutors presented a plea deal during the hearing that would require Bell to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with a sentence of up to eight years of incarceration. Jamison would be required to plead guilty to armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with up to a nine year sentence.

Judge Hertzfeld granted both Bell and Jamison more time to consider the offer. Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 25.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Heads to Trial

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 8.

Domonic Tabron, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and pandering for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Brittany Palmer, 23, that occurred on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE on July 9, 2022.

Prosecutors extended a plea offer in April of this year, but terms were not discussed in court. Tabron’s attorney, Jeremy Feldman, informed Judge Kravitz that Tabron rejected the offer and opted to proceed to trial.

The prosecution revoked the offer following Tabron’s rejection.

The prosecution also stated they anticipate issuing charges related to the case in federal court and will likely dismiss the current case in DC Superior Court.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 26.

Non-Fatal Shooter Changes Plea to Guilty

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded guilty during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Aug. 8.

Kingston King, 20, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the intersection of Georgia Avenue, NW and Morton Street, NW on Nov. 18, 2024. One victim suffered from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The plea deal extended by prosecutors required King to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered firearm. In exchange, the prosecution will not seek an indictment and dismiss all other changes related to the case. The deal also required King to register as a gun offender in DC.

King could serve a maximum sentence of ten years of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and one year for possession of an unregistered firearm.

King pleaded guilty to the charges and waived his right to independently test any DNA evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 17.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation For Stabbing Defendant on Suicide Watch

A stabbing defendant was ordered to undergo a full mental competency evaluation during an Aug. 8 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Devyn Cyphers, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in the stabbing of a woman on July 31 on the 300 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Cyphers, who was friends with the victim, reportedly called her and asked to meet. During the conversation, Cyphers allegedly pulled out a knife and slashed the woman’s neck before reaching for a gun. The victim was able to escape.

Cyphers reportedly refused to participate in an initial mental competency screening by the Department of Behavioral Health. A defendant can’t stand trial unless the person understands the charges and can help a lawyer defend the case.

Cyphers was not present during the hearing but her attorney, Peter Odom, requested a full competency evaluation. Odom informed Judge Hertzfeld that Cyphers is “deeply, deeply in the throes of mental illness” and has refused to speak with him. Odom said Cyphers is currently on suicide watch, exhibiting signs of psychosis, and has marks on her wrists. Odom argued that keeping her at the DC Jail Central Treatment Facility (CTF) was “playing with fire.”

Prosecutors did not oppose the request but cited both safety and security concerns. Judge Hertzfeld granted the request and ordered Cyphers’ transfer to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for a full psychiatric evaluation.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Sept. 23.

Prosecutors Show Video Said to Depict Murder Suspect Following Victim

The lead detective in a fatal shooting case testified about surveillance footage of a defendant allegedly following the victim at the crime scene during a trial on Aug. 11 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

During the trial, the prosecution called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective on the case and showed surveillance video the detective collected during his investigation. The footage showed an individual police claim is Gripper following Bradford toward the alley where the murder occurred. However, the prosecution stated that the alley itself had no cameras. Due to time constraints the detective will resume his testimony another day.

The prosecution also continued questioning an FBI special agent who analyzed Gripper’s cell site data. The agent testified on the day of the murder Gripper’s phone was in the vicinity of Bradford’s apartment, where the incident occurred, around the time of the murder.

Another prosecution witness who was in the same neighborhood when the shooting occurred said that he did not hear the gunshots due to his loud music but went outside after the shooting and someone handed him a gun as depicted on video.

During cross-examination by Gripper’s attorney, Wole Faludun, the witness testified that he did not know who handed him the gun.

The prosecution also a specialist who identified Gripper’s fingerprint as a likely match to fingerprints on the evidence. The witness did not specify where the fingerprints were from, but prosecutors argued in opening statements that Gripper’s fingerprints were found on a Sprite can and cartridge casings from the crime scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 12 to continue the trial.

Judge Negates Prior Competency Rulings For Pickaxe Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman vacated several competency findings made by other DC Superior Court judges on Aug. 1.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 54, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Fitsum Mamo and the assault of another individual on May 25, 2023 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Ghebrekidan allegedly stabbed Mamo in the head and arm with a pickaxe and hit another individual with the handle of the pickaxe before witnesses were able to restrain him in an alleyway. Mamo succumbed to his injuries two days later.

The prosecution stated that the defendant was found competent on four separate occasions from various judges and by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) at Saint Elizabeths psychiatric hospital.

Determining Ghebrekidan’s competency has been a longstanding issue for the court.

Defense attorney Jason Tulley stated that a doctor who is in the process of evaluating Ghebrekidan believes the defendant could be deemed incompetent, however needs more time to determine his restorability.

Ultimately, Judge Edelman vacated previous judges competency findings as he would like to hear arguments from experts who evaluated Ghebrekidan.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 12.

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A murder defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 8.

Korin Agnew, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Korey Glasker on Sept. 11, 2024 on the 3700 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Prosecutors offered Agnew a deal that would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for prosecutors dropping the remaining charges and dismissing charges in two other cases.

According to court records, Agnew is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession with intent to distribute marijuana in a 2024 case and felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance in a 2025 case.

Agnew’s attorney, Marnitta King, informed the court that Angew rejected the plea deal and opted to proceed to trial.

Both parties agreed to not set a trial date until the prosecution brings an indictment against Agnew. They have until January 10, 2026 to do so.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Re-sentenced to 18 Months After Probation Revocation

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel re-sentenced a stabbing defendant to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on Aug. 7 after her probation was revoked for non-compliance.

On Aug. 22, 2024, Alicia Faison, 37, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on April 22, 2024. The incident occurred on the 4000 block of G Street, SE.

According to court documents, Faison let two homeless people into her apartment and left. When she returned, Faison started yelling and grabbed two knives from the kitchen. She stabbed one of the individuals multiple times in the hands, arms, and neck.

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park previously sentenced Faison on Oct. 17, 2024 to 18 months incarceration, all but six months suspended, with 12 months of probation.

On Aug. 5, Judge Israel revoked Faison’s probation due to several violations of probation conditions.

The prosecution argued that the remainder of Faison’s original sentence be imposed, which is 12 months incarceration. They said Faison has failed to abide by the terms of probation, including failing to appear for drug testing and failing to report to Faison’s case manager.

Faison’s defense attorney, Jamison Koehler, argued for a lesser sentence than the full amount, citing the fact that Faison suffers from mental health issues and drug problems. He also noted significant events that occurred during the case, including a forensic issue and Faison’s foot injury that required surgery. Koehler also said Faison had a baby in July.

Faison did not address the court.

Judge Israel said the court was waiting for signs that Faison was complying with probation, but a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) had not been able to engage with Faison from November to July.

Judge Israel said Judge Park’s original sentence was fair, and she resentenced Faison to 18 months, with credit for time served, and three years of supervised release. Faison will have 12 months of incarceration left to serve.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Guilty, Stays on Release

A carjacking defendant accepted a guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Aug. 7.

Elijah Montgomery, 20, was originally charged with first-degree theft, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing from a law enforcement officer, and destruction of property $1000 or more. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a carjacking on the 5100 block of Sargent Road, NE, on Oct. 12, 2023.

According to court documents, Montgomery, along with two other individuals, blocked in a parked car with the victim inside. The group demanded the victim exit the vehicle and hand over his cell phone. The three suspects fled with the victim’s car.

When the carjacking occurred, Montgomery was driving a black sedan stolen from the Takoma Park Metro Station. Montgomery proceeded to crash into another vehicle and flee from police.

During his hearing, Montgomery’s attorney, Matthew Rist, informed the court that he intended to accept a plea offer extended by the prosecution. Through the plea, Montgomery pled guilty to armed robbery, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and fleeing from law enforcement, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

The prosecution requested Montgomery be detained pending sentencing. Rist argued that Montgomery should remain on release, as he has been compliant with release conditions for the past 22 months, has strong family support from his mother and uncle, and is facing his first criminal charge.

Judge Di Toro kept the defendant on release.

Sentencing is slated for Nov. 7.

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