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8 Defendants Held During Initial Hearings Over the Weekend

On Oct. 3, eight defendants were ordered to be held at DC Jail, while 22 defendants were conditionally released.

A female domestic violence defendant was held. She is charged with contempt of a Civil Protective Order (CPO). DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna ordered the defendant held at DC Jail due to her having violated the CPO multiple times within the last 30 days. Judge McKenna also ordered a medical alert for the defendant.

Gerald Edwards is a fugitive from justice from the state of Maryland, with an underlying charge of homicide. After speaking to his attorney, Edwards decided to waive his right to an extradition hearing and be held at DC Jail. The Maryland authorities have three days to pick Edwards up.

A male domestic violence defendant was charged with simple assault and contempt. Judge McKenna ordered the defendant held since the complainant in his current case is the same in a separate pending case. The defendant has four pending cases in total, three of which are domestic violence matters. 

A second male defendant was held in a domestic violence case. He is being charged with attempted threats to do bodily and simple assault. He is also charged as being a fugitive from the state of Maryland. Judge McKenna ordered the defendant held on both matters, as she said she couldn’t guarantee the defendant would comply with release conditions. 

Najeem Sule, 19, is charged for committing armed robbery. On Oct. 2, he allegedly approached the victim on the 5700 block of 13th Street, NW and asked to use the victim’s cell phone. After the victim dialed the number, Sule brandished a knife and told the victim he was being robbed, according to court documents. Judge McKenna ordered the defendant be held, citing his criminal history. 

William Gonyea, 23, is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. 

According to court documents, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) stopped Gonyea’s vehicle after discovering the tags indicated it was stolen from Colorado. When MPD searched the vehicle, they found marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm equipped with a high capacity magazine. 

Judge McKenna could not guarantee the safety of the community and ordered the defendant to be held.

Christopher Montgomery, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. On Oct. 2, MPD was called to the 200 block of South Carolina Avenue, SE. An injured woman approached police officers and said she had been assaulted by two individuals inside the residence, according to court documents. The victim told MPD that Montgomery had allegedly threatened to kill her with a loaded firearm.

Judge McKenna said despite Montgomery’s limited criminal history, this case is very serious in nature and she ordered Montgomery held.

Lamonte Tate, 18, is charged with committing armed robbery and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. According to court documents, from July 8 to Sept. 19, there were three robberies committed in the same area. Victims of the robberies responded to vehicle listings on the website “OfferUp” and were subsequently robbed at gunpoint.

Despite not having any adult convictions, Judge McKenna could not guarantee the safety of the community, saying the robberies Tate was involved in all showed a fair amount of planning and premeditation.

A 26-year-old defendant charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine was released. He is co-defendants with a held defendant, Tate. Judge McKenna could not find any evidence that this defendant was directly involved with Tate’s activities. They were both arrested under the same search warrant issued by MPD. Depending on the date of Tate’s preliminary hearing, this defendant may return to court before March 5, 2021.

Four domestic violence defendants were released. Three were charged with simple assault and one with attempted threats to do bodily harm. One of the defendants was also charged with the possession of an unregistered firearm. They were all given stay away orders.

A 25-year-old defendant is charged with failing to charge his GPS monitoring device. He was released and ordered to come back into compliance with his release conditions. 

Two defendants are charged with DUI. They were both released and ordered to not drive without a valid permit or under the influence.

Two defendants are charged with drug offenses. One with the distribution of a controlled substance, and the other with the unlawful possession of a liquid (PCP). The defendant charged with PCP possession was given a stay away order.

Another 25-year-old defendant is charged with lewd,  indecent or obscene acts. He was given a stay away order and released.

Two fugitives from justice were released and ordered to surrender themselves to the respective authorities. The fugitive from Maryland has an underlying charge of heroin sale.

Four defendants arrested on bench warrants were all released. Judge McKenna quashed their warrants and ordered them to report to their supervision officers. One defendant has three pending, non-violent misdemeanor cases.

Five defendants with misdemeanor charges were released. The charges included sex abuse, simple assault, credit card fraud and receiving stolen property, the unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and prohibited weapon and unlawful entry into private property. They were all given stay away orders.

Released defendants will return to court on March 5, 2021.

Article written by Caitlyn O’Neil.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Connection with Armed Kidnapping

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek assistance locating a vehicle of interested in connection with an armed kidnapping (gun) that occurred on Oct. 3.

At around 1:05 a.m., suspects approached the victim’s vehicle on the 6500 block of 5th Street, NW. The suspects forced the victim to drive the vehicle to a bank and withdraw money. After the victim complied, the suspects took the vehicle and fled the scene.

The vehicle is described as a red Toyota Corolla with a Maryland license plate. The license plate number is 1CV2126.

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Document: Fatal Shooting in Northwest, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offices are investigating a homicide that happened in the early morning hours of Oct. 5.

At around 1:30 a.m., officers responded to 4900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW for the report of a shooting. There, they found Alexander Nwogu, a 23 year-old resident of Blacksburg, Va., suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Crime Alerts: October 4-5

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 10 a.m. on Oct. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 9:05 a.m. for a robbery on the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a white bandana, glasses, black pants and an Adidas black sweatshirt with white stripes. He was last seen walking on foot towards Kennedy with a medium laundry bag.

Another alert for a robbery was sent at 5:42 a.m. on the 5500 block of 14th Street, NW. Police are looking for three Black males, between 15 and 17 years of age, wearing all black clothing.

Another robbery alert was sent at 3:35 a.m. at the intersection of 13th and Taylor Streets, NW. Police are looking for five to seven Black males between 14 and 17 years of age and 5’8″ to 6’1″ in height.

An alert at 2:39 a.m. was sent for a confirmed shooting on the 4900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Police are looking for two Black males with dark complexions and taller in height. They are possibly wearing New Balance tennis shoes.

The earliest alert was sent at 11:56 p.m. for a shooting on the 4300 block of 40th Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

If anyone has information about these events, police ask that you call 911.

Document: Suspect Sought in Connection with Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating an assault with a knife offense that occurred on Sept. 29 on the 600 block of H Street, NW.

At around 3:24 p.m., the suspect in the incident tried to stab the victim with a knife on the scene. The suspect fled and no injuries were reported.

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Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

At around 3:35 p.m. on Sept. 23, a suspect was arguing with the victim on the 1800 block of Harvard Street, NW. The suspect pulled out a handgun, fired at the victim and then fled the scene.

No injuries were reported.

A suspect was arrested on Oct. 1.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

At around 7:05 p.m. on Oct. 4, a suspect allegedly assaulted the victim with an expandable metal baton on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE. The suspect was arrested by responding officers.

The victim sustained non-like threatening injuries, but refused medical treatment.

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Document: Suspect Sought in Connection with Stabbing

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s help identifying a suspect of an assault with intent to kill while armed offense that happened on Oct. 2.

At around 4:27 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of 35th Street, NE for the report of a stabbing. There, they found an adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A suspect was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

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Judge Finds Probable Cause For 4 Defendants in Murder Hearing

A DC Superior Court judge found that a case for four co-defendants charged with the murder of an 11-year-old boy has enough evidence to go to trial, but with lesser charges than those originally filed.  

The Oct. 2 proceedings concluding the three day long preliminary hearing.

Carlo General, Christen Wingfield, Marcel Gordon and Daryle Bond are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 11-year-old Davon McNeal. The shooting occurred on July 4 on the 1400 block of Cedar Street, SE.

Judge Neal Kravitz did not find probable cause based on the original charges. However, he did find probable cause for second-degree murder while armed for each of the defendants. Their charges were updated accordingly.

Judge Kravitz made his finding under what is known as the “depraved-heart theory of malice.” 

The prosecution argued that the four defendants were acting as one, as they were shown on surveillance footage throughout the neighborhood running while armed. 

The four were allegedly shooting towards an alley that they thought was occupied by a rival neighborhood gang. In the process of shooting, one of the shots killed McNeal, which is what the prosecution argued was transferred intent.

“It’s too ambiguous or speculative that the defendants were trying to kill somebody in that alley,” said Judge Kravitz. 

Bond’s, 19, attorney, James King, argued that there’s no evidence to suggest that his client had an intent to kill anyone. 

“As the video shows…where there are people running across where the decedent died, two people are shown shooting, none of those people are identified as Mr. Bond,” said King. 

However, Judge Kravitz did argue that there was aiding and abetting from Bond. He was identified in the surveillance footage by the detective that was on the stand. King maintained that Bond did not fire his weapon and it was not reckless disregard. 

One of General’s attorneys, Mary Kennedy, argued that there are identification issues for her client. One of the witnesses identified General from an Instagram photo where he is wearing all white, uploaded on the day of the shooting. 

The detective tied General to the shooting based on his clothes, which in Kennedy’s opinion was not sufficient evidence. 

“The identifications are sufficient to show probable cause for all four of the defendants who have been charged,” said Judge Kravitz.

Wingfield’s attorney, Robert Bryan, argued that there was no evidence that his client even fired one shot based on the video footage. 

However, Judge Kravitz said the same thing that he did to King. According to Judge Kravitz, because they were all running together while armed in the videos, there is proof that the defendants are aiding each other.

Gordon’s attorney, Howard McEachern, argued that there were two witnesses near the scene when the incident occurred that did not identify his client. The two witnesses also knew Gordon for many years, which would make it easy for them to identify him, according to McEachern. 

During King’s cross-examination of the detective, a video of an incident from June 29 was used as evidence. 

The video showed a black Audi, in which members of a neighborhood rival, Choppa City, were allegedly driving down the alleyway of the Cedar Gardens neighborhood and fired shots. According to the detective, this was retaliation for a robbery that was committed prior. 

King asked the detective what one of the witnesses said they heard during the incident. The detective said that one of the witnesses said they heard machine guns or assault rifles. 

“Machine guns or assault rifles are also called choppaz in street slang,” said King. “Choppa city is the rival neighborhood gang.”

Judge Kravitz decided to hold Bond, General and Wingfield, 22. All three defendants either have pending cases or have been convicted of firearms charges which Judge Kravitz argued would make them a danger to the community. 

However, Gordon, 25, only has a conviction for not paying a metro fare. Judge Kravitz scheduled a hearing for Oct. 5 to see if Gordon is eligible for the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Judge Kravitz also scheduled a status hearing for Jan. 8 for all four defendants. 

Saif Habboub wrote this article

Judge Holds 7 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 2, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna held seven defendants in DC Jail and released 36 defendants during initial hearings. 

Judge McKenna held Donovan Logan, 23, for failing to register as a sex offender in one case and GPS tampering in another case.

According to court documents, Donovan had an appointment with the DC Sex Offender Registry on Aug. 24 but failed to appear for the meeting. The prosecutor argued Donovan has been non-compliant with his probation requirements and requested a hold. 

A bench warrant  was also issued for Donovan’s arrest on Sept. 22 for failing to appear at a hearing in his probation case. Judge McKenna granted the hold, citing his “blatant non-compliance” with his probation.

Alexander Day, 28, was charged with contempt of court. Day was arrested 24 hours earlier on the same charge and released with a stay away order. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) then picked up Day in the same location ignoring the stay away order. Judge McKenna ruled to hold Day in contempt and granted the prosecutor’s request for a forensic hearing. 

Earvin Harris, 41, was charged with robbery for a crime committed on Oct. 1. Harris allegedly stole the complainant’s bag from his car after several unsuccessful attempts to acquire the victim’s phone number. 

Judge McKenna found probable cause to hold Harris in the DC Jail, citing his noncompliance with pretrial release conditions in two other pending cases. 

Judge McKenna held Chakeena Mack as a fugitive from Maryland, where she is wanted on a homicide charge after Mack decided to waive her extradition hearing.

Mack’s defense attorney argued for her release, saying the victim in this case is still living and Mack has three children to take care of at home. But, Judge McKenna said she was not inclined to release her given the serious nature of the charge. Mack will wait in the DC Jail for Maryland authorities to pick her up. 

William Glaspie, 35, was held on four separate cases involving second-degree theft and an additional charge of unlawful entry onto private property in one of the cases. He is also accused of wrongfully obtaining property from a 7-Eleven in DC.

Given Glaspie’s extensive amount of active charges and noncompliance with pretrial requirements in another pending case, Judge McKenna found probable cause to hold him for his new cases. 

Once released from DC custody, Glaspie will have to report to Virginia authorities to resolve two fugitive charges.  

One defendant, charged with simple assault, violation of a Civil Protection Order (CPO) and contempt in a domestic violence case, was held by Judge McKenna since he was also brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at one of his hearings in another domestic violence case that involves the same alleged victim.

Finally, Judge McKenna held Ashaad Turner, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Turner, 18, allegedly brandished a firearm, threatened a victim and discharged a firearm in the direction of the victim on Sept. 23. Given the seriousness of the alleged offense and a pending case that Turner has in Prince George’s county, MD, Judge McKenna decided to hold him pending his next hearing.

Of those released, one of the apprehended suspects did not receive charges from the prosecution, and two defendants were given citations and released to come back to court in March of 2021.

Four defendants charged in domestic violence cases were released. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders and one was given a no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking (HATS) order.

Eight co-defendants are all charged with unlawful entry onto private property for entering a construction zone on the 400 block of Florida Avenue, NE and climbing on a crane at the site. All were released with stay-away orders from the area of the alleged incident.

There were 14 additional misdemeanor cases. All of the defendants were released with various release conditions, including stay-away orders, orders not to possess any firearms and orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

Four defendants charged with being fugitives from justice were released by Judge McKenna. They were all ordered to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions by Oct. 5.

Judge McKenna also released three defendants charged with felonies. One of the defendants, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, is still in the hospital, so his presence in court was waived. He is reportedly paralyzed from the neck down after being shot in the neck, so Judge McKenna did not find him a danger to society.

Two final defendants were brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings. Both were released, and one was given an order to report to his probation officer immediately while the other was given a new court date on March 5, 2021.

Judge Continues Hearing for Assault Defendant

On Oct. 2, a DC Superior Court judge continued a status conference to determine how to move forward with a shooting case. 

Quincy Walters, 38, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for allegedly shooting one victim in the head and another in the back on April 12 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. 

The first victims’ injuries were severe, including fractures to the orbital bone and significant swelling of the brain. The victim was admitted to the ICU and was in a coma during the initial investigation. D.C. Witness is unable to confirm, at this time, if the victim remains in a coma.  

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the crime scene after gunfire location technology picked up 16 gunshots and the victims were seen by neighbors. 

Officers found shell casings at the entrance of an alley. Security footage allegedly showed Walters fire into the alley multiple times. A witness also identified Walters through the footage.

Walters said he was robbed at gunpoint by a group of juveniles ten minutes before the shooting occurred and that he had nothing to do with the crime, according to court documents. 

Walters is being held at DC Jail, where he has been for almost five months. 

Judge John Campbell scheduled the next status hearing for Nov. 12. 

The article was written by Sierra Robbins

Domestic Violence Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

On Oct. 2, a felony domestic violence defendant rejected a plea deal that could have required him to serve over two years.

The defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution extended an  offer that would involve him pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

In exchange, the prosecution would only recommend he serve 30 months. The prosecution would also not indict him for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which the prosecutor said would add on to his sentence.

After the defendant formally rejected the offer, Judge Todd Edelman scheduled a felony status hearing for Dec. 11.

The defendant is currently being held at DC Jail.


Defendant Will Serve 1 Year for Assault with Significant Bodily Injury

On Oct. 2, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant for an assault that happened on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority train system.

Marcus Proctor pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in March, just under one month after the charge was filed against him. According to court documents, the defendant approached a victim on Feb. 6 on the metro rail at Congress Heights and punched him. After a brief exchange of punches, Proctor bit a significant portion of the victim’s top lip off. 

“It affects me as far as I go places,” the victim said in an impact statement. “I get real nervous. It does bother me. It bothers me a lot”. 

The victim said even looking in the mirror was difficult for him, since the assault altered his appearance. The victim is also forced to take the same train that he was assaulted on, as it’s the only line near his residence. 

Proctor, 31, read an apology statement before he received his sentence. 

“A million apologies will never fix what happened, but please know that I understand what I did was wrong,” he said. 

Proctor’s attorney, Sean Murphy, spoke to the hardships Proctor faced with his chronic homlessness and his attempts to find gainful employment. Proctor asked that the judge give him jail time so that he can receive the social services that he needed, such as mental health counseling.

Judge Julie Becker sentenced Proctor to two years in prison, but suspended half of the sentence. Since he is receiving credit for time served, he will be released in four months. 

One he is released, Proctor will be under supervision for two years. He must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) fund. 

Judge Becker also granted the prosecution’s request for a stay away order from the victim.



Document: Suspects Sought for Armed Robbery Offense on Chesapeake Street

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspects in an armed robbery offense that occurred on Sept. 30, on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE.

Around 3:39 p.m., the suspects approached the victim and one suspect pulled out a gun, demanding the victim give them their property. The suspects took the property and fled the scene. 

A nearby surveillance camera caught pictures of the suspects. 

MPD is offering up to a $10,000 reward for anyone who gives information that leads to an arrest or indictment. If anyone has knowledge of the incident, they should call 202-727-9099 or text — 50411. 

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Document: Arrests Made in Armed Carjacking on Chesapeake Street

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made arrests in an armed carjacking offense that occurred on Sept. 30, on the 100 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

Around 3:09 p.m., officers responded to a reported carjacking. Officers located the stolen vehicle, which had the four suspects still inside of it.

The suspects, a14-year-old male, two 13-year-old males and a 21-year-old male, were apprehended on Sept. 30 after they attempted to flee.


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