Case Moves Forward for 20 Year Old’s Murder

On Sept. 14, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Quincy Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 20 year-old Anthony Riley.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the preliminary hearing for Nov. 13.

On July 17, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were called to assist the Takoma Park Police with a traffic accident at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Walnut Street, NW, according to court documents. Riley, the vehicle’s driver, died after being taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest. A second victim in the vehicle suffered from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. That victim survived.

The surviving victim, who sold shirts and hoodies with Riley, said that shortly after driving to the location, two individuals allegedly entered Riley’s vehicle demanding money. The victims were shot after saying they did not have any.

The shooting caused Riley to accelerate the vehicle down the road. According to the victim, the suspects jumped from the vehicle shortly before it crashed.

Officers found additional video evidence from surveillance videos, showing two suspects walking towards the crime scene. The suspects are also seen again walking down an alley away from the crime scene.

Johnson was identified as a suspect after detectives searched Riley’s phone and discovered an Instagram call between Riley and Johnson, according to court documents. This conversation took place shortly before the incident.

An arrest warrant for Johnson was filed on Aug. 18.

Judge Issues Three Bench Warrants, Terminates One Probation

A DC Superior Court judge issued three bench warrants, terminated one probation, modified one individual’s pretrial release conditions and continued four hearings on Sept. 14.

Judge Judith Smith issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant on probation who did not appear in court.

Roger Coleman pleaded guilty to a DUI in May of 2019. He has had several probation violations and a bench warrant issued since then. Coleman also picked up a new case for driving without a permit on Aug. 28.

Judge Smith also issued a bench warrant for Chantel Cooper, who is charged with simple assault.

Cooper was released with orders to contact the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and comply with a stay away order. She has been a loss of contact with PSA and did not show up to her hearing today.

Judge Smith also issued a bench warrant for Marcus Monroe after he failed to appear in court.

Monroe is charged with distribution of a controlled substance following an undercover buy-bust operation that the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) conducted on March 19. Monroe has been a loss of contact for many months with pretrial services.

Alfred Johnson, 39, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance on Nov. 15, 2019. While on probation, he tested positive for PCP and had a GPS violation. However, he kept in contact with his probation officer. Since Johnson showed partial compliance with the terms of his six month probation term, Judge Smith allowed his probation to end. His probation has simply expired and it will not be listed as unsuccessful or successful.

Judge Smith increased a defendant’s pretrial release conditions to the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

Christopher Liggins, 25, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in one case and contempt in another. He picked up the contempt charge for allegedly violating a stay away order.

Liggins, 25, was originally released on his promise to return to court with orders to report to PSA. However, Judge Smith said that, if the defendant is placed on HISP, he will be more likely to adhere to the pretrial release conditions.

The judge gave Ariel Amaya, 23, another chance to the conditions of his probation.

Amaya pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, destruction of property less than $1,000 and bail violation in June of 2020. He received one year supervised probation, to run concurrently, for all three cases. Conditions of his probation included attending a drug treatment program, obtaining alcohol treatment and reporting to Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) after his release.

Amaya failed to contact CSOSA. Judge Smith scheduled a another probation show cause hearing to give him time to come into compliance.

David Neysmith, 36, pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary. A probation review hearing was set for Nov. 6. He was given one year supervised probation with the conditions to maintain or seek employment, obtain a GED, not use alcohol or narcotic substances, including marijuana and complete a substance abuse treatment program for returning prisoners.

A notice of noncompliance was filed on Aug. 31.

The judge ordered the defendant to stay in the D.C. jurisdiction and abide by his current probation terms. Neysmith was also ordered to contact his probation officer about a probation transfer to New York.

Judge Smith scheduled a continued pretrial show cause hearing for a defendant who did not show up to cour Moses Bell is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance. The pretrial services agency said they had no contact information for the defendant and that he has been deemed a loss of contact.

Bell has reportedly been held at the Prince William County, Va. Adult Detention Center since Sept. 1. As a result, a continued pretrial show cause hearing was scheduled for Nov. 17.

Finally, Judge Smith re-referred Danyell Gatewood, who was convicted of simple assault, to anger management classes.

A probation violation was filed against Gatewood because she was terminated from her court-ordered anger management program. Judge Smith noted that Gatewood has complied with the majority of the terms of her probation as she has not tested positive for any illicit substances and has no violations of the stay away order.

Judge Smith scheduled a probation show cause hearing for Nov. 18 to see if Gatewood completes the course.

Judge Holds 7 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Sept. 14, Judge Heide Herrmann released 28 defendants and held seven defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

James Lindsay, 19, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. On Sept. 12, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers saw a firearm laying on the seat of a car Lindsay was driving. and A second firearm was discovered when officers searched the vehicle that was listed as being stolen from Maryland. Judge Herrman held Lindsay since he is currently on probation for another firearm offense.

Isai Santos-Hernandez, 36, is charged with robbery and was held. The victim reported that Hernandez allegedly punched him several times in the stomach and then threatened to stab him before taking his wallet. Judge Herrmann held the defendant since this new charge occurred while Hernandez was on release for a separate charge of second-degree burglary.

Antone Ruffin, 62, charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, was held. Ruffin allegedly threatened the victim, holding up his fists, saying, “I will f*** you up, you can’t whoop me.” Judge Herrmann decided to hold Ruffin, citing old cases that Ruffin is still on parole for from 1980 and 2000.

Khristian Champ, 21, charged with being a fugitive from justice and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, was also held. Judge Herrmann released Champ in his fugitive case, where he is wanted in Maryland for stealing a vehicle but held him in his firearm case, citing his previous gun conviction, which he pleaded guilty to in February.

One defendant, charged with simple assault in a domestic violence case, was also held. Judge Herrmann released the defendant in his domestic violence case, but he was held on a fugitive case where he is being arraigned in District Court for an escape charge in another jurisdiction.

Taff Jones, 65, charged with distribution of a controlled substance, which was heroin, was held on a parole warrant. Judge Herrmann released him in his drug case but held him on the parole matter.

Mark Harris, 33, was brought in on three cases. He had a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing, and he was charged in two new cases for second-degree theft and distribution of a controlled substance. Though Judge Herrmann released him on his new cases and his bench warrant, he was also held on a parole warrant.

Of the defendants who were released, two did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

Six defendants charged in domestic violence cases were released. Judge Herrmann gave five of the defendants stay-away orders and one defendant a no harassment, assaultive, threatening or stalking (HATS) order from the alleged victims.

Judge Herrmann released five defendants charged with being fugitives from justice. All of the defendants are wanted in Maryland for various crimes involving larceny, robbery, vehicular theft and assault. The judge ordered the defendants to turn themselves in to Maryland authorities as soon as possible.

Six defendants, charged with sexual abuse, simple assault, attempted second-degree cruelty to children, Baltimore violations, threats to do bodily harm, possession of a prohibited weapon (BB gun) and lewd, indecent or obscene acts, were released. All but one of the defendants were given stay-away orders from the alleged victims.

Four co-defendants are all charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. Judge Herrmann released all of them with orders not to possess any firearms or ammunition and gave three stay-away orders.

Four final defendants, charged with felonies, were released various release conditions.

Judge Sentences Defendant in Four Cases

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant in two felony and two misdemeanor cases.

Desmond Brown resolved four of his cases during the Sept. 14 hearing.

Brown, 21, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in July of 2019. He picked up additional charges in that case for unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition the following August.

Brown picked up another felony case in April, when he was charged with unarmed carjacking and first-degree theft. That same month, Brown was charged with simple assault and second-degree theft in a misdemeanor case.

He also picked up an additional first-degree theft charge the following July.

He then picked up another misdemeanor case in August, in which he was charged with assault on a police officer. That case was dismissed as part of a plea agreement with the prosecution.

In his first felony case, Brown pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for his other charges being dropped. In his more recent felony case, he pleaded guilty to both theft charges in exchange for the carjacking charge being dropped.

In his misdemeanor case from April, he pleaded guilty to simple assault in exchange for the theft charge being dropped.

Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Brown to serve six months for carrying a pistol without a license. The sentence will run consecutively to his other felony case, in which he was sentenced to serve six months for each of his two theft charges. The sentence for Brown’s second theft charge will run consecutive to his misdemeanor case, in which he was sentenced to 60 days for simple assault.

For all of his charges besides the assault, Brown was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act. Judge O’Keefe gave Brown three years of probation for each of those charges. It will run concurrently.

As part of his probation, Brown must complete 90 hours of community service. He must also receive drug tests, a mental health evaluation and wear a GPS tracking device. Brown’s probation will be transferred to Maryland upon his release.

Brown must also pay $350 to the Crime Victims Compensation fund.

Domestic Violence Defendant Enters Into Agreement with Prosecution

A domestic violence defendant entered into a Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA) with the prosecution.

Sawan West was charged with two counts of destruction of property less than $1,000. West, 19, agreed to plead guilty to two of the charges in exchange for the prosecution dropping one of them.

As part of the agreement, West to pay $500 in restitution and not to harass the victim. He must also take anger management classes and have mental health evaluations, provided by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.)

As part of the DSA, if West completes his requirements by the end of the deferment period, his guilty plea will be withdrawn and his case dismissed.

Judge John McCabe scheduled West’s sentencing for June 14, 2021.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Six Months of Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to six months of probation for a drug charge.

William Washington was originally charged with unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and later, possession of drug paraphernalia. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, the 39 year-old defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of possession with a controlled substance on March 10.

Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Washington to two months, all of which were suspended, plus six months of probation. The only condition of his probation is to continue treatment for drug abuse.

On Sept. 14, Washington’s defense council, Frederick Iverson, said the defendant should be sentenced to 30 days time suspended and six months on probation because the defendant had no intent to distribute and is now seeking help for drug abuse.

The prosecution said the defendant should be sentenced to 90 days plus six months of probation due to his previous drug-related offenses.

On Dec. 2, William Washington was arrested after acting unruly and appearing under the influence on the 99th block of M Street, SE. Washington was transferred to the Howard University Hospital and subsequently identified.

He must also pay $50 to the Crime Victims Compensation fund.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to Probation

On Sept. 14, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant to 12 months of probation.

Ashleigh McDonald pleaded guilty to simple assault. As part of the plea deal with the prosecution, her Court Protective Order (CPO) violation charge was dropped.

Judge John McCabe sentenced McDonald to 30 days, all of which were suspended, plus 12 months of probation.

McDonald, 19, was sentenced under the guidelines of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

The requirements of McDonald’s probation include anger management classes and drug testing. She must also stay away from the victim.

Judge McCabe waived the community service requirement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because she was sentenced under the YRA, her case will effectively be sealed once she completes her requirements.

McDonald must also pay $50 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.

Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

A DC Superior Court judge found a defendant competent to stand trial.

Donta Wilson, 39, is charged with unlawful possession of liquid PCP, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to deliver and sell, destruction of property less than $1,000, simple assault and second-degree burglary.

During the Sept. 14 hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt found the defendant competent to stand trial. Wilson’s defense attorney, Frederick Iverson, requested additional time to determine if his client would like to go to trial or have his case resolved through a plea.

On Oct. 12, 2019, Wilson allegedly broke into a church on the 2400 block of Ainger Place, SE. He was identified on Nov. 6, 2019. At that time, he was being held at the DC Jail on unrelated charges. He is currently still being held.

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Judge Sentences Defendant Under Youth Act

On Sept. 14, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license.

Stephan Harper was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in September of 2019. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, Harper pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Harper to 18 months in prison, all of which were suspended, plus two years of probation for carrying a pistol without a license. He was also sentenced to two years in prison, all of which were suspended, plus two years of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The probations will run concurrently.

Harper, 20, was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which will effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements.

The terms of Harper’s probation include GPS monitoring, obtaining and maintaining employment and registering as a gun offender. He must also complete 90 hours of community service.

According to court documents, Harper got into a fight inside of a 7-Eleven store on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. During the altercation, Harper fired two shots, one of which hit a bystander in the foot and the other hit a car with a two-year-old child in the back seat. The child was not injured.

Judge Dayson said, the offense is extremely troubling and could have been much worse. However, the judge accepted the crime as an impulsive decision and noted that Harper was only 19 at the time. Based on this and Harper’s training as an electrician, Judge Dayson suspended the entirety of his sentence.

Harper must also pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund.

Document: Police Seek Burglary Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with a first-degree burglary that happened on Sept. 12.

At around 10:00 a.m., the suspect entered a residence on the 1800 block of Ontario Place, NE. The suspect then took property and fled the scene.

The suspect can be seen in surveillance footage.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7208267-9-13-20-Suspect-Sought-in-a-Burglary-One-Offense.html” responsive=true]

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect for Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for a robbery of an establishment that happened on Sept. 11.

A suspect entered an establishment on the 1300 block 2nd Street, NE at around 8:30 a.m. The suspect began taking merchandise. An employee confronted the suspect. The suspect then threatened the employee with pepper spray before fleeing the scene with the merchandise.

Responding officers apprehended the suspect, a 27 year-old resident of Northeast, DC.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7208199-9-12-20-Arrest-Made-in-a-Robbery-of-an.html” responsive=true]

Crime Alerts: September 13-14

Between 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 and 9 a.m. on Sept. 14, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out one crime alert.

The alert was sent at 2:42 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police are looking for three Black males.

If anyone has information about this event, please call 911.

Preliminary Hearing Set for Fatal Stabbing

On Sept. 14, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Jaamil Hipps, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Sa’id Grey, who was stabbed to death on Aug. 12.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the preliminary hearing for Oct. 21.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the 1300 Block of Missouri Avenue, NW for the report of a stabbing, according to court documents. Grey, 40, was found in the hallway of an apartment complex suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A witness told the MPD that Grey and the defendant had both been inside of the witness’ apartment shortly before the incident took place, according to court documents. After checking surveillance footage of the area, the MPD identified the defendant and interviewed witnesses that lived in the area. Witnesses also identified the defendant as the individual in the surveillance footage.

Police discovered that Hipps and Grey had “beef,” and that Hipps had been arrested in 2012 for two offenses involving a knife. Hipps was arrested on Aug. 19.

Judge Holds 7 Out of 28 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Sept. 12, DC Superior Courts Judge Sean Staples held seven defendants in DC jail and released 21 defendants.

Three defendants were held on felony charges.

Stephon Darnell Williams, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed. He allegedly shot his father, Stephen Magruder, in the chest on Sept. 11 on the 700 block of 51st Street, NE. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers interviewed three witnesses that led them to place Williams as the prime suspect.

Williams was arrested at approximately 11:00 p.m. the same day. Officers located him sleeping in a parking garage on the 1400 block of 8th Street, NW. Judge Staples found probable cause and held Williams due to the seriousness of the alleged crime.

Williams is scheduled for another hearing on Sept. 28.

Khiri Thomas, 22, was held on the charges of carrying a pistol without a license and possession of an unregistered firearm. Judge Staples held him due to his concerning criminal history.

Thomas, 22, is scheduled for another hearing on Oct. 2.

Marcell Young, 22, was held on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. MPD officers allegedly recovered a Glock 39 from him on Sept. 11 and arrested him thereafter.

He is scheduled for another hearing on Oct. 2.

Ronald Boykins, 27, was held for allegedly assaulting a victim and a MPD sergeant. Judge Staples found Boykins a danger to the public due to his history of fleeing.

A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Jamaul Crockett, 36, was held on charges of assault, bail violation, and three outstanding bench warrants. Crockett was held due to the volume of his charges and criminal history.

His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Judge Staples held Otis Green, 40, on a misdemeanor assault charge. His next hering is scheduled for Sept. 29.

One defendant was held in a domestic violence case.

Six other domestic violence defendants were released by Judge Staples. Five of those defendants were released with stay away orders from the alleged victims. One defendant was released under the requirement to report to the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) once a week.

Two fugitives from justice were released on the condition that they turn themselves into the appropriate jurisdiction. One defendant must return to Maryland and the other to Virginia.

Four defendants charged with unlawful possession of firearms or carrying pistols without licenses were released.

Nine other defendants were released on charges varying from second degree theft to misdemeanor sex abuse.

Document: Suspect Sought for Assault on Police Officer

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help identifying a suspect in connection with an assault on a police officer that took place on Aug. 30.

At around 1:07 a.m., a suspect assaulted an on-duty MPD officer on the 800 block of 16^th Street, NW.

A suspect was captured in surveillance footage.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7208117-9-11-20-Suspect-Sought-in-an-Assault-on-a-Police.html” responsive=true]

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