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Judge Holds 10 Defendants During Initial Hearings

A DC Superior Court Judge held 10 defendants, releasing 15 during initial hearings on Dec. 2. 

Lester Rowland is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, disorderly conduct and simple assault. 

On Dec. 1, Rowland, 34, allegedly threatened a victim with a knife and attempted to assault him at a Starbucks on the 3300 block of M Street, NW. Rowland’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, asked that he be released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). 

Judge Errol Arthur denied her request and held Rowland until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 22. 

Andre Dubose is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. According to court documents, Dubose, 30, allegedly assaulted two victims with a metal pole from a bed frame.  

Due to the seriousness of the crime, Judge Arthur held Dubose. The defendant’s next court date, which is scheduled for Dec. 23. 

Judge Arthur also held Keith London, who is charged with possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

On the evening of Nov. 8, London, 40, was allegedly involved in a shooting that occurred on the 100 block of P Street, SW. One victim was injured during the shooting but only suffered minor injuries. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was able to identify London as their suspect with the help of eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage. When London was arrested, he was allegedly found with heroin as well as prescription drugs, including a drug used to treat opioid addiction.  

Terrence Stroman is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting at a victim outside a Safeway on the 300 block of 40th Street, NE. The offense occurred on the evening of Dec. 1. Stroman, 41, attempted to escape but was detained by two witnesses who saw what had happened. 

Stroman is currently being held at DC jail until his next court hearing. 

Among those held was Anthony Hargrove, who is charged with assault to commit robbery while armed. 

On Dec. 1, Hargrove, 37, along with another suspect, walked into a building located on the 1100 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW, armed with a firearm. Hargrove allegedly threatened the victim and attempted to steal some marijuana from the facility, which operates as an illegal marijuana shop. Due to the amount of evidence in the court documents Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request to detain Hargrove.  

Hargrove’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 23.

Three defendants charged with being fugitives from justice were held. Two, William Williams and Jameise Christian, are wanted in Maryland, and one, William Gage, is wanted in North Carolina. They will be held at the DC jail for three days while waiting for the demanding jurisdiction to come and pick them up. 

Enoch Brown IV is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Brown, 29, has a previous firearm charge. The prosecution asked that he be detained due to the lack of compliance with his previous conditions.  

Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request to hold Brown at DC jail until his next court hearing. 

The judge also held Larry Hucks, who was brought in on a bench warrant. The defendant is a fugitive from Maryland and failed to turn himself in after being released on Feb. 19.

Judge Arthur released five defendants charged with misdemeanors. The charges include attempted threats to do bodily harm, simple assault, second-degree theft, probation violation and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. All five defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims or places of the alleged incidents. The defendants were also required to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They are all scheduled to appear in court on May 5, 2021. 

Three defendants, charged with being fugitives from the state of Virginia, were released. Their underlying charges include possession of a weapon, vehicle theft, failure to appear in a larceny case and probation violation in an assault case. 

Judge Arthur released four defendants with felony charges, including unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. All were released and ordered to report to the PSA. 

Three defendants with domestic violence-related charges were released. All three defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims and places of the alleged incidents. The defendants must return to court on May 5, 2021.

An additional nine defendants had their charges dropped by the prosecution.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.

Document: Police Seek Suspects and Vehicle of Interest in Armed Robbery

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek the public’s help locating suspects and a vehicle of interest in connection with an armed robbery that happened on Dec. 1.

At around midnight,  the suspects got out of a vehicle and approached the victim on the 1200 block of Kearney Street, NE. One of them brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s property, according to a press release. The victim complied and the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle.

The suspects and a vehicle of interest were captured by a surveillance camera.

Document: One-year-old Fatally Shot in Capitol View Neighborhood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating the fatal shooting of one-year-old Carmelo Duncan on Dec. 2.

At around 9:35 p.m., officers responded to the 5700 block of Southern Avenue, SE for the report of a shooting.

When they got there, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services told them that they had taken the victim, unconscious and unresponsive, to an area hospital. He was ultimately pronounced dead after all life-saving efforts failed.

Detectives’ investigation revealed that the Duncan sustained multiple gunshot wounds while inside a vehicle.

The MPD offers up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide that happens in DC. The ATF and the Washington Field Division has offered an additional $25,000 and the FBI Washington Field Office has offered an additional $10,000 in this case.

Crime Alerts: December 2-3

Between 9 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 3, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 1:35 a.m. for a shooting on the 1400 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

An alert was sent at 10:47 p.m. for a confirmed stabbing on the 600 block of Girard Street, NE. The police know who the suspect is.

The final alert was sent at 10:34 p.m. for a shooting on the 5700 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Police are looking for a black Mazda SUV with dark tinted windows. It was last seen going towards Southern Avenue, SE.

Judge Continues Mental Competency Hearing

On Dec. 2, a DC Superior Court judge granted a continuance for a contested mental competency hearing for a defendant in an assault case. 

Devonte Wright , 21, is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed for allegedly stabbing a child on May 27 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, SE. 

Judge Neal Kravitz agreed to move the hearing to Feb. 18 to give both parties more time to share their respective mental competency reports. He also scheduled a status hearing for Feb. 8 to see where both parties are and if the case is ready to proceed.

Judge Kravitz set a deadline for Feb. 1 for an updated mental competency examination report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). 

The  defense’s expert’s report on Wright’s examination is due on Feb 3. All supporting documents from the prosecution and defense are due on Feb. 5.

Wright is currently held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital, where he has been since early July. 

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Judge Schedules Spring Hearings in 3 Murder Cases

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearings in three murder cases on Dec. 2.

Judge Ronna Beck scheduled another hearing for Romiel Hightower for April. 27. 

Hightower, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed on July 21, 2019, for allegedly shooting Jamal Bandy, 27, on April 29 on the 1300 block Congress Street, SE. 

During the Dec. 2 hearing, defense attorney Jason Tulley said the nine-month window for the prosecution to indict his client has passed. 

“My client is sitting in jail without being indicted,” said Tulley. 

Tulley asked the prosecutor if there was a timeframe of when an indictment would be issued. The prosecution did not have a time available. 

According to an amended order from Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring, deadlines for indictments have been suspended. The order also stated DC Superior Court will not be conducting jury trials for the foreseeable future in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Written notice will be provided 60 days before jury trials resume in order to give lawyers time to prepare. 

“It’s a terrible situation,” said Judge Beck. 

Defense attorney Dana Page, who was representing Ch’Juan Robinson, raised the same issue on the record after scheduling a hearing date. 

Judge Beck said there are no new grand jury meetings taking place at the moment.

Robinson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Louis Eugene Kingsbury, 34. The incident took place on the 200 block of New York Avenue, NW.

Judge Beck scheduled a status hearing for Robinson on May 10.

Judge Beck also scheduled a hearing for Samuel Davis on May 6. 

Davis, 61, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly strangling Mawuli Kocuvie, 53, on Oct. 28, 2017. The incident took place on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. 

Davis entered a guilty plea on July 13, 2018.  

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Plea Deal Hearing Continues to December

A defendant’s hearing was continued to December by a DC Superior Court judge because the defendant had questions about plea deal paperwork that he was required to sign. 

Jordan Therman, 21, is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and unlawful possession of ammunition. On May 2, 2019, Therman was allegedly involved in a shoot-out at a Shell Gas Station on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE, which resulted in one person being hospitalized. 

During the Dec. 2 hearing, Judge Danya Dayson asked the defendant to sign the paperwork. When she got to the page that details the facts the prosecution would have proved if the case had gone to trial, Therman objected to the statements. 

Judge Dayson scheduled an additional hearing on Dec. 29 to continue the plea hearing because the court was running short on time. 

Therman has been held in DC Jail since May 25, 2019. 

While detained, Therman also picked up a simple assault charge after being involved in a fight with three others within the correctional facility. This new case is also included in the plea agreement. 

Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Reschedules Sentencing After Expressing Concern Over Plea

A burglary defendant’s sentencing was postponed to Dec. 30 after a DC Superior Court judge expressed concern about the defendant’s understanding of the plea deal he previously accepted. 

In February, 41 year-old Thomas Powell pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary for stealing a currency dispenser from a Subway on the 20th block of M Street, SE on Dec. 30, 2019. The prosecution’s deal allowed him to plead down from his original charge of second-degree burglary.

Since then, Powell has been on standby, waiting for the judge assigned to his case to approve the plea. 

During the Dec. 2 hearing, Powell appeared to demonstrate a lack of full understanding of what the plea deal means for his case and the sentence he would receive. 

“Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?” Judge Julie Becker asked him. 

“Do you want me to be honest, ma’am,” replied Powell, “because I’m not sure.”

The prosecution said that if the defense is no longer going forward with the plea deal, it will be scrapped and the defendant would be indicted on additional charges.

The plea deal is also contingent upon the parties agreeing that Powell will be sentenced to a total of three years and eight months and nothing less. 

“The court’s hands are certainly not tied in giving a fair sentence, given all the circumstances,” argued defense attorney Randy McDonald. 

Judge Becker told McDonald that it was impossible for his client to receive a lesser sentence due to the nature of the agreed upon plea deal. 

Judge Becker decided to continue the sentencing to allow Powell to talk more with his attorney. The defendant will have to remain at DC Jail, where he has been held since the day of the offense.

“If I could beg you to please proceed today, please, your honor, I would be so grateful,” said Powell. “I’ve been through so much in the jail.”

“I can only accept your guilty plea if you truly believe that you are guilty and I am not convinced,” said Judge Becker. “We will not be doing this today, and I will not change my mind about that.”


Sierra Robbins wrote this article.

Judge Holds Four Defendants During Initial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge held four defendants in jail and released 11 during initial hearings on Dec. 1.

Eleasin Dewhitt, 19, is being charged with armed robbery for an offense that occurred on Nov. 30 on the 3000 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. Dewhitt and two other suspects are accused of beating a man at the Petworth Metro Station in Northwest DC and stealing his cell phone before fleeing the scene on a train.

According to court documents, the victim told police officers that one of the men had a knife at the time and was pressing it against his body, although it never broke through his clothes or skin.

In addition, the victim could not identify Dewhitt as one of the men who participated in the robbery.

However, Judge Errol Arthur found probable cause because the police believed his face is clearly visible in camera footage taken outside the train station. Judge Arthur denied Dewhitt’s release given the serious nature of the offense.

Davon Monk, 23, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. The offense occurred on Nov. 30 at Union Station in which Monk, along with another suspect, are accused of stealing a backpack from a victim and fleeing the scene before being arrested by an Amtrak police officer.

The judge decided to hold Monk, given his criminal history.

Perry White, 26, is charged with simple assault, assault on a police officer and obstruction of justice.

According to court documents, the offense occurred on Dec. 1 on the 400 block of 8th Street, SE in which the suspect allegedly approached a Starbucks worker and asked for a free cup of coffee. After being denied, he repeatedly punched the victim in the body and face.

Judge Arthur found White a danger to the community given the physical violence of the alleged incident and decided to hold him at DC Jail until his next hearing.

Brandon Bishop is  charged with being a fugitive from justice in the Commonwealth of Virginia for contempt of court and second-degree theft in a separate, DC case.

Bishop, 33, was also brought before the court on two bench warrants for failing to appear at probation hearings. The underlying convictions in his probation cases are second-degree theft and lewd, indecent or obscene acts. 

Judge Arthur released Bishop on his new charges of second-degree theft and being a fugitive from justice, however, he held him on two outstanding bench warrants for noncompliance with probation and failure to appear in court.

Bishop implored Judge Arthur to release him, saying he was “burying [his] grandfather” on the court dates he missed.

Even though the judge heard him out, he maintained his decision for the hold.

Of the 11 defendants released by Judge Arthur, four of them are charged with misdemeanors. The charges of the defendants include unlawful entry of public property, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, destruction of property and lewd, indecent or obscene acts. Two of the defendants were given stay-away orders while all were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Arthur released two defendants who are charged with felonies. The charges were carrying a pistol without a license, second-degree burglary and second-degree theft. The judge ordered one of the defendants to not possess any firearms and the other to wear a GPS monitoring device and stay-away from the location of the alleged incident.

Three defendants charged as fugitives from justice were also released. They were all ordered to turn themselves in to authorities in either Virginia or Maryland as soon as possible in order to deal with their warrants.

Judge Arthur released one defendant charged in a domestic violence case and one defendant charged with a traffic offense. The domestic violence defendant was ordered not to harass, assault, threaten or stalk (HATS) two alleged victims.

Six defendants had their charges dropped by the prosecution.

Document: Police Seek Vehicle of Interest in Connection with Shooting of Two Juvinilles

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are asking the public’s help locating a vehicle of interest in connection with an assault with a dangerous weapon offense that happened on the evening of Dec. 1.

At around 7:11 p.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE for the report of a shooting. There, they found two juvenile males suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to a hospital.

The vehicle of interest is described as a newer model black SUV with a roof rack. It was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of 20-year-old Man

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide that happened on Dec. 1.

At around 3:11 a.m., officers responded to I-295 near East Capitol Street, NE for the report of a person on a roadway.

There, they found 20 year-old Timothy Logan suffering from a gunshot wound in the northbound travel lanes. He was pronounced dead on scene.

Document: Fatal Shooting in Northeast Boundary Neighborhood

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives are investigating a homicide happened in the early hours of Dec. 2.

At around 12:52 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of 61st Street, NE for the sound of gunshots.

There, they found 24 year-old Shalonte Pearson inside a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Crime Alerts: December 1-2

Between 9 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 9 a.m. on Dec. 2, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:12 a.m. for a robbery investigation on the 1700 block of R Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male with short black hair in his mid-twenties.

The second alert was sent at 1:24 a.m. for a shooting on the 400 block of 61st Street, NE. Police are looking for a Black male, wearing a brown hoodie and blue jeans.

Judge Holds 5 Defendants, Releases 20

On Nov. 30, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur held five defendants in DC Jail and released 20 defendants during initial hearings. 

Judge Arthur held Darius Tyson on an armed carjacking charge. 

Tyson, 25, and two other juvenile defendants are accused of three armed carjacking offenses. The prosecution cited witness statements and the serious nature of the crime as reasons to hold him. 

However, defense attorney Elizabeth Weller argued that the witness statements were vague and did not prove her client is the person who committed the crime. The prosecutor responded that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) knew who the other suspects are and, through a process of elimination, were able to determine that Tyson was involved in these offenses. 

Judge Arthur decided to hold Tyson given the serious nature of the offense. Tyson’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 21.

Richard McCain, Jr. is a fugitive from Maryland, where he is wanted for an armed carjacking charge. 

Acting defense attorney Weller argued for his release, citing a relatively successful pretrial release record. 

However, the prosecutor pointed out that there were two separate warrants out for McCain’s arrest. 

Judge Arthur gave McCain two choices, either post a $5,000 cash bond or be held. McCain decided to be held and waived his right to an extradition hearing . He opted to wait for Maryland authorities to pick him up within three business days. 

McCain also told Judge Arthur that he needed medical treatment for high blood pressure since he had been held since the weekend. Judge Arthur issued a medical alert on his behalf. 

Jahil Dailey was held for failure to appear at three show cause hearings in October. Dailey has yet to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). 

Judge Arthur deemed Dailey a flight risk based on his inability to appear in court. 

Dailey, 37, alleged that he was in the hospital for medical treatment and was unaware he was supposed to be in court. He promised Judge Arthur that he would return to court if he was released.

However, Judge Arthur decided to hold him until his next hearing on Dec. 15. 

Derek Eddy was held on three accounts of robbery. 

Eddy, 21, is also facing a warrant for his arrest from Virginia for the exact same charge.

His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 21.  

Brandon Atwater, 27, was held on charges of simple assault, destruction of property of less than $1000, assault of a police officer and attempted second-degree theft. This arrest marks Atwater’s second arrest within two weeks. 

The prosecution described Atwater’s behavior as assaultive and argued it resulted in a damaged police vehicle as well as demonstrated violence towards law enforcement.

After Judge Arthur decided to hold him, Atwater attempted to make a case for his release himself, but the judge did not change his mind. 

Atwater’s next court date will be Dec. 15.  

Of the 20 defendants who were released, nine are charged with misdemeanors. The charges include attempted threats to do bodily harm, destruction of property, second-degree theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing law enforcement, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, second-degree theft, possession of a controlled substance and simple assault. Six of the defendants were given stay-away orders while the rest were ordered to report to PSA.

Judge Arthur released six defendants charged with felonies. Three of the defendants have drug charges involving cocaine while the other three have weapons charges. All of the defendants were ordered to report to PSA, and one of the defendants was also ordered to wear a GPS monitor.

Additionally, Judge Arthur released two defendants charged with traffic offenses, one defendant charged in a domestic violence case and two defendants who were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings.

A defendant charged in a domestic violence case had his case dismissed by the prosecution.

Maria Marzullo and Krystin Roehl wrote this article.