Despite Compliance, Homicide Suspect Must Wear GPS

A homicide defendant’s request to terminate his GPS tracking was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park during a hearing on Sept. 5.

Charles Haythe, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 25, 2021 fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Aaron Langford on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorneys Michelle Lockard and Julie Swaney argued a motion to modify Haythe’s release conditions. They requested the removal of Haythe’s GPS monitoring because of his exemplary compliance and argued he is no longer a danger to the community.

The prosecution claimed that the severity of the charges warrants Haythe’s continuedsurveillance by GPS monoitoring to ensure the safety of the community.

Jude Park denied this motion because the only condition that has changed, since beginning GPS tracking, is his compliance. The judge said the severity of the crime warrants continued GPS monitoring.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 3 for a status hearing.

Document: MPD Investigating Death of 2024 Shooting Victim as a Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a shooting victim’s death as a homicide.

According to MPD documents, officers responded to the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW on Oct. 2, 2024 for the sounds of gunshots. They located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds.

On Sept. 7, the victim, identified as 36-year-old Kevin Dextraze.

Damon Bradford, 27, was previously charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting. MPD is working with the United States Attorney’s Office to upgrade charges for the case.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Two Murders Stemming From Three Shootings

A defendant pleaded guilty to two homicides three days before he was scheduled to begin trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 5.

Michael Mason, 21, was originally 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 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.

Parties were prepared to begin Mason’s jury trial on Sept. 8. However, Mason’s attorneys, Bernadette Armand and Andrew Ain, informed Judge Park that Mason accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors to two counts of second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed all other charges and agreed to a total sentence range of 27-to-31 years of imprisonment with five years of supervised release.

If parties had not agreed upon a sentence range, each count of second-degree murder would have carried a potential maximum penalty of 40 years of imprisonment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 31.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean during his arraignment on Sept. 5.

Ira Shaw-Bates, 23, is charged with armed carjacking and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident on June 6 on the 300 block of N Street, NE.

Shaw-Bates was initially charged alongside Derrick Coltrane, 40, but was granted severance for his case on July 30.

Defense attorneys Damayanti Desai and Varsha Govindaraju pleaded not guilty to the indictment charges on behalf of Shaw-Bates and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.

Shaw-Bates’ trial in this case is set for Jan. 29.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 16.

Homicide Defendant’s Release Request Denied

A homicide defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park release a homicide defendant on Sept. 5, because two key witnesses weren’t available.

Navar Rogers, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 15-year-old Zyion Turner. This event occurred on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE on Sep. 2, 2023.

Terrence Austin, Rogers’ attorney, filed a motion for his release, in which he argued two key witnesses are no longer available.

According to Austin, the prosecutor’s case has become “quite thin” and lacking the “why” and “how” for this crime.

Judge Park acknowledged the development but in light of several videos purportedly showing Rogers’ possession and reckless use of guns denied the request for release. One video in particular, in which Rogers reportedly is seen holding a gunnext to a random woman’s head in May of 2023, highlights his continuing dangerousness and inability to be released safely, according to Judge Park and the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 12.

15th Street Shooting Suspect Considers a Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a shooting defendant more time to review a plea deal extended by the prosecution during a hearing on Sept. 8.

Martez Robinson, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 3400 block of 15th Street, SE on Aug. 14.

According to court documents, Robinson reportedly fired two shots but no injuries were reported.

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a plea deal that would require Robinson to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. If Robinson accepts the offer, prosecutors would not pursue an indictment or charge Robinson with additional counts related to the incident.

Prosecutors noted the mandatory minimum sentence would be five years of incarceration.

Defense attorney Elliott Queen requested additional time to discuss the plea deal with the defendant.

Parties are set to reconvene Oct. 14.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Takes Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ratified a plea deal accepted by a non-fatal shooting defendant on September 4.

Amonte Moody, 19, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly firing into a vehicle on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE on April 22, 2024.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Edelman they had extended a plea deal, which would require Moody to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution will dismiss all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed that the prosecution will limit their sentencing request to seven years of imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Moody fired 26 shots into a vehicle at the scene, and he intended to injure the victim.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 30.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Enters Guilty Plea

A carjacking and shooting defendant accepted a plea deal on Sept. 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Anardo Little, 19, was originally charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for an incident that occurred Oct. 15, 2024 at the intersection of 12th and H Streets, NE. One individual was injured during the incident.

Little’s attorney, Susan Ellis, alerted the court that Little would be accepting a deal, which required him to plead guilty to unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence carries a maximum sentence of ten years of confinement while carrying a pistol without a license carries up to five years. Little must also register as a gun offender.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Little drove a vehicle without the consent of the owner and had access to firearms without legal permission.

Judge Pipe ordered a pre-sentence report and asked Ellis if a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study would be necessary for this case. If a defendant is sentenced under the YRA, they have the ability to have their conviction be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Ellis responded that the defense would be obtaining an independent YRA study.

Parties are scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 12.

Stabbing Defendant Claims DC Jail Denies His Rights, Legal Information

A defendant charged in a jail stabbing claimed he does not have enough access to jail resources before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Sept. 5.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an inmate stabbing inside the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on March 28.

Rashid Shabazz, 35, is charged with tampering with physical evidence for allegedly hiding the shank used during the incident.

Shabazz was not present during the hearing.

According to court records, Gabriel decided to represent himself on July 8. Stand-by counsel Raymond Jones was appointed on July 10.

Gabriel claimed that he did not have adequate access to the jail’s law library, computers and a phone. He said that he is not able to properly represent himself because of restrictions put on him by the jail.

Judge McLean noted that these restrictions likely stem from safety concerns, as Gabriel is charged with several violent incidents allegedly involving fellow inmates and correctional officers. She said she does not want to get involved with the Department of Corrections (DOC) because of these concerns.

“I cannot govern what happens at the jail,” Judge McLean said.

Gabriel also motioned to reconsider probable cause in the case due to the jail’s alleged negligence and violations of his civil rights. Judge McLean said that civil rights violations need to be addressed in the jail rather than her courtroom. She denied Gabriel’s motion.

Gabriel also filed a motion to compel the disclosure of evidence. He argued that the prosecution had not sent him evidence directly, but through Jones, despite Gabriel representing himself. He asked for the victim’s medical records and a video of the incident.

The prosecution reluctantly agreed to send him the evidence.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 3.

Shooting Defendant’s Hospitalization Delays Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe agreed to further delay a defendant’s case due to his hospitalization on Sept. 3.

Delonte Brown, 30, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm without a license for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 7 at the intersection of 11th and U Streets, NW. An individual sustained injuries during the incident.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Susan Ellis, shared that the defendant was unable to appear in court because of a hospitalization for “some time.” All parties determined a time to reschedule the hearing for later this month.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 26.

Prosecution Witnesses Hone in on Location of Teen Murder Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard prosecution testimony from a neighbor that spotted a suspect vehicle said to be used in a murder and a GPS tracking specialist in trial on Sept. 9.

Reginald Steele, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, 10 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, and five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.

The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in four shootings, including the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S Street, NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Steele was also allegedly involved in a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing Street, NE, and a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW. No individuals sustained injuries.

Additionally, Steele faces charges for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 24, 2020 at the 1700 block of Ninth Street, NW. Three individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

Witnesses shared information about a 2016 Gray Kia Soul seen in connection with with various shootings, according to court documents.

A 2024 trial concluded that Steele’s co-defendants, Tyiion Freeman, 26, Koran Jackson, 25, Stephen Nelson, 34 and Aaron Brown, 29, stole the Kia Soul from Getaround, a car sharing company, and used it during the same shootings that Steele allegedly committed.

The prosecution submitted two pieces of evidence from a witness’ Ring camera one depicting an empty curbside parking spot at 2 p.m. and a video at 2:30 p.m. with the 2016 Kia Soul in the spot. The witness was unable to say when the vehicle parked and how many people got out, if any.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Megan Allbrun asked the witness why the Ring doorbell was unable to capture video footage of the Kia entering the parking spot. The witness replied that the camera sometimes malfunctions and doesn’t work properly.

“We hope you get a better Ring camera,” Allburn said.

Later, the prosecution called a GPS data analyst for Getaround to the stand.

Getaround utilizes a built-in GPS monitoring device in all of their vehicles and worked with MPD to provide location coordinates for the silver Kia Soul during the time it was allegedly operated by Steele and his accomplices.

The prosecution repeatedly showed GPS coordinates of the silver Kia Soul on Bruce St. NE, near the home of a 2019 homicide victim, Tahlil Bryd.

Defense counsel objected to the submission of Getaround data showing the car’s location in the days leading up to the shooting on the grounds that information about the vehicle’s whereabouts prior to the shooting should not suggest conspiracy prior to the March 1 shootings.

Judge Brandt overruled the objection.

“Establishing the location of the car to the homicides is relevant,” Brandt said.

The witness then walked the jury through a series of GPS “pings” during three “focus times”; around 2:08 p.m, when Malachi Lukes was killed, between 2:15-2:20 PM, around the time of a reported non-fatal shooting on the unit block of Channing St. NE, and 2:22 p.m, when the car was abandoned.

Cross examination by Allburn focused on what GPS data cannot capture, such as car doors opening and closing, number of passengers in the car, and the identity of said passengers.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 10.

Teen Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

An 18-year-old defendant pleaded guilty for his involvement in a carjacking during a hearing on Sept. 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Mark Edwards, 18, was originally charged with carjacking and robbery for his involvement in multiple incidents, including:

Attempted Carjacking and Robbery on May 22, at the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE
Carjacking on May 27, around 1st and H Streets NE, near Union Station
Carjacking on May 28, at the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE

He pleaded guilty to the unarmed carjacking that occurred on May 28, 2025 in the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE.

The defense, Russell Hairston, and Edwards took some time to discuss and consider a guilty plea during the hearing. Though nervous to be in court, Edwards did plead guilty to the felony charge, waiving his right to indictment, trial, and DNA testing in the hearing. Judge Pipe urged him to be sure of his decision repeatedly before continuing.

Due to the severity of the charge, he faces the minimum of seven years in prison and a $75,000 fine, or a maximum of 21 years. The punishment will be imposed at a sentencing hearing. Judge Pipe ordered a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study due to Edwards’ age and a pre-sentencing report to aid in the decision. If sentenced under the YRA –applicable to offenders younger than 25-years-old–Edwards conviction will be sealed presuming he complies with the terms.

Hairston asked for home confinement since the defendant is so young. After some consideration, Judge Pipe denied the request given the serious charges against Edwards.

The sentencing hearing has been set for November 14, 2025.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Motion to Sever

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a shooting defendant’s motion to sever his trial from his co-defendants on Sept. 5.

James Matheny, 31, and Rashid Woods, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE, on Sept. 3, 2024.

Woods is also charged with carrying a shotgun or rifle and simple assault.

Jewan Mathis, 29, is also charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a prohibited weapon after police said they found several firearms in his apartment during an emergency search warrant.

Matheny’s defense attorney, Albert Amissah, motioned to sever Matheny’s trial due to concerns that being tried with the other two defendants would unfairly prejudice Matheny. Judge McLean concluded severance wasn’t necessary to ensure a fair trial and denied the motion.

Chantal Jean-Baptiste, Mathis’ defense attorney, also raised concerns about a shotgun that was recently turned over as evidence. She asked for more information about why its existence was disclosed so late.

Parties decided to discuss the various motions the morning of the trial, which is set to begin Sept. 9.

The prosecution also mentioned a plea deal previously offered to the defendants. According to the prosecutor, the defendants countered the offer. Terms of the offer were not discussed during the hearing.

The status of the plea offer will also be discussed prior to the trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 9 to discuss these matters and begin trial.

Judge Questions ‘Close Call’ Sentence For Shooter

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park reluctantly sentenced a shooting defendant to ten years of imprisonment with five years of supervised release on Sept. 5.

On June 26, Darius McIntyre, 41, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 14 on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, 16 gunshots were detected and the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

Prosecutors requested a ten year sentence for McIntyre, citing the severity of the crime, the victim’s serious abdominal and intestinal injuries, and McIntyre’s long criminal history.

McIntyre’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, also requested a ten year sentence, emphasizing that McIntyre wants to take “full responsibility” for his actions. Mosley noted that McIntyre declined letters of support from family and friends because he didn’t want to involve them in the proceedings — a decision Mosley interpreted as a sign of accountability and remorse.

Judge Park ultimately described the sentencing as a “close call,” insinuating the term was not sufficient to describe the crime. The gravity of the injuries and McIntyre’s extensive criminal background appeared to warrant a longer sentence to Judge Park.

Nevertheless, Judge Park sentenced him to ten years with five years of supervised release, in which he will have to register as a gun offender, utilize drug treatment and psychological services and be tracked with a GPS for 180 days.

No further dates were set.

Sentence Suspended For Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean gave a non-fatal stabbing defendant a fully suspended sentence on Sept. 5.

Daniel Brache, 44, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and misdemeanor simple assault on June 9 for his involvement in an incident that occurred April 13 on the 1900 block of C Street, SE, leaving two individuals injured. One individual sustained stab wounds.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 15 months for the first charge and 180 days suspended for the misdemeanor. They also asked that Brache be sent for a mental health evaluation and other recommended programs.

The prosecution said that Brache and his romantic partner were in an argument because she would not let him back into her apartment to get some of his belongings. They said Brache struck her and a security guard intervened. Then, Brache produced a knife and stabbed the security guard, according to the prosecutor.

Defense attorney Joseph Molina argued that when the security guard intervened, Brache thought he was being assaulted. Molina also said that the security guard was cut on his fingers.

“Fingers bleed like crazy,” he said.

Molina said that Brache is not a violent man and that this was an unfortunate circumstance.

“It just turned into a complete and utter disaster,” Molina said.

Brache also spoke, expressing remorse for his actions. He explained that on the day of the incident, he wanted to retrieve his Venezuelan and New York IDs, immigration papers and bank information from his partner’s apartment.

Judge McLean sentenced Brache to 12 months for assault with significant bodily injury and 180 days for simple assault with all time suspended except for the time Brache already served for each count. Brache was also given three years of supervised release, which was suspended in favor of one year of probation. McLean also ordered that he attend mental health treatment and participate in housing assistance and vocational training.

No further dates were set.

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