Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide that happened on the afternoon of Nov. 2.
At around 2:22 p.m., officers responded to the 4000 block of Ames Street, NE for the report of an unconscious person. There, they found an adult male, in the wooded area alongside the location, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
His identity is being held pending next of kin notification.
On Nov. 2, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held seven defendants in DC Jail and released 35 defendants during initial hearings.
Edwin Pritchett, 26, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance while armed, possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The offense occurred on Nov. 1 on the 6100 block of Dix Street, NE and was a part of a “buy/bust” operation being performed by the Narcotics and Special Investigations Division’s (NSID) Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU).
Although Judge Herrmann agreed that Pritchett doesn’t have a long criminal history, with the exception of one case, she chose to deny the defendant’s request for release due to allegations of the defendant being armed while distributing cocaine. Pritchett will be held at DC Jail.
Antoine Gaskins, 31 is charged with a bail violation for failing to appear in court in a pending misdemeanor case. He is also charged as a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted in Maryland for homicide.
Additionally, Gaskins was brought in on three bench warrants for failing to appear in court and for failing to return to the DC jail after being released to attend the birth of his child.
The defense argued that his newborn was going through heart problems in the hospital which required Gaskins to provide for the family. However, due to the alleged homicide occurring during his release from the jail, the judge decided to hold him until his next hearing.
Nicholas Lightfoot was brought before the court in two separate cases. In his first case, he is charged with being a fugitive from justice on a warrant for his arrest for vehicle theft in Minnesota. In his second case, Lightfoot, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.
Judge Herrmann released Lightfoot on his fugitive charge but decided that because of his previous convictions of armed robbery and carrying a pistol without a license, he is better off held due to the danger he poses.
A 32-year-old defendant, who is charged with contempt for a domestic violence case, was held in DC Jail until his next hearing.
The defendant was required to use a GPS monitor to track his location but never got it installed and was deemed a loss of contact by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Four bench warrants were also issued for his arrest for failing to appear at his hearings.
Judge Herrmann held him in all of his cases.
James Penn, 45, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. He is also charged as a fugitive from Maryland for a dangerous drugs charge.
The defense argued for Penn’s release, saying he hadn’t had a violent offense since 1995. Herrmann said, due to the fact that he had multiple zipped bags of crack cocaine in his possession as well as a firearm, she believed Penn was looking to distribute.
The judge decided to hold him in both cases until his next hearing.
Charles Farmer, 22, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction as well as possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Police arrested Farmer near the 2000 block of Savannah Terrace, SE after spotting what ended up being a pistol in his pants. He also has an active fugitive case against him from the state of Maryland for a weapons charge.
Defense counsel requested Farmer’s release, saying he has been regularly taking drug tests, pursuing education and looking for employment while on probation.
But, Judge Herrmann decided to hold Farmer in DC Jail based on his previous weapons charge as he is not allowed to possess a firearm because of it.
Judge Herrmann also held Tayron Farrar, who is a fugitive from Maryland, where he is wanted for armed robbery.
Given the danger of the alleged offense, Judge Herrmann said she was not inclined to release the defendant, so Farrar waived his extradition hearing in DC in order to give Maryland authorities three business days to pick him up from the jail.
Of those released, eight defendants were charged in domestic violence cases. The charges included simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, violation of a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) and assault with a dangerous weapon. All of the defendants were either given stay away orders or orders not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) the victims.
Judge Herrmann also released six defendants with fugitive charges. Five of the defendants are wanted in Maryland and one is wanted in Virginia. All were ordered to turn themselves into the demanding jurisdictions as soon as possible.
Five defendants charged with misdemeanors, four defendants charged with felonies, two defendants charged with traffic offenses and three defendants brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear were released.
Release conditions included reporting to PSA, stay away orders, not possessing any firearms or ammunition, enrollment into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) and no driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Seven additional defendants were released on citations for misdemeanor charges. They are all scheduled to return to court in April of 2021.
Two final defendants, one charged with being a fugitive from justice and one charged with simple assault, are in the hospital, so their cases were continued to Nov. 3.
This article was written by Andrew Douglas and Krystin Roehl
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on Nov. 1 on the 1300 block of Mapleview Place SE.
According to a press release, officers responded to a report of a shooting at the location at 1 a.m. Kareem Palmer, 16, was pronounced dead at a local area hospital.
The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or send an anonymous text to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives arrest a man suspected of being involved in a traffic fatality that occurred on Oct. 31.
Around 5:36 p.m. a Mercedes-Benz was driving southbound on the 4400 block of Southern Avenue, SE before colliding into a Dodge Magnum.
After being transported to an area hospital, 42-year-old Kenneth Cooper was pronounced dead.
There was also an adult female and a juvenile male in the car who sustained non-life threatening injuries.
The drive of the Dodge, 34 year-old Calvin Kyle, was arrested Oct. 31 for leaving after colliding and driving without a permit.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a woman on Oct. 31 for her connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that occurred on the 1900 block of 19th Place, SE.
The suspect allegedly approached the victim and brandished a knife before stabbing the victim, documents state.
The suspect was apprehended and investigations revealed that the dispute was between known parties.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives made an arrest in connection to an assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) offense that took place on Oct. 31, on the 1300 block of F Street, NE.
Around 3:15 p.m., the suspect brandished a knife and stabbed a victim. The MPD’s investigation showed that this was a dispute between known parties.
The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.
On Nov. 2, two defendants entered a plea of guilty before Judge Rainey Brandt for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.
Weslee Wilkinson, 18, and Azion Johnson, 20, were originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting three people attending a cook-out on May 29 at the 5100 block of Fitch Street, SE. Johnson was previously charged with carrying a pistol without a license as well.
The prosecution offered a plea deal that included lesser charges on the condition that both defendants must accept it.
Defense attorneys, Julie Swaney and Sellano Simmons, requested that their clients be released from DC Jail before sentencing.
Swaney said that Wilkinson has not attended high school for the past four months and asked that her client be placed on home confinement so he can continue his education.
“While I can appreciate these two young men stood up and did the adult thing by confessing their criminality, they both possessed guns during a shootout,” said Judge Brandt.
The request was denied despite the defendants’ limited criminal history. Both Wilkinson and Johnson will return to DC Jail to await their sentencing date.
“I know hearing that you will continue to be detained crushed your spirit a little,”said Judge Brandt. “But I need you to push through that and remain strong.”
Their sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 16 on Judge Brandt’s request that it take place before the holidays.
Sierra Robbins wrote this story.
A DC Superior Court judge issued seven bench warrants, continued two hearings and revoked one probation during pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Nov. 2.
Judge Gerald Fisher issued a bench warrant for a defendant’s failure to appear to his pretrial show cause hearing.
James Turner, 50, is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. He allegedly has not been reporting to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and has yet to verify his address. His defense attorney, Sharon Weathers, made representations that her client suffers from mental health issues and is homeless.
A bench warrant was issued for Marico Wright, for his failure to appear.
Wright pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distrust a controlled substance on Sept. 21, 2016. As part of his sentence, he was put on two years supervised probation. A notice of noncompliance with his terms of probation was filled on Oct. 5.
A bench warrant was also issued for Devon Brown, who failed to show up to court and has not been in compliance with the terms of his probation.
Brown pleaded guilty to attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP on Oct. 4, 2019. He was given one year of supervised probation. A notice of noncompliance was filed on Sept. 28. According to his probation case manager, Brown has yet to pay what he owes to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund. He also has been re-arrested on drug distribution charges in Arlington, Va.- where he remains held.
The judge issued a bench warrant for Eric Thorne, due to his absence in court today and noncompliance.
The 29-year-old is charged with unlawful entry on private property. Notices of noncompliance were issued on June 30, Aug. 13 and Sept. 22. According to PSA, he has not connected with mental health services because he has not renewed his insurance. He has also been a loss of contact with the agency. The last time PSA made contact with him was on June 3, a representative told the judge.
A bench warrant was issued for Jerome Benton due to his failure to appear.
Benton, 39, is charged with assault on a police officer, simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm in one case. He is on probation in another, where he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of a prohibited weapon on Oct. 2, 2019. In both cases, he has received multiple notices of noncompliance with conditions.
In his probationary matter, a previous bench warrant was issued on Jan. 9.
Judge Fisher also issued a bench warrant for Christopher Christian for his failure to appear to his pretrial show cause hearing.
The 39-year-old is charged in five cases. In the first case he is charged with contempt and a violation of a condition of release. In the second and third cases he is charged with bail violations. He is charged with simple assault in his fourth case and possession of a controlled substance in his fifth.
PSA said that he has not been reporting in any form to their office. Christian’s defense attorney also failed to appear to court today.
A probation show cause hearing was continued for Ronell Brown on April 5, 2021. The hearing was continued to give Brown enough time to get into compliance with the terms of his probation.
He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm on Oct. 25, 2018. At sentencing he received two years supervised probation. A notice of noncompliance was filed on June 16.
A second defendant’s hearing was also continued by Judge Fisher to see if a defendant will comply with his conditions of release. The judge also ordered the defendant to physically go to the PSA office today.
The 47-year-old defendant is charged with simple assault and sex abuse in two separate cases. He has not been reporting to PSA and multiple notices of noncompliance were filed in both cases.
Judge Fisher set a status hearing for Jan. 19 for a defendant charged in two separate cases with misdemeanor distribution of marijuana and distribution of a controlled substance, respectively. The judge also quashed the defendant’s bench warrant in her misdemeanor case.
Monique Thomas, 51, received a certificate of completion from the Federal City Recovery Services drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. She plans to continue her addiction and mental health treatment and her progress will be verified in the future status hearing.
Judge Fisher also ruled that if Byron Anderson’s drug tests come back negative, and he pays the amount owed to the victim’s compensation fund, his probation will be terminated as successful.
The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance on Oct. 20, 2016. His probation was revoked on Aug. 21, 2018.
This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made an arrest and are seeking the public’s assistance in locating another suspect in a robbery offense that occurred on Oct. 31.
Two suspects approached a victim at approximately 1:11 a.m. on the 2000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. One of the suspects waved a bottle and assaulted the victim. Both suspects took the victim’s property and fled the scene.
A 20-year-old male was later apprehended by the police.
A second suspect was captured on a surveillance camera and can be seen in the photos below.
The MPD is currently offering a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. If anyone has information, please call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip anonymously to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.
https://beta.documentcloud.org/documents/20401524-11220-arrest-made-and-suspect-sought-in-an-armed-robbery-bottle-offense-2000-block-of-georgia-avenue-northwest
Emily Pengelly wrote this article.
On Nov. 2, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a robbery defendant to a little over three years in prison with 10 months suspended along with two years of probation.
Deangelo Johnson was originally charged with unarmed carjacking, however, it was changed to robbery.
On June 15, Johnson, 23, pushed a man off of a moped and drove off with the vehicle on the 1100 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
“I don’t have medical insurance,” said the victim. “The damage to my head and neck was bad, I could hardly sleep.”
The prosecution recommended a total of three years of incarceration for the defendant because the robbery was planned. Johnson has also been convicted of robbery twice before this incident.
Defense attorney Matthew Hertz requested that Judge Julie Becker sentence Johnson to 36 months, suspending six of those months.
“Mr. Johnson admitted to the offense,” said Hertz. “but he does contend that this was something that was planned.”
Johnson apologized to the victim and acknowledged what he did.
“I take responsibilities for all my actions,” he said. “The government wants to keep talking about my past but I’m in a cell 23 hours a day because of a mistake…I know that’s my fault. Tomorrow is not promised to nobody, I’m in jail with the worst people in the world…I’ve been coming in and out of jail all my life, that’s where I learned everything from…I’m treated like an animal, I pray every night to go back and time to rewind what I did.”
Judge Becker recognized that Johnson was unsuccessful on probation in the past. Therefore, the 10 month suspended sentence will be held over Johnson’s head while he is serving the probation.
While on probation, Johnson will be required to undergo drug testing and treatment along with mental health screening, anger management classes and GPS monitoring.
He must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation fund.
A DC Superior Court judge continued a murder defendant’s hearing following new information from two cooperating witnesses who are currently being held at the DC Jail.
Torey Stockton, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed in a drive-by shooting or random shooting. Stockton allegedly shot 23-year-old Jasmine Light on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE on Jan. 17, 2018. Stockton and another suspect supposedly drove by the King Convenience Store on the 1500 block of U Street, SE, and began firing a semi-automatic Uzi at the four victims.
All four victims were taken to the local hospital where three men were treated for injuries. Light was the only victim to succumb to the wounds.
During the Nov. 2 hearing, the lead detective said he received information from two inmates at the jail, who allegedly know Stockton. The witnesses said Stockton told them he shot the victims over a stolen gun.
Lead defense attorney Rachel McCoy asked the detective if he had interviewed either of the two witnesses.
The detective said, Department Of Correction (DOC) officers carried out the interviews and he had only read the reports. The detective testified that both of the statements were consistent and accurately described the incident.
The detective also testified about the vehicle used for the shooting.
Footage from the crime scene showed the shooters in a 2012 Toyota Camry. An identical vehicle was set on fire the day after the incident, documents state. The officer also said a gas can found near the burned vehicle had incomplete DNA from a male suspect.
McCoy asked the detective if the DNA matched the defendant. The defective said the DNA found was insufficient to match a person.
The detective went on to testify regarding Stockton’s disciplinary records at DC Jail. He said Stockton had been involved in several incidents in jail and is now facing new charges from those incidents.
Stockton has allegedly been involved in five incidents that resulted in disciplinary action since early 2018. In March of 2018, the defendant was found to allegedly be in possession of an edged weapon. In July the defendant was allegedly involved in an assault, another alleged assault in November 2019, and three additional possession of contraband accusations from June 2018, July 2019 and December 2019.
Due to time constraints, the rest of the detective’s testimony had to be scheduled for another date. Judge Danya Dayson scheduled the status hearing to continue on Jan. 12.
A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a weapons possession defendant under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Nov. 2.
Hassan El Hawa is charged with carrying a pistol outside a home or business.
Judge Judith Smith sentenced El Hawa to nine months in jail and one year supervised probation but suspended the time. However, she imposed a six-month probation sentence where El Hawa will have to complete 45 hours of community service, register as a gun offender, complete a mental health assessment, be employed or seeking employment, or be enrolled in school and participate in a mentoring program.
El Hawa, 23, was arrested in 2019 after the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers investigated what they deemed as suspicious activity and found a firearm under his car seat, according to court documents. El Hawa was the only one arrested during that incident.
Documents also state that the defendant was not licensed to carry a firearm. Additionally, the firearm recovered from the scene was not registered in the DC area.
During the hearing, the prosecutor recommended a six-month probation period, saying they want El Hawa to be a productive member of society.
However, the prosecution opposed El Hawa being sentenced under the YRA. The prosecutor argued that El Hawa had previously come in contact with the law on a weapons offense and even though the case was thrown out, the current charge would mark the second gun offense.
Defense attorney Jacqueline Williams argued against the prosecution’s assessment saying that it is unfair for the prosecution to hold that against him when her client was not charged with anything. Williams further argued that this case is purely possessory and there was no indication of El Hawa intending to use the weapon or engage in any violent actions.
Williams urged Judge Smith to consider the YRA, saying El Hawa was just the type of defendant the act is trying to protect. She said El Hawa has been trying to enroll in higher education and find a job.
Williams said it has been difficult for her client to get a job because of this pending case.
“I really do want to change and turn my life around,” said El Hawa.
El Hawa told Judge Smith he wants to get a business degree and maybe start his own electrician business.
Maria Marzullo wrote this story.
On Oct. 30, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in an assault case for two defendants.
Ryan Philip and Kameron Collins are both charged with felony assault with the intent to kill. On Dec. 11, 2019, Philip, 27, and Collins, 23, allegedly shot a victim as he was walking down the street after leaving a nightclub located on the 2100 block of Queen’s Chapel Road, NE.
After hearing the arguments from both sides, Judge Danya Dayson said there was enough evidence to grant the prosecution’s request to hold both defendants.
The case was continued from Oct. 23 after the prosecution presented the initial arguments.
The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and had to undergo several surgeries including the amputation of his leg, according to court documents. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective said the victim suffered from blood poisoning as a result of the gunshot wound.
The detective said the victim said he was running down the street when bullets hit him and hearing a “powerful car” speed away.
Both defense attorneys challenge the victim’s statements to the police.
They argued that since the victim only heard a car speeding away, the prosecution cannot prove the vehicle belonged to their client. Especially since there is no proof that a particular vehicle is unique.
However, the prosecution admitted several video surveillance clips as evidence to support the victim’s story. These clips showed a light-colored Dodge Challenger with distinct tire rims driving around the scene of the crime. The vehicle then appears to wait for the victim to leave the club and follows him down the street.
The detective testified that the flashes of light in the video appear to be muzzle flashes fired from a gun outside the vehicle. Shell casings were found at the scene.
The detective said he believes they are muzzle flashes based on the known circumstances of the case, including the victim’s body’s reaction as the car slows down next to him while the flashes of light are seen.
These events correlate with an MPD shot spotter report.
Phillip’s attorney, Jacqueline Cadman, argued the video did not show continuous footage of the vehicle and speculated that during the missing minute it is possible her client was dropped off and picked up by a family member.
Phillips previously told police that he called a family member from Collins’ phone and asked to be picked up. There is no record of this phone call.
Judge Dayson stated that while that theory is possible it is not probable. She also agreed with the prosecution’s argument that while the vehicle may not be unique to the DC area, it is unique to the other vehicles in that area at that time.
The next court date is scheduled for March 25, 2021.
Maria Marzullo wrote this story.
On Nov. 2, a defendant was sentenced to serve 60 months for armed robbery.
Rayshawn Tillery pleaded guilty to robbery while armed. According to court documents, on June 5, on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was flagged down in reference to a man bleeding profusely from his face. The victim stated he was attacked and his wallet was stolen.
Tillery, 26, was identified by MPD on June 6, and taken into custody where he allegedly confessed, documents state.
During the hearing, the prosecution showed two security clips and an image of the victim’s injury.
The victim had a deep laceration on his upper lip and cheek, which required surgery. The victim said he had to undergo two surgeries and is under severe financial stress.
“I can barely eat, drink, talk…It’s kind of hard for me to look in the mirror,” the victim said during a statement he made to the court. “It’s kind of hard for me to brush my teeth.”
Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Tillery to 60 months, and five years of supervised release. He will also need to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Compensation fund.
Judge Dayson also said she will recommend that Tillery receive mental health and substance abuse treatment during and after his incarceration.
“I wish things could have been different,” Tillery said. “I accept responsibility.”
Tillery was set to also appear before the court two additional hearings in two separate cases for charges including GPS tampering and second-degree theft. But, the prosecution dismissed both cases.
On Nov. 2, a defendant was appointed new counsel after she requested the change.
Natassia Kelly is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. She is requesting a new attorney for her case.
Kelly complained that her defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, has not been keeping her in the loop in regards to her trial and has been dangling plea offers in her face.
“I want this case to be resolved,” the defendant said. “I want to detail these things that happened to be put out there.”
Judge Judith Smith reminded the defendant that all cases in which the defendant is not being held have been continued until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Judge Smith also told Kelly that requesting a new attorney will not help her case move forward at this time and will, in fact, push it back.
“Miss Kopecki has no control over this case moving forward,” Judge Smith said.
Kelly still insisted that a new attorney be appointed to assist her with the case.
Judge Smith granted her request and set a date for March. 24, when a new attorney will be appointed and Kelly’s hearing will resume.
This article was written by Emily Pengelly.
