Acquitted: Judge Continues Status Hearing for Murder Case

Editor’s note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Brothers is still being held on homicide charges in another case.

On Oct. 14, a DC Superior Court judge continued a murder defendant’s status hearing in order to give the defense more time to discuss the facts of the case.

Devonte Brothers is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 27 year-old Deron Leake. Leake was shot to death on Oct. 17, 2019 on the 4200 block of 6th street, SE.

Brothers, 26, was charged on Sept. 24 and has been held at DC Jail ever since.

Judge Judith Smith scheduled the status hearing for Nov. 9.

Yasmeen McGettrick wrote this article

Judge Schedules Hearing for Murder Defendant

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

Nathaniel Bates, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Eddie Crist. Crist was 28-years-old when he sustained six gunshot wounds on May 9 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

At the time Crist was killed, Bates was on pretrial release in another felony case, in which he is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, at 8:03 a.m., gunfire location technology alerted to the sounds on gunshots on the 4000 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW. At 8:04 a.m., Bates’ GPS monitor hit the 4100 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Bates on Sept. 21.

In a different case, the defendant is charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault on a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

Judge Judith Smith scheduled Bates’ preliminary hearing for Nov. 16.

Judge Reschedules A Murder Hearing After Defendant Refuses COVID-19 Test

A hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to move to trial was rescheduled because the defendant refused to be tested for COVID-19.

Jonathan Jenkins, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly gunning down Richard Mitchell on May 31 in an apartment complex on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE. Mitchell was 25.

“I have my concerns about whether my client was offered testing by DOC,” said defense attorney Madalyn Harvey. “They might have dropped the ball.”

Harvey did not definitively know if her client declined testing. But she said she spoke to Jenkins earlier this week, and he was willing to be tested, but DC Jail had not yet administered it.

However, Judge Juliet McKenna said that defendants in other preliminary hearings scheduled this week have already been tested.

Judge McKenna rescheduled the hearing for Nov. 5, so Jenkins can be present in the courtroom and has time to agree to the test.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article

A Felony Defendant Says He Wants to Represent Himself

A felony defendant who waived his right to counsel in September says he won’t accept an attorney advisor.

Anthony Braxton was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed in November 2017. The following May, he was indicted on charges of aggravated assault while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, kidnapping, stalking, a Civil Protective Order (CPO) violation and threats to kidnap or injure a person.

Braxton, 40, is currently being held at the DC Jail.

During the Oct. 13 hearing, Judge Neal Kravitz asked the defendant questions about the law, criminal court procedure, and the maximum penalties for his charges.

Braxton couldn’t answer most of Judge Kravitz’s questions, but did have a general understanding of criminal procedure. Judge Kravitz described the defendant’s knowledge of the criminal justice process as “basic.”

“Instincts do not always equal being correct,” said Judge Kravitz. “I think someone could coach you and, at another hearing, you could answer me correctly.”

After questioning the defendant, Judge Kravitz recommended that Braxton accept an attorney advisor. The attorney advisor would help Braxton with his pretrial investigations and with trial preparations.

“I’m not looking for an attorney’s advice,” Braxton responded. “When the attorneys relay the information I give them, they tend to take away from it and make it not sound so serious.”

Braxton refused to accept any advisement from attorney Jonathan Zucker, who was the fourth attorney appointed to help Braxton prepare for trial.

Braxton said he was not given access to the information he needs to prepare for trial because the DC Law Library is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Kravitz told Braxton that an attorney advisor could help him learn criminal procedures and prepare for trial.

Braxton continued to refuse any attorney’s advisement. “The bottom line is, I want to represent myself,” he said.

Judge Kravitz refused to proceed to trial before the defendant could answer the basic legal questions he asked at the beginning of the hearing. Judge Kravitz scheduled a new hearing on Dec. 8.

“I’m going to ask for the packet with details on the charges to be sent to the Jail for Mr. Braxton,” said Judge Kravitz. “Before I allow him to represent himself. I want him to have a basic understanding of the facts and procedure so the trial can proceed in an acceptable fashion.”

Braxton’s attorney, Jonathan Zucker, was dismissed.

Murder Defendant Requests New Attorney, Remains Held

A DC Superior Court judge decided to continue holding one of the 11 defendants charged in the fatal drive-by shooting of a ten-year-old girl two years ago.

Antonio Murchison is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of Makiyah Wilson. Wilson was killed on July 18, 2018, on the 300 Block of 53rd Street, NE.

Murchison, 27, is also charged with criminal street gang affiliation, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault with knowingly while armed.

The defendant was indicted on these charges in May of 2019.

According to court documents, Murchison’s sentence in a different, federal, case was set to expire on Oct. 13. At that time, the only thing keeping him at the DC Jail would have been cash bonds in this case and another case in which he is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution filed a motion to continue holding the defendant in his pending murder case.

Judge Ronna Beck granted the request.

She said she could not ensure the safety of the community if he were to be released, citing the current dangerous charges and Murchison’s prior criminal history.

Defense attorney Jason Clark also withdrew from the case, per the defendant’s request.

Murchison will be appointed a new attorney before his next court date, which is scheduled for Jan. 25.

In the murder case, Murchison is being charged with murder along with other defendants, including Quentin Michals, 22; Qujuan Thomas, 21; Gregory Taylor, 25; Mark Tee Price, 26; Marquell Cobbs, 18; Darrise Jeffers, 21; Isaiah Murchison, 22; Saquan Williams, 19; and Quincy Garvin, 20. Quanisha Ramsuer, 27, is charged with obstruction of justice in the girl’s death.

The shooting allegedly resulted from a neighborhood rivalry. All the defendants, in this case, are being held without bond. Isaiah was arrested most recently on Aug. 27 after a bench warrant was put out for his arrest back in May 2019.

Saif Habboub wrote this article

Document: Two Suspects Arrested for Burglary of Unoccupied Residence

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested two suspects for second-degree burglary.

At around 2:20 p.m. on Oct. 11, suspects forced their way into an unoccupied residence on the 3200 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. They took property and fled the scene before being apprehended by responding officers.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7231210-10-13-20-Arrests-Made-in-a-Burglary-Two-Offense.html” responsive=true]

Judge Holds 7 out of 24 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held seven defendants and released seventeen during their initial hearings.

George Shaw, 20, is held on charges of first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing two men on Oct. 10 on the 4500 block of Quarles Street, NE. The victims, Simmeon Williams and Marcus Nelson, were allegedly attempting to invade Shaw’s home when the offense took place. Shaw was arrested on Oct. 12.

“Despite the uncertain circumstances around the offense, I find substantial probability for the charges,” said Judge Herrmann.

Davon Mangum is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly having a pistol in his car’s glove compartment on Oct. 12 on the 1500 block of Morris Road, SE. Mangum, 34, has two prior felony convictions from 2005 and 2006. Judge Herrman held him because his prior convictions involve armed robbery and manslaughter.

Judge Herrmann held Tyrek Hudson, 22, on a charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. He was allegedly found in possession of a firearm on Oct. 12 on the 2800 block of Q Street, SE. The judge cited the repeated nature of Hudson’s gun-related offenses.

“There is no evidence that he did anything with the gun, other than to possess it,” said Judge Herrmann. “The defendant, however, has two prior gun charges.”

Ahyende Gray is held on charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful entry onto private property. Judge Herrmann noted that Gray, 21, had been in the courtroom the day before.

“What I’m looking at here is a history of charges that involve threats or harm to other people,” the judge said.

Derrick Ferguson, 47, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly participating in a fight with a knife. Judge Herrmann held him because she believed his actions showed he would be a danger to the community,

The judge held Jeffrey Thomas on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Thomas, 31, was recently released from prison in May after completing a sentence for a 2013 felony conviction.

Mukhtar Mohamed is held on a charge of being a fugitive from justice for an aggravated assault case in Maryland. The demanding jurisdiction has three business days to retrieve him, or a hearing in DC will be scheduled.

Five felony defendants were released on their personal promise to return to court. One was released with a stay away order.

Judge Herrmann released three domestic violence defendants. Two of the defendants were released with stay away orders from the victims and their residences.

Five misdemeanor defendants were released. Three were released with stay away orders, one of which was also ordered to not harass, assault, threaten, or stalk (HATS) the victim.

Four fugitive defendants were released due to the non-violent nature of their alleged offenses. They must report to the demanding jurisdiction.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charge

On Oct. 9, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a defendant for sentencing after he entered a guilty plea.

Ken Johnson, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

On March 11, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a call where they found probable cause to arrest Johnson for assault, according to court documents. During the investigation, officers found a firearm in Johnson’s apartment. Johnson has a prior robbery conviction making his possession of a firearm illegal.

In an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the defendant admitted to finding the firearm in a field by a school.

Defense attorney Quo Judkins asked Judge John Campbell to release his client pending his sentencing hearing, so he could be with his newborn daughter.

Judge Campbell denied that request, citing the incentive to not return being too great and the overall practicality of just serving his sentence as soon as possible.

Judge Campbell scheduled Johnson to be sentenced on Dec. 18.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

Judge Releases 1 Criminal Defendant, Reschedules Hearing for Another

A DC Superior Court judge released one defendant and continued an arraignment of another on Oct. 9.

Arntae Jackson and Antonio Williams are charged with contempt of a Civil Protection Order (CPO)/Temporary Protective Order (TPO.)

Jackson’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested his client’s released. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

Judge Maribeth Raffinan released Jackson on his promise to return to court for his next hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 10. He must also report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and verify his address.

Antonio Williams is scheduled to be arraigned today, but he did not show up to court. Williams’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, said he has not been able to get in touch with his client.

Judge Raffinan continued the arraignment hearing to Oct. 16.

Emily Pengelly wrote this article

Judge Ends 1 Successful Probation During Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over seven pretrial and probation show cause hearings on Oct. 9, ending one under successful conditions.

Shelia Shelton was sentenced to probation for distribution of a controlled substance back in 2018.

Defense attorney Frederick Iverson confirmed that Shelton has paid her $50 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund, so Judge Becker ended the probation as successful.

Judge Julie Becker continued Lillian Ledbetter’s probation show cause hearing was continued to Oct. 30.

Ledbetter, 40, pleaded guilty to simple assault and destruction of property less than $1,000 on Sept. 9. She was sentenced to a total of 360 days, all of which were suspended, plus 18 months of probation. However, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) has not had any contact with her

Judge Becker continued the hearing to give defense attorney Sabitiyu Abbou more time to get in touch with her client.

Lamar Edmonds, 36, is on probation for possession of PCP.

CSOSA recommended revocation, but Judge Becker said she would not do so until Edmonds shows up to court in person.

Sulleman Harrington is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, simple assault and destruction of property over $1,000.

On Oct. 20, 2019, Harrington allegedly stabbed the victim three times on the 5000 block of Benning Road, SE following an argument. Harrington was rearrested for allegedly kicking in a glass door of a liquor store on Dec. 13, 2019.

The victim was in critical condition and suffered a brain bleed, collapsed lung, punctured left orbital bone and multiple lacerations. He has since recovered.

Judge Becker took Harrington, 35, off of home confinement. He will remain under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.). Judge Becker continued the show cause hearing until Oct. 23.

Marcus Brockington, 19, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury for allegedly kicking a victim unconscious on the Stadium Armory Metro platform on March 18.

Since his last pretrial show cause hearing on Sept. 24, Brockington has come into compliance, according to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Julie Becker discharged the show cause hearing.

Another defendant, who was rearrested and is currently awaiting arraignment on multiple new charges. Since he is being held in DC Jail, he was unable to attend his pretrial show cause hearing.

The defendant, 42, is charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse of a minor after he allegedly groped a 14-year-old girl at a convenience store on the 4900 block of Central Avenue, NE, on Aug. 2, 2019.

Judge Becker continued the show cause for Oct. 16, so the defendant can be present.

Kareem Watkins, 42, is charged with first-degree burglary after he allegedly crawled under a victim’s garage door and stole his custom coat, wallet and bicycle. The coat was custom made and had the victim’s name stitched directly on it, according to court documents.

Judge Becker discharged the show cause after warning Watkins to stay in compliance.

“If you fall off again, you will be back here again,” said Judge Becker. “You will risk getting locked up”.

Sierra Robbins wrote this article

Judge Denies Domestic Violence Defendant’s Medical Release Request

On Oct. 13, a DC Superior Court judge denied a motion to release a domestic violence defendant due to medical issues.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He has been held since the charge was filed against him on June 9.

The defense’s motion was oral, not written. Judge Judith Smith said the lack of a written motion caused some confusion in the courtroom, as it was not explicitly clear what the defense wanted. There were also some communication difficulties when the defendant’s medical records were not forwarded to all parties involved in the case.

The defendant told Judge Smith how he was experiencing excruciating pain in his back due to nerve problems. He had previously received physical therapy and injections to help with his pain.

The defendant said he was not receiving adequate pain treatment at the DC Jail. He cited a 23-hours per day lockup and a hard metal bed as reasons for back stiffness and pain. D.C. Witness could not get more information about the defendant’s back problems.

However, the defendant said the DC Jail is working on locating a neurosurgeon. However, according to the defendant, the medical professionals at the jail told him it would take some time.

The prosecution expressed opposition to his release. The prosecutor also asked if the jail could provide the defendant with treatment since the medical professionals at the correctional facility are working on securing an appointment for the defendant with a neurosurgeon.

The prosecutor said he did not see any information that circumstances have changed so much to justify the defendant’s release.

Judge Smith emphasized several times during the hearing that many defendants have medical conditions, which alone is not enough to secure a release from jail. The defendant is still being held in jail.

The prosecution also put a pre-indictment plea offer on the record for the defense to consider.

The defendant’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 2.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article

Document: Police Seek Suspect in Armed Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect in reference to an armed robbery that occurred on Oct. 11.

At approximately 10:48 a.m., the suspect entered an establishment on the unit block of H Street, NW. The suspect brandished a handgun and took cash from the register before fleeing the scene.

The suspect can be seen in the photos below.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7228909-10-12-20-Suspect-Sought-in-an-Armed-Robbery-Gun.html” responsive=true]

Document: Suspect Sought for Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect involved in a robbery on Oct. 11.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. The suspect snatched U.S. currency from the victim before fleeing the scene.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7228906-10-12-20-Suspect-Sought-in-a-Robbery-Snatch.html” responsive=true]

Document: Suspect Arrested for Unarmed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect for an unarmed carjacking offense that happened on Oct. 11.

At around 1:08 a.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE. The suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and tried to take it. He was apprehended by responding officers.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7228903-10-12-20-Arrest-Made-in-an-Unarmed-Carjacking.html” responsive=true]

Document: Police Seek Suspect for Assault With a Gun

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking a suspect involved in an assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) offense that occurred on Oct. 11.

At around 12:04 p.m., the suspect approached the victim on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. The suspect brandished a handgun and shot at the victim before fleeing the scene.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was captured by a nearby camera and can be seen in photos below.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/7228902-10-12-20-Suspect-Sought-in-an-Assault-With-a.html” responsive=true]

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