Shooting Defendant Warned to Do Pre-Trial Drug Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe admonished a defendant regarding missed drug testing on Sept. 8.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in an shooting that occurred April 10 on the 1400 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE.

According to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Sydnor has missed two drug tests. Judge Pipe admonished him for the missed tests, also reminding the court that Sydnor has been reporting to his court dates and cites safety concerns regarding the missed tests.

These concerns come from the complex nature of the case, where the victim is also charged for his alleged assault of Sydnor’s mother during the April incident.

Judge Pipe did, however, inform Sydnor that he must report to all further testing, including a test after his hearing. She also advised the prosecution to look into Sydnor’s safety concerns regarding the victim.

Judge Pipe will also be appointing new defense as per the request of current attorney Gregg Baron. An ascertainment of council has been set, at which time there will be new counsel for Sydnor.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 8.

Federal Surge Impacts Courtroom Security

The President’s decision to surge federal police and National Guard troops in the nation’s capital is reducing the number of available U.S. Marshals who are tasked with providing courtroom security in DC Superior Court

While arrests by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are up 28 percent during the federal deployment to more than 2,500 from about 1,900 during the same period last year, the number of security personnel inside courtrooms at the DC Superior Courthouse protecting staff and the public has wavered.

Based on observations over the last week by D.C. Witness reporters, who monitor felony proceedings daily, a typical security complement includes two-to-three U.S. Marshals and one District Security Officer (DSO).

A public affairs spokesman for the marshals says courtroom security has not been compromised during the surge but acknowledges that some non-deputy personnel have been called in as necessary back up. The DC Superior Court spokesman said the security situation in the building is no different than it was pre-deployment. However, D.C. Witness has tracked a reduction.

Checking felony courtrooms on Sept. 8, Reginald Steele is on trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt for the gang-related fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020.

D.C. Witness only observed one U.S. Marshal and a single lower-level DSO standing guard in the courtroom.

Meanwhile, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard another gang-related homicide case. Only one marshal was providing security there along with one DSO.

In DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe’s courtroom, D.C. Witness covered three felony proceedings–one involved the shooting of the suspect’s ex-stepfather. The other two matters were carjackings with the defendants’ entering a plea agreement. There were two marshals present, but no DSOs.

Two serious shooting cases came before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel, but no U.S. Marshals, and only two DSOs, were protecting her courtroom.

A source familiar with DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s docket says the courtroom typically has one or two marshals on duty but last week they averaged just one.

On the other hand, a source working with DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro says the number of security personnel there has remained steady during the federal troop surge.

The courtrooms don’t look that different to Todd Baldwin who heads the Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association. “No, I haven’t really noticed that. But I haven’t been really looking either,” says Baldwin whose group handles most indigent clients facing criminal prosecution.

While the reduction noticed by D.C. Witness seems tied to the surge, another courthouse source who represents both felony and misdemeanor clients, has been plagued by a personnel shortage in recent years. According to the source, priority is given to felony cases over misdemeanor cases, resulting in the latter being delayed.

There have been no significant breaches of DC Superior Court security that have been reported since the surge. However, courtrooms can be very emotional environments and violent outbursts are not uncommon and frequently handled by security personnel.

Defendant With No Criminal History Sentenced to Four Years For Armed Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced an armed carjacking defendant with no prior convictions to four years of imprisonment on Aug. 22.

On March 3, Lamontee Fowler, 21, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking and endangerment with a firearm for pistol-whipping a victim’s head and fleeing with their vehicle and threatening a second victim with a gun and stealing her vehicle.

The first incident occurred on the 4400 block of Texas Avenue, SE on April 27, 2024, and the second occurred on the 4200 block of D Street, SE on May 2, 2023.

The prosecution asked the court to sentence Fowler to the mandatory minimum of 15 years for the armed carjacking and 24 months for the endangerment with a firearm. The prosecutor said they take no position on the court imposing the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

The judge said the prosecution requesting 15 years contradicts its taking no position on the YRA because if the court sentences Fowler under the District Law, the sentence would likely be less than 15 years.

The prosecution altered its request, saying it opposes the court imposing the act, only to later clarify it holds no position.

“We’ve had three articulated positions during the short hearing already,” Judge Salerno said.

Because the prosecution ultimately made the latter request , Judge Salerno clarified the prosecution is not against a sentence below the mandatory minimum.

The prosecution asked that Fowler receive three years of supervised release following his incarceration and described his behavior as “violent and terrifying.”

“The dangerousness of both acts cannot be understated,” the prosecutor explained.

Despite urging the court to hold Fowler fully accountable, the prosecution acknowledged the defendant’s youth and said he is capable of becoming a “productive member of society.”

Defense attorney Hannah Akintoye said Fowler should receive benefits of the YRA and requested a sentence below the mandatory minimum because “he’s still developing now, and these are very, very critical years in his life.”

Akintoye added he had a relatively “stable life” before committing these offenses. He had a job before being incarcerated and recently realized “he got so far off track from where he was.”

She also said he has endured many stressors that contributed to his actions, including neurological deficiencies, and becoming a young parent.

Akintoye argued that Fowler can be a law-abiding and productive citizen, as he has been working towards a future as an electrician.

Fowler later apologized to all families involved.

“I’m gonna do the programs, get a job, take care of my son, and do whatever needs to be done to make sure I don’t end up here again,” Fowler said.

Judge Salerno said Fowler seemed to be more stable when given support and believes he does not need to be sentenced to 15 years but requires a “significant period of supervision afterwards” and time to reflect.

The judge sentenced Fowler to 120 months–all of which are suspended except for 48–under the YRA with three years of supervised release suspended and three years of probation for armed carjacking. He also imposed a concurrent sentence of 12 months under the YRA for endangerment with a firearm. The periods of supervised release and probation are concurrent as well.

He must register as a gun offender in DC when released.

No future dates were scheduled.

Stabbing Defendant Keeps Talking, Removed by Marshals

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing after a boisterous proceeding on Aug. 29 before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Anthony Nowlin, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing a juvenile victim on Aug. 26 at the L’enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, leaving the victim with a cut on one of his fingers.

According to court documents, the victim said he and Nowlin boarded the same train, and Nowlin touched the victim and made advances toward him. The victim allegedly punched Nowlin several times. As the victim stepped off the train, Nowlin allegedly slashed one of his fingers with a knife.

During the hearing, Thomas Key, Nowlin’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

The prosecution referred to Nowlin’s actions as “borderline hate crime behavior,” that triggered Nowlin’s talking in spite of his attorney’s efforts to quiet him down.

The court later had Nowlin removed by a U.S Marshal and a District Security Officer (DSO) since he was unable to keep quiet.

Key asked the court to release Nowlin on GPS monitoring, arguing the technology would restrict Nowlin’s movements and keep him away from the victim.

Judge Glover stated he could not formulate release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community. Nowlin remains detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 29.

Mass Shooting Defendant Wants to Withdraw Guilty Plea at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson appointed conflict counsel in a shooting case after the defendant wanted to withdraw his guilty plea at sentencing on Sept. 4.

On Jan. 22, Jaylaun Brown, 23, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in a mass shooting that injured seven people on Jan. 21, 2023 on the 1400 block of 9th Street, NW.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of three years of imprisonment.

On Aug. 15, after multiple continuations of the sentencing requested by the defense, Judge Dayson imposed a three year sentence and denied the request for Brown to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

However, Judge Dayson also granted the defense’s request to delay the finalization of the sentence until Sept. 4 in order for Brown to go over all case material with his attorneys.

During the Sept. 4 hearing, Terrence Austin, Brown’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to file a motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Austin alerted Judge Dayson it is unclear if part of the reason Brown plans to withdraw it is due to ineffective representation by counsel.

Judge Dayson appointed Destiny-Fullwood Singh as a conflict counsel, who will determine if his withdrawal of the plea is due to Austin and Theodore Shaw, Brown’s other attorney, not being effective.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11.

June Homicide Statistics Show 12 Homicides, 4 Arrests

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 12 homicide incidents in June, accounting for 20 victims.

As of Sept. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified and arrested six suspects.

According to MPD documents, Maurice Gaskins, 47, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Deandre Lewis on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE, on June 27.

Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jalen Lucas, both 17, were arrested and charged as adults under Title 16 with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old United States House of Representatives intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym on June 30. The incident occurred on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW, and wounded two other victims. Police are searching for a third suspect.

MPD also identified 25-year-old Leslie Flores, who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed, due to her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Jonathan Fuentes-Ferrufino on June 8 in a residence on the 4100 block of 7th Street, NW.

Deja Hines, 25, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Devante Offutt, 30, in the 2400 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on June 13.

The final identified suspect, Kyree Young, 17, was charged under Title 16 as an adult for first-degree murder while armed on June 24, due to his alleged involvement in a fatal pedestrian hit and run at the intersection of 12th and U Streets, NW, which killed 55-year-old Donnel Bracket Phillips.

MPD has not identified suspects for the remaining eight reported homicide incidents.

According to MPD, one incident involved 31-year-old Breon Quick, who was shot and killed on June 9 in a shooting that wounded three other victims on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE.

A double homicide killed 30-year-old Quonzay Lynch and 41-year-old Cortney Burley near the 1800 block of D Street, NE, on June 22.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

June 2025 Homicides in Washington, D.C. (Symbol map)

Prosecutors Say Homicide Defendant Sought ‘Revenge, Retaliation, and Retribution’ in Opening Argument

A jury in DC Superior Court Justice Rainey Brandt’s courtroom heard opening statements and multiple witness testimonies on Sept. 3 in connection to a homicide case.

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. One of the shootings was the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes, at the 600 block of S St. NW on March 1, 2020. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident.

The other shootings Steele is alleged to have been involved in include a non-fatal shooting on March 1, 2020 at the unit block of Channing St, 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.

The prosecution began its opening statement with lyrics said to be rapped by the defendant in one of his songs. The prosecutor stated that the lyrics portray Steele’s desire for “revenge, retaliation, and retribution” for the murder of his friend Tahlil Byrd. Byrd was killed on the 600 block of S Street, NW on Sept. 29, 2019; the same block Lukes was also fatally shot.

According to the prosecution, Lukes was killed as a result of alleged beef between neighborhood crews.

The prosecution asserted that Steele showed deliberation in his alleged involvement in Lukes’ death. Additionally, the prosecution outlined that after Lukes was shot, Steele and his accomplices, who have all been convicted of the crimes already, drove to the unit block of Channing Street, NE and discharged seven shots. Shell casings were also left at this scene.

The prosecution also claimed that on Feb. 22, 2020 the defendant was involved in another shooting that resulted from a “senseless escalation of words.”

According to prosecutors, the shell casings being consistent across all three shootings reveal a “signature” of the defendant, meaning an action or behavior that a person completes after the crime for gratification.

The prosecution claimed cellphone data, GPS tracking, DNA, video surveillance, fingerprint matching, and ballistic evidence will help prove Steele’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Gemma Stevens, Steele’s attorney, countered that Steele is innocent. She claimed that the evidence provided to the jury would never explicitly show Steele discharging a firearm.

According to Stevens, cellphone data only applies to the location of a person’s device, not the individual themselves.

She argued that DNA evidence “has no expiration date” and can show up somewhere for many reasons other than a person’s direct presence. Stevens also noted that it’s not possible to determine if two shell casings came from the same firearm.

Stevens acknowledged the tragedy of Lukes’ death and asked the jurors to “evaluate everything against Mr. Steele fairly and justly.”

She implored the jury to remember that the defendant maintains innocence unless the jury unanimously decides he is guilty, and concluded by telling the jury the only appropriate verdict is “not guilty.”

Following opening statements the prosecution called Lukes’ mother.

She testified that Lukes was taken to Children’s National Hospital immediately following the shooting. When she arrived, she learned he had already passed away.

Prosecutors also called multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers from the time of the incident.

One MPD officer’s testimony focused on the immediate response to the shooting. Body-worn camera footage was shown to the jury, depicting the officer encountering the presumably lifeless body of an individual, later identified as Lukes, sprawled on the ground. “They shot my man,” yelled one juvenile in the video.

The video depicted the officer immediately rendering aid to Lukes, while calling over the radio for other officers to apprehend the remaining three juveniles seen running away from the scene.

Another MPD officer testified to arriving on the scene to find other officers handcuffing the three juveniles a short distance away from where Lukes was found.

This officer’s body-worn camera footage was also shown, picturing the juveniles handcuffed and appearing to be in distress. The juveniles were “frantic, scared, and experiencing a trauma,” described the officer.

Cross examination from the defense focused on whether the juveniles described seeing anyone else in the area following the shooting. The officer answered that none of the three boys reported any other cars or people of note in the area.

The officer then testified that he left the scene, and followed the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) with Lukes to Children’s Hospital. Lukes’ clothes were retrieved and given to a crime scene technician.

An additional MPD officer described his encounter with the three apprehended juveniles.

The officer testified that he was familiar with the group from seeing them ride bikes and play in the area often, adding that he has never had a negative interaction with the group. “Just kids being kids,” the officer responded when the defense questioned him on his interactions with the juveniles.

The officer’s body-worn camera footage revealed that one of the other juveniles was also shot in the incident. He immediately began rendering aid to the juvenile.

The officer concluded his testimony by detailing his attempt to de-escalate the situation and calming all three juveniles. “The child started coming out of him,” stated the officer, describing the many questions the injured juvenile was asking while showing signs of fear.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 4.

Judge Nixes Mother’s Request for Judge to Have ‘A Little Bit of Faith’ in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a carjacking defendant to 12 years in prison on Aug. 29.

On June 23, Erick Alvarenga, 19, and Malik Kearney, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm for their involvement in two incidents in 2024.

The first incident took place on the 6100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, on Dec. 28, 2024, and the second took place on the 4200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE, on Jan. 3.

During the hearing, Kearney’s sentencing was postponed to allow the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) additional time to evaluate his mental competency.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10 for Kearney.

At the Aug. 29 hearing, the prosecution began their argument explaining that the victim from the Dec. 28 carjacking “did not want to have to relive the experience,” so would not be testifying, and that the victim from the Jan. 3 carjacking had no victim impact statement.

The prosecution asked Judge Hertzfeld for 84 months for each count of unarmed carjacking, and five years for each charge of possession of a firearm during a violent offense.

They also requested the sentences be served consecutively, highlighting the crimes stemmed from different incidents with different victims.

The prosecution sourced a video of the Jan. 3 offense, saying that prohibition isn’t appropriate and that the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) “is not earned now but later,” and even if Alvarenga did get a lighter sentence under the act, that it should include 180 hours of community service and 3 years of supervised prohibition. The YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Alvarenga’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Paige White, argued in response that Alvarenga should be sentenced under the YRA because the legislative intent of the act is to “give a second chance” to youth offenders.

White highlighted Alvarenga’s troubled past, pointing out that his criminal activity started after losses of loved ones in his life. Further, she also invited Alvarenga’s mother to the defense table, who asked the judge to have “a little bit of faith” in her son.

Alvarenga read a letter to Judge Hertzfeld about his time in jail, reflecting on his actions and his intent to do better and get help.

However, Judge Hertzfeld, who stated she has tried Alvarenga for previous similar crimes, stated “We’ve been around this block before.” She imposed a sentence of 60 months for each count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, as well as 84 months for each count of carjacking, followed by three years of supervised release. This would equate to 14 years in prison and three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set for Alvarenga.

No Probable Cause For Murder Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found that the prosecution failed to meet the probable cause standard to charge an individual for a homicide during hearings on Sept. 2 and 4.

Tarik Settles, 30, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Dar’Juan McRoy on April 22 on the 2900 block of Knox Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, McRoy was shot seven times by an unidentified shooter and pronounced dead on the scene. When officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived on the scene due to gunshot alerts, they located a trail of bullet casings from the scene to the street. These casings were consistent with a firearm later located on Settles’ person during his arrest on Aug. 14.

During Settles’ preliminary hearing, the prosecution called on the lead detective from MPD to testify.

According to the prosecution, Settles, who was not charged as a shooter, aided and abetted the shooter by driving him to and from the scene, and had prior knowledge that the shooting was going to occur.

The detective made the original identification of Settles and the suspect who shot McRoy using security camera footage of the two individuals at a liquor store before the incident.

The detective testified to a series of events captured by surveillance footage, including footage that was said to show the shooter canvassing the scene with Settles before the shooting. Following that the detective testified to surveillance footage showing the shooter pulling Settles aside and conversing in the street.

After the shooting, surveillance footage showed Settles picking up the shooter in his vehicle from a nearby dumpster. The prosecution argued there would be no way for Settles to know the shooter’s location post-shooting without prior communication, indicating potential foreknowledge of the event.

According to the prosecution, there are “too many coincidences” to deny probable cause for a mens rea, or the intention to kill McRoy.

Cross-examining the witness, defense attorney Molly Bunke argued that the prosecution offered no evidence that Settles shared the shooter’s intent, given that there was no direct evidence of communication via cell phone, no camera footage showing when the shooter left Settles’ car, and no definitive evidence otherwise to suggest that Settles knew about the shooter’s intent to murder.

Bunke argued that it is not enough to “have some idea that something might happen,” and that the charge of first-degree premeditated murder is “too far for those assumptions to go.”

This case, according to Bunke, is “built entirely on speculation and assumptions.”

Judge Edelman, in a ruling on Sept. 4, found that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to prove that Settles shared the shooter’s intent.

According to Judge Edelman, the court has no evidence that Settles knew about the shooter’s firearm or that Settles dropped the shooter off at the scene.

Additionally, there is no evidence of prior planning except for the brief conversation between Settles and the shooter before the incident, and the court does not know what the conversation was about.

Judge Edelman ultimately dismissed the case because of the lack of evidence, despite the victim’s family’s discontent.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Seeking Two Suspects in Southeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking two suspects in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 26 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom of Southeast, DC, was found with a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Surveillance footage captured images of the suspects, and the MPD is requesting public assistance in identifying them.

Point Blank Homicide Nets 20-to-26 Years in Prison

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 5.

Antoine Turner, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Demeitri Anderson on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE, on Nov. 29, 2020.

According to court documents, Anderson died from 13 gunshot wounds to his head, face and body.

Prior to the hearing, the prosecution and defense reached an agreement. It required that Turner plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for all additional weapon possession charges be dismissed. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 20-to-26 years of imprisonment.

The plea deal requires the prosecution to also drop all charges related to a stabbing case in 2024. Turner must register as a gun offender in the District.

The prosecution noted an objection from Anderson’s loved ones, who were present in the courtroom. They would like to see Turner serve the 40 year maximum sentence outlined in the second-degree murder statute.

Judge Ryan accepted the attorneys’ plea agreement, binding him to the 20-to-26 year sentence instead of a maximum of 40 year sentence.

Turner agreed to the facts presented by the prosecutor that justify his guilty plea.

“The defendant approached the victim, Demeitri Anderson, from behind and shot him repeatedly in the back of the head and body,” the prosecution said.

“As the officer approached Turner, the officer observed him with an orange hood over his head and with a gun in his hand as he ran directly in front of the officer’s car. The defendant threw the handgun to the street then got into the red Nissan and fled the scene.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 7 for sentencing.

Judge Grants ‘Unusually Responsible’ Homicide Defendant Leeway on Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edleman granted a motion to modify a homicide defendant’s home confinement conditions on Sept. 2.

Jose Ramos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Eduardo Cruz, 58, on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NE on Jan. 25, 2022.

Defense attorney Alvin Thomas motioned to modify Ramos’ current 24-hour home confinement with permission to attend his two jobs and alcoholic anonymous (AA) meetings. The new motion sought additional permissions for the defendant to care for his aging father and attend a religious class.

These new requests would have the defendant released from home confinement from 6 a. m. to 9 p. m. on Tuesdays.

The prosecution did not object to the request regarding the defendant’s father, but objected to the the request for the class. The prosecutor said attending a religion class was “optional” and not necessary for religious practice. The prosecution also voiced concerns about the amount of time the defendant would spend outside of the previously ruled 24-hour confinement.

Judge Edelman found neither request to be unusual and stated that the court is “not in the position to say what is or is not essential to someone’s religion.”

The judge granted the motion, noting that the defendant was “unusually responsible” during home confinement, and claimed he didn’t think these requests would create an issue for community safety.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.

Teen Carjacker Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced an adolescent carjacker with a history of prior crimes to five years in prison on Sept. 5.

On April 4, Demonta King, 19, pleaded guilty to armed robbery and armed carjacking for his involvement in a Nov. 18, 2024 incident on the 4000 block of Fort Totten Drive, NE.

According to court documents, a 78 year-old owner and taxicab operator was stabbed and carjacked during the incident.

King was accompanied in the courtroom by his mother, father, and sister. Defense attorney Mark Rollins claimed that King suffered from a traumatic childhood, which influenced his history of violent behavior.

“I get into moods where I use my past trauma to use excuses to harm other people,” King said. “I’m not making excuses anymore.”

The defense requested that given King’s age, it made him a potential candidate for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows young defendant’s convictions be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. Rollins requested Judge Di Toro impose a seven year sentence with five years of supervised release.

“If you take him out of the community for six or seven years, you will see a different man,” Rollins said. “We cannot warehouse our young people so that they come out in 20 years and expect them to be different.”

The prosecution argued that King has had an extensive history with armed carjackings and robberies, and that King views his actions as a source of entertainment. At the time of this incident, King was probation for similar crimes.

Judge Di Toro told King, “I believe you when you say that’s not who you are, but this is not how you go,” and denied Rollin’s request to sentence him under the YRA.

Di Toro sentenced King to 60 months of imprisonment with five years of supervised release for each charge, with his sentences running concurrently.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Sentenced to Probation in Taco Bell Stabbing

A defendant was sentenced in a non-fatal stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 2.

On June 24, Tyra Redad, 34, pleade guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing at a Taco Bell on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW on Dec. 1, 2024.

The prosecution asked for an immediate six month sentence with credit for time served along with a year of supervised probation. Prosecutors cited the violent nature of the crime.

Alvin Thomas, defense lawyer for Redad, argued that while the case did not meet the legal definition of self defense, Redad was intervening on behalf of a friend who she believed could have been in danger. He said her alleged intentions did not merit any time added to her incarceration.

Redad was sentenced to six months in jail–all suspended– one year of supervised probation, and was ordered to complete 90 hours of community service.

No further dates were set.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Sentenced as Repeat Offender

A non-fatal shooting defendant was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm, landing him over 64 months in prison before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Sept. 5.

Daniel Griffin, 32, pleaded guilty on March 31 to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4300 block of Burroughs Ave, NE on May 27.

According to court documents, Griffin fired approximately 14 shots from a white Honda Accord towards another vehicle.

Following Griffin’s plea, both parties debated sentencing.

Griffin has a prior criminal history score of seven–putting him in the highest of five categories used in sentencing guidelines– and prosecutors noted the seriousness of the current offense. The prosecution requested that Griffin serve a 32 month sentence.

Defense attorney Mark Rollins addressed the fact that Griffin had been before Judge Di Toro for sentencing. Rollins then noted that Griffin had accepted responsibility for his actions, and was complying with the court, with hopes of running his time concurrently.

Di Toro said she was not only concerned with the nature of the events, but also with the expressions Griffin gave of his victim during his pre-sentening report.

“This is a difficult case,” Di Toro said, noting the fact that this will be Griffin’s sixth adult conviction, which occurred while he was already on supervised release for attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin in 2018.

Di Toro sentenced Griffin to 42 months with three years of supervised release for one charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and one charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. The terms are set to run concurrently with credit for time served. Once on supervised release, Griffin must also complete a mental health assessment and comply with any recommended forms of treatment offered.

No further dates were set.

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