Judge Schedules Hearing to Determine Where to Place Competent Murder Defendant

On Oct. 6, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled an evidentiary hearing to determine where a murder defendant should be housed now that he has been ruled competent to stand trial.

Bratrell Hawkins is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of Xavier Tate. The 26-year-old victim was shot to death on Jan. 5 on the 1400 block of Third Street, SW.

Hawkins, 27, is currently being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, where he has been since early February.

On Sept. 8, defense attorney Laura Rose told Judge Neal Kravitz that their expert found Hawkins, 27, marginally competent to stand trial, but unlikely to maintain competency if brought to DC Jail.

The expert recommended that the defendant stay at St. Elizabeth’s. However, the prosecution argued that the defendant should be transferred to DC Jail since he is competent.

Judge Kravitz gave the defense until Sept. 18 to share a comprehensive report from the expert with both him and the prosecution.

During the Oct. 6 status hearing, the prosecution said that Rose omitted several documents from the report before sharing it with them. The prosecution argued that the missing documents should be produced, but Rose disagreed.

She said she omitted the documents because of privacy concerns.

Parties could not come to an agreement.

Judge Kravitz ruled that both parties must produce all materials underlying their respective expert’s opinions by Oct. 22.

The next hearing, scheduled on Nov. 5, will address Hawkins placement from the materials and experts’ opinions.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick

Defendant Pleads Guilty to DUI

On Oct. 6, a defendant entered into a Deferred Sentencing Agreement (DSA) for her DUI charge.

The defendant pleaded guilty to driving under the influence. She picked up the case after Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a crash on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW on Jan. 12. When the officers arrived at the scene they found the 26-year-old in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, which had collided with a median. She failed a sobriety test.

As part of the plea agreement with the prosecution, her driving a vehicle while impaired charge was dropped.

Conditions of the DSA include 40 hours of community service, participation in a traffic program, attend an online victim impact panel and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund.

If the defendant completes her requirements within the three month deferment period, her guilty plea will be withdrawn and her case dismissed.

“Good luck, and thanks for taking responsibility early,” the judge told her.

The defendant completed the requirements of the agreement in January. The case was dismissed.

Crime Alerts: October 5-6

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 6, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 4:34 a.m. for a shooting on the 1800 block of 3rd Street, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s) at this time.

Another alert for a shooting was sent at 3:45 a.m. on the 1200 block of 1st Street, NE. Police are looking for 3-5 males wearing all black clothing.

The final alert was sent at 9:02 p.m. for a shooting investigation on the 400 block of Orange Street, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

Document: Homicide in Northwest, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a homicide that happened on Oct. 5.

At around 2:33 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of 1^st Street, NW after hearing the sound of gunshots. There, they found Demetri Harvin suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Harvin, a 33 year-old resident of Northwest, DC, was taken to the hospital, but ultimately died.

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Document: Man with No Fixed Address Killed in Northeast, DC

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

At around 12:24 a.m., responded to the 1700 block of Lang Place, NE for the report of a shooting. There, they found Orlando Miller suffering from a gunshot wound.

Miller, a 45 year-old with no fixed address, was pronounced dead on the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner preformed and autopsy and determined that Miller was killed by a single gunshot wound. His death was ruled a homicide.

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Judge Issues Two Bench Warrants in Show Cause Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge presided over four pretrial and three probation show cause hearings on Oct. 5.

Edward Everstine did not show up to his pretrial show cause hearing because he is incarcerated in Florida.

Everstine, 29, is charged with accessory after the fact.

On Jan. 26, Angel Moses allegedly stabbed Anthony Williams at Union Station Metro Station after she said he refused to sell her drugs. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood. Fifteen minutes later Williams was pronounced dead.

Moses is charged with second-degree murder while armed in Williams’ death.

Everstine was allegedly handed the knife by Moses. Everstine allegedly placed it in his duffle-bag and fled on the red-line Metro towards Shady Grove.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers apprehended Everstine a few minutes later at the Metro Center Station, where he was asleep in a red-line metro car, according to court documents. Once he was searched they found the knife in his blood stained duffle-bag.

The prosecution said that Everstein also currently has ongoing charges in Maryland, Virginia and Florida.

Judge Julie Becker issued a bench warrant to serve as a detainer.

Aloysius Carter did not show up to his pretrial show cause hearing because he is being held on charges he picked up after his last show cause hearing on Sept. 25.

Carter, 61, is charged with attempted threats for allegedly telling an 11 year-old boy and his siblings that he would kill them outside a corner store on the 3400 block of Dix Street, NE on June 23. He was then charged with contempt on Sept. 2 for allegedly violating his release conditions.

During his Sept. 25 hearing, Judge Becker told Carter that his compliance would have to be perfect going forward to remain on pretrial release.

However, on Oct. 1, Carter picked up three more cases. In two of them, he is charged with contempt. In the other, he is charged with GPS tampering.

Defense attorney John Sample said his client has the tendency to lash out.

Judge Becker scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 21.

Judge Becker terminated Daeshawn Brown’s probation as unsuccessful.

Brown, 21, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business in January. He was sentenced to six months, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements.

The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) reported that Brown has been completely non compliant. They reported that he has violated curfew multiple times, hung up on CSOSA after not contacting them for months and frequently hung out in high crime areas.

Both the prosecution and CSOSA request that the probation be revoked.

“The arrest and conviction is going to follow you in a way it wouldn’t have,” said Judge Becker. “This outcome is not what I would’ve wanted.”

Brown will not be taken to DC Jail, but the conviction will now remain on his record.

Malcolm Cobb was virtually present for his probation show cause hearing.

Cobb was sentenced to 90 days, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation for second-degree theft in April 2019. Per his release, Cobb must undergo mental health and drug abuse treatment.

Cobb recently checked himself into a treatment center for a 28 days program, so Judge Becker continued the show cause hearing to Dec. 7.

Judge Becker continued Darryl Mathews’ pretrial show cause hearing to give him more time to come into compliance with his pretrial release conditions.

Matthews, 37, is charged with unlawful entry onto private property for allegedly entering a 7-11 and an apartment complex from which he had previously been barred. Matthews also had a bench warrant for his arrest in a previous simple assault case.

Matthews’ next show cause hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5.

Malique Jackson was absent from his probation show cause hearing.

Jackson was sentenced under the YRA to 180 days, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation for simple assault.

While on probation, Jackson has been re-arrested three times in Maryland and has been a loss of contact with CSOSA since Nov. 19.

Defense attorney Sellano Simmons said he does not know his client’s whereabouts.

Judge Becker issued a bench warrant for Jackson’s arrest.

Angelique Brown was also missing from her probation show cause hearing.

Brown, 26, was sentenced under the YRA to 60 days, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation for simple assault. She picked up the charge after she ran out into the road to stop a metro bus and, once on board, assaulted the bus driver.

Brown was regularly checking in with CSOSA, but she then lost contact completely.

Defense attorney, Justin Okezie, requested that Judge Becker not issue a bench warrant and continue the show cause until February. Brown is due then for a court date to address her re-arrest for unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and disorderly conduct.

Judge Becker agreed to continue the show cause until Feb. 3.

This article was written by Sierra Robbins

10 Defendants Held During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 5, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 37 defendants and held 10 defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

Terrell Poe, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed. On Sept. 23, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located on the 4600 Block of South Capitol Street, SW heard gunshots. Upon canvassing the area, MPD discovered an individual on the 400 Block of Southern Avenue, SE unconscious and not breathing.

The prosecution mentioned that Poe was on supervision for armed robbery at the time of the murder and had fallen out of compliance after the murder took place. Judge Crowell also mentioned Poe’s criminal history and ordered him held as he could not guarantee the safety of the community.

Steven Tyler, 42, is charged in two separate cases. In one case Tyler is charged with violating the Bail Reform Act (BRA), and in the second case he is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Judge Crowell ordered Tyler be held in the felony matter citing his criminal history. Judge Crowell said that the defendant seemed to be noncompliant with previous release conditions, and he could not guarantee that the defendant would be compliant now.

Tyrone Dawkins, 46, is charged in two separate cases. His charges are assaulting a police officer and attempted threats to do bodily harm in one case and another attempted threats charge in the other case. According to court documents, Dawkins spat at an MPD officer and threatened to kill him.

Judge Crowell ordered the defendant held due to his long criminal history and said he could not guarantee the safety of the community.

A male defendant was charged with misdemeanor sex abuse and assaulting a police officer. When stopped by MPD, the defendant was allegedly combative and spat at officers.

Judge Crowell cited the defendant’s criminal history that included a significant amount of crimes similar in nature to the defendant’s current case and the multiple executed bench warrants mentioned in the defendant’s criminal history report as well.

Eli Washingon is a fugitive from justice where he is wanted in Virginia for kidnapping, domestic assault and battery. The Virginia authorities informed the prosecution they were willing to extradite Washington. After speaking with his defense counsel, Washington waived his right to an extradition hearing and will wait for authorities to pick him up from DC Jail.

Darryl Smith, 36, is charged in two new cases and was also brought in on two bench warrants for failing to appear at his hearings. In his two new cases, he is charged with BRA and being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted in Maryland for failing to appear at his hearing, in which he is charged with homicide.

After speaking to his counsel, Smith waived his right to an extradition hearing and will wait for Maryland authorities to pick him up from DC Jail to settle his fugitive matter. Judge Crowell also held him on the bench warrants, but released him on the BRA case. His defense counsel ordered a medical alert, as Smith is wheelchair bound due to a gunshot wound.

A male domestic violence defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly pointed a loaded pistol at family members.

Judge Crowell listed the weapons and ammunition that were found in the defendant’s room, saying it was a very serious charge. Due to his conduct, Judge Crowell ordered the defendant to be held. Judge Crowell also granted the prosecution’s request for a mental evaluation.

Jose Lemus, 32, is charged with assaulting a police officer and possession of a prohibited weapon. After responding to a noise complaint, MPD allegedly witnessed Lemus striking a wall with a hammer. According to court documents, MPD asked Lemus if he was injured, to which he responded he was not and subsequently asked for a knife so that he could cut the officers at the scene.

Judge Crowell ordered the defendant held, citing Lemus’ history of assault cases. One of his previous cases was at the same location as his new case.

Michelle Carberry, 28, is charged with second-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to court documents, Carberry was witnessed on camera allegedly concealing items on her person. Carberry was escorted to the security office onsite and searched. MPD allegedly found the unpaid items and drug paraphernalia in the defendant’s bag.

Judge Crowell ordered the defendant held, saying she had multiple theft cases form just this year alone, and he could not guarantee the defendant would comply with release conditions.

Breon Fowler, 27, is charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. On Oct. 4, MPD was approaching a group of individuals, when Fowler grabbed a bag and attempted to flee. Judge Crowell said that his criminal history consisted of three robbery convictions.

Fowler’s defense counsel asked Judge Crowell to place him on home confinement as he has a newborn child. Judge Crowell responded “I am consistent. If you get caught with a firearm and already have a firearms conviction, I’m going to hold you.”

Of those released, nine did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution. There were eight additional domestic violence cases, and all of the defendants were released with either stay-away or no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking (HATS) orders.

There were twelve misdemeanor cases, four felony cases, two traffic cases and two bench warrant cases that were all released by Judge Crowell with various release conditions.

One defendant was supposed to appear in court for their hearing as they were sent a judicial summons, but they failed to appear, so Judge Crowell issued a bench warrant for their arrest.

Judge Accepts Motion for New Council

A DC Superior Court judge accepted a request to appoint a new defense attorney for a felony defendant.

Raymond Furman was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to kill while armed in 2017. In 2018, he was indicted on charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, simple assault and obstruction of justice. He is currently being held at DC Jail.

The prosecution filed a motion to appoint new counsel for the defendant on Sept. 2.

Since the case opened, multiple defense attorneys have withdrawn. In 2019, Furman filed a motion for his case to be dismissed on the argument that his constitutional right to a speedy trial was violated, but the motion has yet to be heard due to changing lawyers and the delays resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Neal Kravitz agreed with the prosecution that new counsel was necessary before considering the motion for dismissal.

Judge Kravitz hopes to ascertain a new attorney by Furman’s next hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 9.

Judge Holds Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge decided to hold a defendant charged with the murder of an 11 year-old boy.

Marcel Gordon and his three co-defendants are charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of Davon McNeal. McNeal was fatally shot on July 4 on the 1400 block of Cedar Street, SE.

The Oct. 5 bond review hearing was scheduled to determine if Gordon, 25, could be put on pretrial release. Gordon was screened and deemed eligible for the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

The prosecution argued that Gordon should be held, citing a prior weapon possession charge from 2016. The charge in that case was dropped, but the prosecution argued it demonstrates that Gordon is a danger to the community.

“I looked at the docket in court view for the 2016 case and the defendant was in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol outside Cedar Street which is the same block as this incident,” said Judge Neal Kravitz. “It’s highly relevant that, less than four years earlier, on the same block, the defendant is out in the community with a loaded pistol.”

Gordon’s attorney, Howard McEachern, said his client was not convicted for that charge and it was only a possessory offense. Gordon has a place to stay in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Judge Kravitz ultimately ruled that no release conditions would ensure the community’s safety.

Gordon was the last of the four co-defendants to be taken into custody. He turned himself in to authorities on Aug. 31.

The other three, Carlo General, Christen Wingfield and Daryle Bond, are being held because of pending cases or past convictions of firearms charges, which Judge Kravitz argued would make them a danger to the community.

The co-defendants’ next hearing, a felony status conference, is scheduled for Jan. 8.

Judge Sentences Felony Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant in a felony case that dates back to 2017.

In March, Christopher Sanders pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for shooting a victim multiple times during a dispute on May 17, 2017.

As part of a plea deal, the prosecution dropped his other charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly, possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device and unlawful possession of ammunition.

During the Oct. 5 hearing, defense attorney Mani Golzari pointed out that Sanders, 33, has successfully complied with his pretrial release under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) for the past three years and a half years.

Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced the defendant to 24 months, all of which was suspended, plus two years of probation for carrying a pistol without a license. Sanders was sentenced to 60 months, all of which was suspended, plus two years of probation for the assault charge.

Both the sentences and the probations will run concurrent to one another.

As conditions of his probation for the assault charge, Sanders must maintain employment, not possess any firearms and participate in an anger management program.

Sanders must also pay a total of $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC.)

Yasmeen McGettrick

Document: Police Seeks Public’s Assistance Locating Escapee

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking the public’s help locating a man who escaped from St. Elizabeths Hospital while awaiting sentencing for first-degree murder.

Bernard Coleman III escaped from the hospital on Oct. 4.

Coleman, 27, is described as a 6’0” Black male who weighs around 145 pounds. He has a medium complexion, black hair and brown eyes.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for First-Degree Murder while Armed

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made an arrest in connection with a homicide that happened on Sept. 23.

At around 2:44 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE after hearing the sound of gunshots. There, they found Christopher Washington, a 30 year-old resident of Southeast, DC, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

On Oct. 4, 33 year-old Edward Poe of Waldrorf, Md., was transported to the homicide branch.

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Document: Arrests Made in Robbery Cases

Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Criminal Investigations Division announced arrests that were made in recent robbery cases.

On Oct. 1, on the 1500 block of 17^th Street, NW, the suspect approached the victim and demanded property. The victim was struck with a flower pot after not complying.

A 37-year-old resident of Northwest, DC was arrested for assault with intent to commit robbery.

A 20-year-old was arrested for a robbery that occurred on the 4200 block of Benning Road, NE on Sept. 27. The suspect approached the victim and demanded property while implying he had a gun. The victim complied, and the suspect fled the scene with the victim’s property.

A 23-year-old was arrested for an armed robbery that occurred on the 200 block of 36th Street, SE. Two of the suspects brandished handguns and took the victim’s property. One of the suspects took the victim’s motorcycle, and the other two suspects fled on foot.

A 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested for armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon that occurred on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE on Sept. 26. The suspect approached the victim while brandishing a handgun and assaulted the victim. The suspect took money from the victim before fleeing the scene.

As a reminder, citizens are encouraged to use the Safe Exchange Zones when conducting in-person transactions using online applications such as Craigslist and Offer Up. For more information, please visit: http://mpdc.dc.gov/release/mpd-exchange-zone-locations-reminder

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Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection With Armed Robberies

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection to multiple armed robberies.

Between July 8 and Sept. 18, three armed robberies took place over separate locations in Northeast, DC. The victims all responded to vehicle listings via the “Offer Up” application but were robbed after arriving at the agreed upon location.

An 18-year-old resident of Southeast, DC was arrested and charged with three counts of armed robbery, two counts of simple assault and first degree theft.

Since a handgun was recovered at the time of the arrest, the suspect was also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

These cases remain under investigation. Anyone who has knowledge of these incidents should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

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Judge Reschedules Stalking Defendants Plea

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a felony domestic violence defendant’s hearing due to technical difficulties.

The defendant is charged with stalking.

The defense had intended to take a plea deal during the virtual Oct. 5 hearing. Since both the defendant and victim are Hard of Hearing, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter was present.

However, the defendant was unable to get his screen to focus on the ASL interpreter, so he could not understand the proceedings.

The defendant is released on personal recognizance with orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.) The prosecutor recommended that the defendant appears in person at the DC Superior Courthouse for his next hearing. However, he is currently living in Georgia.

Judge Michael O’Keefe decided to reschedule the hearing to Oct. 8 so the defense could have time to address the technical issues.

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