Judge Finds Probable Cause for Assault Case, Defendant Held

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond decided that an assault case has enough evidence to go to trial and held the defendant.

Mark Chambliss turned himself into the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on June 10 following an armed assault on May 10 in the 4600 block of Hillside Road and the 4700 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Chambliss did not know the victim. The defendant, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

The prosecution called one witness, a detective, during the Aug. 20 preliminary hearing.

Defense attorney Sellano Simmons asked Judge Raymond to release his client from DC jail while he awaits his grand jury trial because of the ongoing pandemic. Simmons said Chambliss no longer lives in the area that the assault occurred and safety of the community can be reasonably ensured.

The prosecutor opposed the release request, saying there was no evidence of Chambliss being vulnerable to COVID-19. The prosecution also said Chambliss has another pending charge for assault with a deadly weapon and the current case occurred while Chambliss was out on release for the previous charge.

Judge Raymond denied the release request, saying the safety of the community cannot be ensured.

Chambliss is pending a grand jury in the case. His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Crime Alerts: August 20

During the day on Aug. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out two crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:10 p.m. for a shooting at 5:49 p.m. on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

At 5:46 p.m., police alerted the public to a robbery investigation at 5:33pm on the 4200 block of 13th Street, NE. Police are looking for four black males wearing all black clothing and masks. The suspects were last seen in a black Nissan With Maryland Tags.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 911.

Judge Holds 9 Out of 29 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Aug. 20, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 20 defendants and held nine defendants during their initial hearings. Eight of the defendants were held in DC Jail while one was held under the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ custody.

Judge Crowell held Jaamil Hipps, who was charged with second-degree murder, and set his next court date for Sept 14. The defense argued that there was no probable cause based on the circumstantial evidence Hipps was arrested under.

The prosecution argued that surveillance footage and the fact that Hipps was the only and last person to be seen at the location of the incident proved probable cause.

Judge Crowell agreed and held Hipps.

Michael Benbow was held on the charge of premeditated first-degree murder. Benbow is 17, but he is being charged as an adult.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain requested for Benbow’s release and asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial. The prosecution requested Benbow be held, saying surveillance footage placed him in the area during the time of the murder.

Judge Crowell found probable cause. He said there is a “substantial likelihood” Benbow poses a threat of danger. Benbow is detained pending trial.

Stewart Brown, who was charged with burglary, was held with a competency test scheduled to take place due to mental health concerns. Judge Crowell found probable cause and held Brown, taking note of his concerns due to Brown’s extensive criminal history.

Rodney Patterson was held on charges of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Bernard Woods, who was charged with second degree burglary, was held after Judge Crowell stated he was inclined not to release him based on past criminal history.

Tavon Winston was charged with being a fugitive from justice. He is wanted in Maryland for homicide.

Given the nature of the charge, Judge Crowell was not inclined to release him, so he waived his extradition hearing in DC in order for Maryland to pick Winston up within three business days.

Nathan Williams was charged with being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted for kidnapping an adult for ransom in Virginia. He also waived his extradition hearing for authorities to pick him up from DC Jail.

John Matthews is charged with being a fugitive from justice. He is wanted in Maryland for burglary. Matthews is being held for three days in order for Maryland authorities to pick him up.

A final defendant was charged with being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted for assault in a domestic violence case. He allegedly tried to run over his wife with a car. The defendant is also being held for three business days in order for South Carolina authorities to pick him up.

Three additional defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice. Two were released with orders to turn themselves in to Virginia authorities. The other defendant waived his hearing on Aug. 14 and had not been picked up by the demanding jurisdiction, so the prosecution dismissed the case.

Two defendants charged in domestic violence cases were released with stay-away orders from the alleged victims.

Five misdemeanor cases were presented before Judge Crowell involving charges of possession with intent to distribute cannabis, assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful entry of private property, assault on a police officer, possession of an open container of alcohol and contempt. All were released with stay-away orders.

Three defendants, charged with carrying pistols without licenses, were released with either stay-away orders or orders not to possess any firearms.

Three defendants were brought in on warrants for failing to appear at their court hearings. They were released with new court dates.

Two defendants are still in the hospital, so their cases were moved to Aug. 21.

Finally, of those who were released, four did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release Request

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

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

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

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

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

A motion for release was also denied on July 7.

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

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

Judge Schedules Hearing for Sex Abuse Case

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

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

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Hearing Scheduled for Sex Abuse Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge Schedules Heaing for Child Sex Abuse Case

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

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

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the hearing for Aug. 31.

We’re Here to Help Push Against Crime

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Document: Suspect Arrested for May Shooting

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

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

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

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Fatal Stabbing in Brightwood

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

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

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

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Crime Alerts: August 19-20

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

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

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

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

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

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

This case was acquitted on Nov. 15, 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17.

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

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

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

One suspect, Marcel Gordon, is still wanted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judge Holds Four Out of 24 Defendants During Initial Hearings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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