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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Defendant Found Incompetent to Stand Trial, Again

On Oct. 2, a DC Superior Court judge ordered that a defendant continue receiving mental health treatment after he was found incompetent to stand trial for the second time.

Evan Graham is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly threatening and chasing two victims with a knife on March 16 on the 2400 block of 2nd Street, NE.

Judge Michael Ryan found that Graham, 50, was incompetent but likely to regain his competency following a report that the court received from the DC Department of Behavioral Health on Sept. 25.

Graham was transferred from DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC psychiatric institution, on July 23. He was first deemed incompetent to stand trial, but likely to regain competency, on Aug. 21.

Graham will continue receiving treatment at St. Elizabeth’s.

The defendant’s progress will be evaluated during his next mental observation hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Document: Suspects Sought in Armed Robbery on 8th Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects for an armed robbery offense that occurred on Sept. 30 on the 4000 block of 8th Street, NE.

Around 4:05 p.m., the suspects approached the victim and one of the suspects brandished a firearm. After demanding the victim’s property, the suspects took the property and fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

A nearby surveillance camera captured a video of the suspects.

The MPD is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone who has information should call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

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Document: Suspects and Vehicles Sought in Assault Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects and a vehicle of interest for an assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault offense that occurred on Oct. 1, on the 4100 block of Wheeler Road, SE.

Around 11:53 a.m., the suspects and victim were arguing. During the argument, one of the suspects allegedly pulled out a knife. Another person was stabbed when trying to help the victim. The suspects fled the scene.

Nearby surveillance footage captured both the vehicle of interest and the suspects.

The MPD is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone who has information should call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

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Document: Suspect Sought in Destruction of Property Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect for destruction of property offenses that occurred on Sept. 23, on the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW and the 1700 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

Around 9:52p.m., the suspect damaged property on the 1700 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

A nearby surveillance camera captured a video of the suspect. The suspect then fled the scene.

Around 10:12 p.m., the suspect damaged property on the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. The suspect also fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a nearby camera.

MPD is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone who has information should call the police at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

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Juvenile Charged with Murder Rejects Plea Deal

On Oct. 1, a juvenile rejected the prosecution’s plea offer.

The juvenile is being charged with first-degree murder and carrying a pistol without a license for allegedly shooting 36-year-old Antonio Gardiner on July 4 on the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

The prosecution extended the deal on Aug. 20, and the juvenile’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, told parties that the respondent would like an in-person trial.

The offer, as verbally stated by the prosecution, was to lessen the charge to second-degree murder while armed and to drop the firearm charge completely.

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld declined the defense’s third motion to release the juvenile.

D.C. Witness previously reported on the first and second time Judge Hertzfeld declined a motion for release on Aug. 4 and Aug. 20.

The juvenile is being held in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) custody and has reportedly been under extremely good behavior, according to O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan said the seriousness of the charges will give his client motivation to be on his best behavior if he is released. The attorney requested the juvenile’s release into a community shelter house with 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring.

O’Sullivan also pointed out that the defendant has not been able to see his mother or any other family members since being held in July, which is close to three months.

Though Judge Hertzfeld acknowledged the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, “the court can’t fix the problem of the pandemic.”

She said the respondent had a great motivator to stay out of trouble when he allegedly committed the murder. At the time the murder occurred, he was on release in a Deferred Sentencing Agreement in another case, which meant that his guilty charge would have gone away if he had complied with his release conditions.

Given these circumstances, Judge Hertzfeld said she was not comfortable releasing the juvenile, given that she thinks he is a significant risk to the community.

The parties scheduled the juvenile’s next hearing for Oct. 8 to set an initial trial date.

Due to the pandemic, in-person trials are not scheduled until mid-November, however that date could be pushed back. Judge Hertzfeld said she is happy to reconsider scheduling a remote trial if the juvenile changes his mind.

Document: Arrest Made in Assault with Deadly Weapon Case

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) have made an arrest for an assault that occurred on Oct. 1 on the 1800 Block of U Street, SE.

Around 8:30pm, the victim and suspect engaged in an argument which resulted in the suspect pulling out a knife and stabbing the victim.

The suspect, a 30-year-old woman, was been apprehended by responding officers.

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Document: Homicide In Brightwood

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 1.

At around 4:35 p.m., officers responded to the 6200 block of 8th Street, NW for the report of a shooting.

Officers found an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV, who is from Northwest, DC.

MPD is offering an award up to $25,000 for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the homicide.

Anyone with information can call (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.

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Crime Alerts: October 1-2

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 1 and 9 a.m. on Oct. 2, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 4:27 a.m. for a robbery with a gun investigation on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE. Police are looking for two Black males wearing dark clothing in a midsize SUV.

The second alert was sent at 12:23 a.m. for a robbery on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Police are looking for a Black male, 140 pounds, who was last seen wearing a dark shirt, black jeans and a black jacket.

Judge Continues Hearing for Murder Case, Again

A DC Superior Court judge continued a preliminary hearing for four co-defendants charged with the murder of an 11-year-old boy after the second day of proceedings.

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

Oct. 1 was the second day of the hearing, which will ultimatley determine if this case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Bond’s defense attorney, James King, resumed his cross-examination of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who first took the stand yesterday.

The prosecution’s decision to call this detective as a witness, rather than the lead detective, drew scrutiny yesterday. But the prosecution said they chose this specific detective because of his role in obtaining the surveillance footage they will be using.

On Oct. 1, King asked the detective if he interviewed or spoke to the detectives that interviewed one of the witnesses. The detective said he did not.

According to the court documents, one of the initial detectives on the case said there was a black vehicle in an alley near the crime scene during the time of the shooting. The detective said he was made to lookout for a black vehicle when he arrived on the scene.

Judge Neal Kravitz asked the prosecution if there is footage of an interview with that witness. The prosecution said there was. However, that footage wasn’t shared with the defense due to safety concerns for the witness.

“There’s a fifth unidentified individual who hasn’t been taken into custody.” said the prosecutor. “The defendants are part of the Cedar Garden Crew and there’s other people in this crew that have access to firearms.”

The Cedar Garden is a neighborhood gang.

“I don’t think the government’s claims are off base,” said Judge Kravitz. “ It certainly seems from other info and evidence that there is some sort of beef between neighborhoods. However, the defense has a right to know who this witness is.”

General’s attorney, Jocelyn Weisner, ran into the same issue with the prosecution regarding video footage of another witness’ interview.

Weisner asked for that witness’ interview because, according to her, that was the only evidence tying her client to the shooting.

The prosecution once again cited a safety issue for the witness.

All the defense attorneys responded to that claim by saying that the identity of the witness was already known.

“Why would disclosing relevant portions of the videos increase any danger to witness six?” said Judge Kravitz.

The prosecutor responded that he had no answer at that time.

King’s cross-examination was divided into two parts with Weisner’s taking place in the middle. When King continued, he asked for video footage of yet another witness, and the prosecution once again cited safety issues.

Due to time constraints, cross examination was cut short again.

The hearing is scheduled to continue on Oct. 2.

This article was written by Saif Habboub

Judge Holds 6 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Oct. 1, DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released 16 defendants, held five at the DC jail and held one under the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ (DYRS) custody.

Marquise McFadden was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing.

In his case, he is charged with an armed robbery that occurred on July 23, 2019. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were dispatched in response to a robbery on the corner of 6^th and Chesapeake Streets, SE. Marquis, 20, was released for the robbery charge but held on a bench warrant for a parole matter.

Maurice Cary is charged with distribution of a controlled substance on Sept. 30. Cary was arrested by MPD after selling cocaine to an undercover police officer on the 4900 block of Nash Street, NE. Cary was held given his pending firearms case and his history of not complying with pretrial conditions.

Aloysius Carter was arrested for three separate cases, including one charge of tampering with a GPS monitoring device and two charges of contempt. Carter was held for being noncompliant by violating a stay-away order that has been given to him multiple times.

Ion Cooper and Glen Lewis were both held on fugitive charges. Cooper had an underlying charge of aggravated assault in Maryland.

Lewis is a fugitive from Virginia with an underlying charge of fraud, and he was brought in for failing to appear at his extradition hearing on Sept. 30. Both defendants are being held so that the demanding jurisdictions may pick them up, though Cooper is being held under DYRS’ custody as he is a juvenile being charged as an adult.

Anthony Hunter is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a previous conviction. Police were told that Hunter, 50, utilized a gun to “bully” clients who had agreed to pay for cocaine. On Sept. 30, police were given a tip on Hunter’s location and recorded his actions. He was arrested the following day. He is being held in DC jail due to his criminal history, which includes two prior convictions for possessing firearms illegally.

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

There were a total of four domestic violence cases, and all of the defendants were released. Three defendants were given stay-away orders from the victims, and one was given a no harassing, assaulting, threatening or stalking (HATS) order.

Three defendants charged with misdemeanors were released by Judge McKenna. Their charges include GPS tampering, contempt, simple assault and shoplifting. Two of the defendants were given stay-away orders and one was ordered to report to his probation officer immediately.

Two additional fugitive cases were heard by Judge McKenna, and both of the defendants were ordered to turn themselves in to Maryland authorities where they are wanted.

Three defendants charged with felonies were also released. Their underlying charges include unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, assault with intent to commit third-degree sexual abuse and unlawful possession of liquid PCP. Two of the defendants were ordered not to possess any firearms or ammunition while the third was placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring, a stay-away order and 24-hour home confinement unless he is going to work.

Two defendants, brought in on bench warrants for failing to appear at their hearings, were released with new court dates of March 4, 2021, and Feb. 22, 2021.

One final defendant has been in the hospital since Sept. 21, so his hearing was moved to Oct. 2. The defendant is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

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