Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release Request

A DC Superior Court judge denied a murder defendant’s request for pretrial release on Aug. 20.

Karlos Kinney is charged with the first-degree murder of 25-year-old Resha Blount. According to court documents, a witness said that Kinney shot the victim four times – twice in the back, and once in the leg and hand – on April 30 on the 900 block of New Jersey Ave., NW. The witness said Kinney, 20, fired the weapon following a drug dispute.

Defense attorney Antoini Jones said that Kinney’s prior, dismissed, charges are insufficient reasons to continue holding his client. Jones also said logistical and technological issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered his ability to communicate with the defendant.

However, the prosecution said Kinney should remain held due to his prior gun, drug, and fleeing charges.

“The defendant killed someone over $10 out of a sense of pride,” the prosecutor said.

A motion for release was also denied on July 7.

“No conditions of release would ensure the community’s safety,” Judge Todd Edelman said.

Kinney’s next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8.

Judge Schedules Hearing for Sex Abuse Case

On Aug. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a sex abuse case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly exposing himself to a victim and trying to have sex with him without his consent on July 11 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Hearing Scheduled for Sex Abuse Case

On Aug. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a sexual abuse case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse in connection with an incident that took place on July 10 on the 200 block of 36th Street, SE. He allegedly approached a woman who was walking to the store and subsequently pushed her to the ground in a bushy area. The woman screamed for help and a witness nearby came rushing to her defense and removed the defendant from her.

The defendant has been held at DC Jail since July 11.

The defendant’s attorney, Amanda Rogers, also asked for a bond review hearing, which is now scheduled for Sep. 4.

Judge Declines 2nd Motion for Release in Juvenile’s Murder Case

On Aug. 20, a DC Superior Court judge declined the defense’s second motion to release a juvenile who is charged with first-degree murder.

The juvenile allegedly shot 36-year-old Antonio Gardiner, who resided in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The murder occurred on July 4 outside a McDonald’s in Washington, DC, according to court documents.

Defense counsel told the judge that the prosecution inaccurately stated that the juvenile was under supervision for a gun offense at the time of the homicide when he was actually under supervision for two robbery offenses and a destruction of property offense.

Even so, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld’s said no circumstances had changed, from the first time she denied the motion on Aug. 4, to warrant release.

The defense also filed a motion for the judge to reconsider her decision to allow the prosecution to conduct a buccal swab on the juvenile.

According to the defense, new information came to light that there was rain on July 6, which was the day police recovered a gun believed to be in possession of the juvenile and used during the homicide.

Given the new information about the weather, defense counsel requested Judge Hertzfeld deny DNA testing, saying the prosecution could no longer show a high likelihood of the gun being connected to the juvenile through DNA.

The prosecution said body-worn camera footage from officers show they took care to keep the gun covered from the rain, believing there would still be usable DNA on the gun.

Judge Hertzfield denied the defense’s motion to reconsider during the hearing.

The prosecution told the judge that a plea deal was extended to the defense before the hearing.

However, defense counsel said a decision on the offer could not be made until all evidence was received from the prosecution. The prosecution’s investigation is still ongoing.

Given the ongoing collection of evidence and that DC Superior Courts are remaining remote until at least Nov. 9 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Hertzfeld vacated the initial jury trial and set another hearing for Sept. 30.

Judge Schedules Heaing for Child Sex Abuse Case

On Aug. 19, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a prelimary hearing to determine if a child sex abuse case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is accused of sexually assaulting two children on the 600 block of 9th street, NW. According to court documents, three young victims were involved in the incident, but only two could positively identify the defendant.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the hearing for Aug. 31.

We’re Here to Help Push Against Crime

D.C. Witness is not a political or partisan organization.

Instead, we believe in data. The cold, hard facts.

During this political season, one thing resonates — the drive to keep residents informed.

D.C. Witness collects data on all crime cases in Washington, DC for two reasons: to inform the community about what is happening and to provide one location where crime data can be collated to show big pictures on small subsects of the city.

Fact: There were 30 homicides in DC last month, one less than Baltimore. In 2020 there have been approximately 125 homicides in the District, nearly a 7 percent increase from the same time period in 2019.

So far this year, 62 suspects have been arrested. But, a suspect has not been apprehended in 76 of the homicides that have occurred this year with police still searching for two suspects connected to two fatal shootings.

With a rising homicide count that seems to be getting more and more out of control, and a fiery population demanding police reform, especially in the midst of an uncertain pandemic, D.C. Witness is standing up to offer a path to creating a solution to reduce crime.

Something needs to be done. Some assurance made during a time when so many hang on the edges.

This is not the beginning of a backslide. This city, our city, will overcome the upward trend. It just needs a little push.

Document: Suspect Arrested for May Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers have arrested a suspect for assault with intent to kill.

On May 2 at around 2:21 p.m., police responded to the 3200 block of 23^rd Street, SE for the report of the sound of gunshots. There, they found an adult male victim suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS took him to the hospital.

On Aug. 19, officers arrested a 43-year-old resident of Northeast, DC in connection with the incident.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Fatal Stabbing in Brightwood

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that happened on Aug. 12.

At around 12:46 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW for the report of a stabbing. There, they found Sa’id Grey, a 40-year-old resident of Northwest, DC, in the hall of a residence. He was suffering from stab wounds. Grey was pronounced dead on the scene.

Officers arrested Jaamil Hipps, a 43-year-old resident of Northeast, DC, for second-degree murder while armed. According to a press release, detectives’ investigation revealed that the homicide happened due to a dispute among known parties.

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Crime Alerts: August 19-20

Between 9 p.m. on Aug. 19 and 9 a.m. on Aug. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 1:13 a.m. for a stabbing on the 300 block of Delafield Place, NW. Police are looking for a Black male, between 40 and 50 years of age, 5’9″ in height, with a medium build.

An alert for a snatch robbery was sent at 9:41 p.m. on the intersection of S Street, NW and 8th Street, NW. Police are looking for a 26-year-old Black male, wearing no shirt and blue jeans, headed toward the Shaw metro station.

Another alert for a snatch robbery was sent at 9:33 p.m. at the intersection of 14th Street and Girard Street, NW. Police are looking for a 19-year-old Hispanic male, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.

If anyone has information about these events, please call 911.

Case Acquitted: Judge Schedules Hearing for Second-Degree Murder Defendant

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

On Aug. 19, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Michael Austin, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Kayvon Kinney in the early morning hours of May 24 on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE.

Defense attorney Leo Alley wanted the preliminary hearing to take place earlier in September because of how his client has been held in DC Jail since July 9. He settled for a later date more convenient for both parties.

Alley also requested that the lead detective on the case be present to ensure accuracy in recounting the facts of the case.

Kinney had eight gunshot wounds in his head and torso. He was pronounced dead on the scene, according to court documents.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17.

Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for Suspects of 11-year-old’s Murder

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a murder case has enough has enough evidence to go to trial.

Co-defendants Carlo General, Christian Wingfield and Daryle Bond are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 11-year-old Davon McNeal on July 4 on the block of 1400 Cedar Street, SE. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) does not believe that McNeal or anyone in his family was a target.

One suspect, Marcel Gordon, is still wanted.

Defense attorneys Arnold Porter, Jonathan Zucker and Rachel Cicurel asked Judge Robert Okun to reschedule the Aug. 19 hearing so the case judge, Judge Danya Dayson, would be available to preside.

Judge Okun rescheduled the status conference to Sept. 16. He scheduled the preliminary hearing for Sept. 30.

Parties agreed that the continuance was necessary in order to resolve several matters. The defense said that not all evidence the prosecution received had been turned over to them yet.

The prosecution also made a motion to allow the prosecutor to practice in an area in which she is not officially licensed.

However, Judge Okun denied the motion because Judge Dayson was unable to review it. The motion will likely be revisited when Judge Dayson becomes available.

Parties also wanted a continuance due to a protective order filed against Bond, which the defense plans to oppose.

Officers arrested Bond, 19, on July 9. The three other suspects were named in an MPD press release that day. Wingfield, 22, was arrested on July 10 and General, 22, was arrested on July 29.

Judge Holds Four Out of 24 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Aug. 19, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 20 defendants and held four defendants in DC Jail during their initial hearings.

Judge Crowell held Stephon Green, who was charged with obstructing justice, for allegedly refusing to comply with a court order to have his hands fingerprinted on Aug 6 for an ongoing murder investigation.

The prosecution said Green impeded the police’s investigative efforts. The defense argued there was no probable cause and called for Green’s release.

Judge Crowell found probable cause and said Green is a substantial risk. Green is being held until his next court date on Sept. 14.

Joseph Jackson was held in contempt for violating a stay away order given to him by the court in July. Judge Crowell noted his ample criminal history and failure to comply with court orders as his reason for holding Jackson.

Christopher Williams, who is charged with being a fugitive from justice, was held by the judge. Williams is wanted in Maryland for a probation violation in his pending robbery case.

Judge Crowell said he was not inclined to release Williams based on his past criminal history, so the defendant waived his extradition hearing in DC in order for Maryland authorities to pick him up from DC Jail within three business days.

One defendant did not have new charges filed against him, but he was held on a parole violation warrant.

Of those released, one defendant did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

There was one domestic violence case presented before the judge, and he released the defendant with a stay away order from the alleged victim.

Three additional defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice, and they were all released with orders to turn themselves in to Maryland authorities, where they are wanted for assault, failing to appear and synthetic narcotic sales.

Six defendants charged with felonies were released by Judge Crowell. Two were charged with first-degree theft and two were charged with distribution of the drug oxycodone. The final two were charged with assault with a knife and unarmed carjacking. Four of the defendants were given stay away orders.

Five misdemeanor cases were released by Judge Crowell with various release conditions, including stay away orders and GPS monitoring.

Four defendants were brought in on bench warrants. Three defendants failed to appear for their hearings and one needed to be served with a Civil Protection Order (CPO). All were released with new court dates.

Two final defendants are in the hospital, so their hearings were rescheduled for Aug. 20.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 32-year-old suspected who was wanted in connection to a homicide that took place in February.

According to a press release, police arrested Stephon Green for first-degree murder while armed on Aug. 18. The suspect allegedly shot 31-year-old Cordaro Pierre Chambers on the 2100 block of I Street, NE on Feb. 17.

On Aug. 19, the prosecution decided to not charge Green with homicide. Instead, the defendant is charged obstruction of justice in the case. He is scheduled for another hearing on Sept. 14.

According to court documents, Green was arrested because he decided to refuse orders by DC Superior Court Judge Patricia Broderick for his fingerprints. The defendant was placed under arrest for impeding in an ongoing homicide investigation.

Police also say Green has been arrested in the past on two occasions for carrying a pistol without a license.

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Document: Police Arrest Second Homicide Suspect

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives announced that a second arrest has been made in a homicide investigation that occurred on Apr. 3.

At approximately 6:50 p.m., officers responded to a location on the 3400 block of 22nd Street, SE.

Upon arrival, they discovered an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Officers also located a juvenile male who was receiving treatment at another local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The decedent has been identified as 28-year-old David Deandre Young of Clinton, MD.

A 20-year-old male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed on Aug. 2.

An additional suspect, a 17-year-old male, was arrested on Aug. 19 and charged as an adult with first-degree murder while armed.

The case remains under investigation by MPD.

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Four Hearings Vacated at DC Superior Courts

Four DC Superior Court hearings scheduled for Aug. 19 were vacated.

Andrew Wooten is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with a stabbing that took place on June 12 on the 5600 block of 2nd Street, NE. He was scheduled for a status hearing, but the hearing was scheduled by mistake.

Wooten was also scheduled for a preliminary hearing to determine if his case has enough evidence to go to trial. However, the hearing could not be held because the defendant did not agree to take a COVID-19 test.

Wooten is now scheduled for a status hearing on Aug. 28.

Amon Sutton’s sentencing hearing for carrying a pistol without a license was also scheduled in error. Sutton is set to be sentenced on Sept. 2.

Sutton’s defense attorney, Thomas Lester, filed an unopposed motion for his client to be stepped down from the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) on July 2. The court is expected to address that motion on Aug. 24.

On Feb. 28, Deandre Swann was sentenced to 90 days in jail, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation for possession of a controlled substance. He was scheduled for a probation show cause hearing, but it was rescheduled to Sept. 9.

Demarcus McCullor is charged with second-degree theft for allegedly stealing Bose headphones from a Target on April 25. He misdemeanor case was rescheduled to Sept. 9.

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