Teen Homicide Victim’s Blood Stained Clothes Presented to The Jury

A crime scene analyst with the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) identified the blood stained clothing remnants of a 13-year-old homicide victim before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sep. 4.

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 Street, 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 Street, NE and non-fatal shooting on Feb. 22, 2020 at the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW.

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.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a DFS worker who assisted in the investigation. The witness responded to the Children’s National Medical Center Hospital to document the crimes with photographic evidence.

The witness stated that Lukes had an injury to his neck and his chest cavity was cut open as a result of an attempt to save his life. The scientist took photos of both juveniles’ injuries and collected their clothing.

Body-worn camera footage captured the interaction between the DFS worker and the surviving victim, which was played for the court.

Prosecutors presented pictures of clothing items belonging to Lukes and his friend to the jury. The scientist described some items of clothing as having defects, as in holes or tears, and red staining– believed to be blood, including a pair of jeans worn by one juvenile during the incident. The clothing was physically presented to the jury

Multiple officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told the jury that they received information from witnesses and recovered surveillance footage that put the Kia Soul, which prosecutors claim was the murder vehicle, in the vicinity of the March 1 shooting that led to Lukes’ death.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 8.

Judge Dismisses Case Over Contested Competency Findings

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe decided against ordering another competency evaluation for a defendant in a non-fatal shooting case who has so far failed to demonstrate he’s mentally able to stand trial.

Kevin Harrison, 25, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred June 26, 2023 on the 2100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) requested an extension to make another evaluation in order to make a decision regarding civil commitment to a mental institution versus jail for Harrison. But defense lawyer Patrick Nowak, argued to dismiss the case. He claimed that the so-called Jackson finding trumped the competency argumentin this case.

The reference is to Jackson v. Indiana (1972), in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the confinement of a defendant cannot be based solely on competency to stand trial. The court earlier said that to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney.

Harrison was found incompetent to stand trial Aug. 5 and was released from treatment after multiple mental exams and several mental observations hearings. Therefore, Nowak claimed, there is enough information about Harrison’s mental status to call a halt.

Harrison is not currently being held at Saint Elizabeths psychiatric hospital and there is no evidence to suggest a mental illness, according to Nowak.

Judge Pipe dismissed the case without prejudice, meanting the proseution has the right to refile the charges if they feel it’s appropriate.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Union Station Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 23-year-old Faizon Mason, who is alleged to be involved in a fatal shooting at Union Station on Feb 10. The victim, identified as 18-year-old Wayne McDaniel, was found deceased near the escalators to the parking garage. Mason has been charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed.

Judge Admonishes Shooting Defendant to Comply With Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe warned a shooting defendant to comply with probation requirements after a reported violation on Sept. 2.

Dayquan Henderson, 23, was convicted of possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting. The incident occurred on May 11, 2024 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road SE.

On Aug. 19, Henderson missed a check-in with his probation officer. The parole agency, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), responded with a recommendation to participate in the Reentry and Sanctions Center (RSC) program for a failure to appear regarding a substance abuse disorder.

However, the request for his participation in the 28-day assessment was denied by Judge Pipe. Instead, she recommended Henderson adhere to the original conditions of probation more consistently and scheduled a meeting with his probation officer to get back on track.

During the hearing, Judge Pipe was unhappy with imposing extreme measures in light of a slight parold infraction. However, she emphasized the importance of complying with the parole officer’s conditions to prevent further issues in court. The hearing resulted in a dismissal of the proposed violation.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 13.

Defendant Plans to Withdraw Plea in Gang-Related Homicide Case

A homicide defendant in a gangland case alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan of his intent to withdraw a guilty plea on Aug. 27 and requested a new attorney due to undisclosed conflicts.

On May 30, Ronald Henderson, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy for his involvement in two separate shootings – one of which resulted in the death of 16-year-old Justin Johnson and the injury of two additional individuals on May 26, 2022. The other was a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on Jan. 2, 2023. Both shootings occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

As part of his plea agreement, all remaining charges against Henderson were dropped, and the two parties agreed on a sentencing range of 18-to-23 years, followed by five years of supervised release.

While no official motion to withdraw has been submitted, Judge Ryan clarified that, if approved, the withdrawal would be a violation of the original plea agreement. Additionally, Henderson’s withdrawal would result in further charges being brought against him.

If Henderson were to cancel his plea, co-defendants in his case might face issues relating to their own plea agreements. Derricko Johnson, 21, Daveon Robinson, 19, and Demarco Robinson, 21, all accepted a similar plea agreement relating to incidents that occurred between April 2022 and July 2023. These incidents stem from their involvement in the “Get Back Gang” (GBG), which prosecutors claim carried out assaults and murders of gang rivals.

According to the co-defendants’ plea agreement, “If any of these со-defendants fail to enter a guilty plea or successfully withdraws his plea before your client is sentenced, this agreement and any proceedings pursuant to this agreement may be withdrawn or voided at the sole discretion of the [prosecution].”

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 5.

Document: MPD Makes a Second Arrest in 21st Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a second suspect in connection to a fatal shooting on the 600 block of 21st Street, Northeast, on May 2. The victim, 61-year-old Steven Stewart, was found deceased from gunshot injuries. Phillip Palmer, 62, and Randall Mack, 42, both of Northeast, have been charged with First Degree Murder While Armed (Felony Murder) for their alleged involvement in the incident.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Stepfather’s Stabbing

D.C. Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a stabbing and denied the defense’s request for release in a Sept. 4 hearing.

Darryen Kenney,23, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing his stepfather with a knife on August 23, 2025 on the 3400 block of 18th St. SE Washington, D.C. 20020. According to the police affidavit, Kenney entered his mother’s house, stabbed his mother’s husband with a knife, and punched and kicked his stepfather.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution brought in an officer on scene who told the court that Kenney’s mother called the police because the defendant got into a fight with his stepfather.

The victim told the officer that the defendant punched him and cut him with a knife in the kitchen. Additionally, the officer testified that Kenney’s eight-year-old brother told him that the defendant had a “big knife” and the stepfather was too intoxicated to “fully explain…the chain of events”.

On cross examination, defense counsel Sharon Weathers brought up a reported threat that the victim. Additionally, Weathers argued that Judge Raymond should not find probable cause because there’s “no definitive evidence of assault”.

Additionally, Weathers requested Kenney’s release because he stays at a youth shelter, will stay away from his mother’s house, has little criminal history and doesn’t pose a danger to the community.

The prosecution opposed Kenney’s release because of the serious nature of the offense and Kenney’s pending cases.

Judge Raymond found probable cause because one person escalated the incidenrt in front of the defendant’s eight-year-old stepbrother, “irrespective of whether the complaining witness was intoxicated” . Additionally, Judge Raymond denied Kenney’s release because Kenney “persistently found himself in the crosshairs of the criminal justice system” and claimed no combination of release conditions would ensure the safety of the community.

The parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 23.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release, Despite Description Discrepancies

DC Superior Court Jennifer Di Toro denied a shooting defendant’s request for release on Sep. 2.

Cornell Smith, 22, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Aug. 24. Smith allegedly shot one victim in the leg during the incident.

Counsel for Smith, Sean McCliggott, requested Smith be released, arguing that Smith was not found with a gun and was compliant with law enforcement once he was caught.

Additionally, McCliggott pointed out that the initial description of the shooter sent out on the radio differed from Smith’s characteristics and the shooter’s clothes.

The prosecution argued against Smith’s release, noting that despite discrepancies in police descriptions, GPS monitoring put Smith at the scene of the shooting. Moreover, the prosecution argued that at the time of the shooting, Smith had already violated multiple terms of his release conditions. Judge Di Toro denied Smith’s request for release.

The parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 16.

Document: MPD Investigating Brentwood Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sep. 1 on the 2300 block of 14th Street, NE. The victim, identified as 36-year-old Francois Adkins was found with gunshot wounds and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Carjacking Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two carjacking co-defendants pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on Aug. 27 before DC Superior court Judge Judith Pipe.

Shaquille Pittman, 30, and Regina Christmas are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, robbery while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for their alleged involvement in a incident on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE on July 18, 2020.

Daniel Kovler, Pittman’s attorney, and Stephen LoGerfo, Christmas’ attorney, alerted Judge Pipe of their intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their clients’ constitutional rights.

Christmas, for her part, focused on her current compliance with mental health requirements previously set by the court.

Kovler implored Judge Pipe to expedite Pittman’s case, as he had the same charges brought against him in 2021 for the exact same incident. In 2021, the case was eventually dropped by the prosecution due to a witness not being ready to testify, but re-opened this year.

Judge Pipe ordered Pittman, who has been on release since 2021, to adhere to conditions set by the court, including reporting to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) via phone once per week and having no firearms or bullets in his possession. Judge Pipe emphasized the importance of staying in compliance to avoid severe consequences.

Both defendants are scheduled for their next hearing on Sept. 30.

Prosecutor Dismisses Charge in Stabbing Case, Trial Delayed

Prosecutors dismissed a stabbing defendant’s possession of a prohibited weapon charge before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 2, and delayed a trial due to a prosecutor’s personal emergency.

Dishon Washington, 50, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an individual on Dec. 8, 2019, at the 4400 Block of Gault Place, NE.

Washington’s defense attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, motioned to dismiss the possession of a prohibited weapon, citing the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms, on Aug. 26. During the Sept. 2 hearing, prosecutors dismissed the charge.

The prosecution asked for the trial, which was slated to begin Sept. 2, to be delayed because one prosecutor was not able to be present due to a personal emergency. Additionally, prosecutors required more time to determine witness availability. There was no objection.

Govindaraju made two motions to dismiss the case for the prosecution’s alleged failure to provide the defense with potentially exculpatory evidence.

Judge Park suggested parties reconvene at a later date to resolve these issues.

Parties agreed to reconvene on Sept. 18.

Data Shows Enforcement Surge Blunts DC Crime, Though Many Face Minor Charges

A D.C. Witness analysis of law enforcement data during the federal troop surge shows that arrests in the city have increased significantly while violent crime is down, in some cases dramatically so compared to cases from the same period last year.

However, a review of DC Jail lock up lists obtained by D.C. Witness from Aug. 25 to Aug. 29 –summarized in the graphic below–shows that while 422 defendants were processed and charged for a variety of crimes, no one was booked for murder or carjacking.

“I don’t really know who the arresting officers are. I’m told that the National Guard can only detain someone until the police get there to make the arrest. But there are definitely a lot more arrests in general,” said Todd Baldwin, president of Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association. The group represents most criminal defendants that come before the court.

In the mix, there were 79 assaults, including sixteen against police officers; there were 43 firearm related charges; 32 individuals were accused of driving without a license; 24 were accused of carrying an open container of alcohol; nine were cited for consuming marijuana in public.

There were also six charged with Metro fare evasion. One defendant was accused of using fighting words. There was also one person charged with unlawful disclosure of sexually explicit material.

One seasoned defense attorney says a large number of the arrests are for highly visible crimes like assaulting a police officer or carrying an open container of alcohol (COCA).

Beginning on Aug. 7, more than 2,000 members of the National Guard have been deployed to the District to counter what President Trump has declared as a “crime emergency.”

New data from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirms the approach has had an effect.

Looking at the surge period from Aug. 7 to Aug. 31, the total number of arrests has gone up 25 percent from 1,567 in 2024 to 1,962 this year. The enhancement has also resulted in a dramatic decline in the rates of certain crimes, according to the MPD data.

Also, according to the MPD, homicides and sex abuse offenses are down 58 percent and 40 percent respectively. Carjackings, often committed by youthful offenders, are down a whopping 83 percent.

The downward trend in homicides reflects a declining rate during the past three years, according to data compiled by D.C. Witness.

On Sept. 2 DC Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an executive pledging to continue of the “Safe and Beautiful Task Force,” established by the President, as well as the Presidential declaration of emergency.

Carjacking Defense Asks for Second Mental Assessment

A carjacking defendant’s attorney requested additional mental evaluations before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 29.

Cornell Jamison, 21, and Laiten Bell, 20, are charged with carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred Jan. 22 on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE.

Daniel Dorsey, Jamison’s attorney, explained in the hearing that the DC Jail had not yet received supporting documents to make a final decision on Jamison’s competence. As such, another mental observational hearing will be held on Sep. 11.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.

Parties are al scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 11

No Progress in Court For No-Show Shooting Defendant

Dedric Owens, 27, refused to attend a hearing on Aug. 29 with DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld. This is the second time in four months that Owens refuses to attend court.

Owens is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 28, 2024 on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE. No injuries were reported from the incident.

The last time Owens was present in court for this case was July 17, where his attorney, Shawn Sukumar, told Judge Hertzfeld of plans to discuss plea negotiations and potential counter-offers with the prosecution. However, with Owens’ refusal to appear from jail, trial proceedings cannot go forward.

The felony status conference for Owens’ has been rescheduled for Sep. 10.

‘I Died Three Times on the Table,’ Stabbing Victim Says at Sentencing

A defendant was sentenced for his part in two non-fatal stabbings before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Sep. 2.

On March 14, Chauncey Myers, 30, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1600 block of Marion Berry Avenue, SE on July 13, 2024. A woman sustained injuries during the incident.

Myers also pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for a separate stabbing involving a corrections officer in the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan. 29.

The victim in the July stabbing told Judge Di Toro “I died three times on the table,” recalling the need to be resuscitated during surgery. She detailed how the stabbing destroyed one kidney and her gall bladder, and has left her with constant pain after a three month hospital stay.

The prosecution requested the maximum possible sentence for the charges against the defendant. They showed body camera footage from the police response to the incident, which showed the victim unconscious on the sidewalk with blood pouring out of a wound that had been packed with the clothes of nearby witnesses. The victim was noticeably distressed while the video was played for the court.

“Nothing that [Myers] did prevented this from being a homicide,” stated the prosecution, highlighting the severity of the injuries caused by the defendant.

Following this video, a recording of a jail call between Myers and an associate was presented to the court. In it, he can be heard saying “If she go to court I’m done,” before trying to get someone else to intimidate the victim against testifying.

Joseph Fay, who represented Myers, later mentioned that Myers never contacted the complainant or followed through on his threats to intimidate her.

Fay emphasized Myers’ difficult childhood in the foster care system and previous struggles with mental health and substance abuse.

“There was a complete lack of stability in his upbringing,” Fay said.

Fay asked for the bottom guideline of sentencing, pointing to the facts that Myers had no prior felonies, was consistently employed, and had already completed drug treatment programs during his incarceration.

The defense, prior to sentencing, also requested that Myers be placed in a facility close to DC so that he can be near his children and access specific prison reform programs.

Myers was sentenced to 72 months for aggravated assault and 12 months for attempted assault, set to run concurrently. He will also be subject to three years of supervised release, during which he will be required to undergo drug treatment and mental health programs.

“This was a very serious event that resulted in the possible loss of life.” Di Toro said.

No further dates were set.

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