Shooting Defendant Denied Request Based on Charges, Past History

A shooting defendant’s request for pretrial release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sep. 3.

Marcus Reavenell, 48, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the intersection of Foote and 58th Streets, NE on May 14. No injuries were reported.

The defense, led by attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein, asked for Reavenell to be released on electronic monitoring before trial, citing his work with children with autism, the amount of time that has passed since his prior convictions, and the fact that no one was injured.

Judge Arthur denied any changes in pre-trial status and pointed to the violent nature of the crime and the fact that Reavenell has three prior convictions for firearms related charges.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sep. 22.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A stabbing defendant waived the right to a preliminary hearing and was granted release on Sept. 2 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno. Sep. 2.

Veronica Jackson, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 27 on the 700 block of H Street, NE. An individual sustained hand injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Sellano Simmons, Jackson’s attorney, alerted the court of her intent to waive her preliminary hearing, and requested she be released pending further proceedings.

According to Simmons, Jackson has a support system, employment, and no prior criminal history that would ensure her success with release.

Judge Salerno granted the request, and ordered GPS monitoring and a stay away order from the stabbing victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 2.

Co-Defendants Plead Guilty in Assault Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro accepted the guilty pleas of two assault co-defendants on Aug. 28.

Tyshawn Simms, 26, and Daymark Baird, 21, were originally charged with assault with significant bodily injury for their involvement in the stabbing of an inmate on April 17 at the DC Jail on Apr. 17. The incident took place on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro acknowledged the co-defedants’ request to enter a plea of guilty rather than going to trial. Both defendants pleaded to one count of assault with significant bodily injury, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking additional charges.

In pleading guilty, Simms and Baird waive their right to a jury trial, waive their right to appeal, and waive their right to DNA testing. The prosecution stated that their evidence would’ve proven the guilt of Simms and Baird beyond a reasonable doubt.

They admit their involvement in the incident.

Simms’ defense attorney, Jonathan Lanyi, requested that he be released until sentencing. The prosecution opposed his release. Judge Di Toro noted the seriousness of the charge and decided he will remain held until sentencing.

A hearing for Simms has been set for Oct. 16. Baird’s sentencing has been set for Sept. 30.

Mental Eval Ordered For Carjacking Defendant

A mental competency evaluation for a carjacking defendant was approved by DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 25.

Cornell Jamison, 21, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE on Jan. 22.

Jamison appeared in court alongside his co-defendent Laiten Bell, 20, who faces charges of armed carjacking, robbery, and two counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the same incident.

During the hearing, defense attorney Daniel Dorsey requested that Jamison undergo an examination to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial. Dorsey argued that Jamison’s competency was in question based on their discussions and the defendant’s high school records.

In order to stand trial a defendant must be competent enough to understand the charges and work with his lawyer.

Judge Hertzfeld granted the motion for an evaluation.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.

Shooting Defendant Ordered to Wear an Ankle Monitor

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe strengthened the release conditions for a shooting defendant on Aug. 28, following multiple violations.

Jory Sydnor, 25, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 1400 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE on April 11. Sydnor’s ex-step-father was injured during the incident.

At his last hearing, Judge Pipe directed Sydnor, who has been on supervised release, to comply with a mental health assessment at the court’s urgent care facility directly after the hearing—an order that Sydnor allegedly did not comply with. Sydnor has also allegedly failed to appear for multiple drug assessments and has not checked-in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) since his last hearing.

Prosecutors asked Judge Piper to reconsider Sydnor’s release status, requesting that, at minimum, he wear an ankle monitor. The prosecution said that she felt bound to ask for stricter release conditions due to Sydnor’s continued failure to comply.

Sydnor’s defense attorney, Gregg Baron, argued that Sydnor did not feel safe leaving his home because the victim in this case, who also faces charges related to the incident, continued to contact Sydnor’s family, directly violating a stay-away order.

Judge Pipe ordered Sydnor to wear an ankle monitor, immediately submit to a full drug screening, and report to PSA within 24 hours of the hearing.

“I need Mr. Sydnor to be in touch with Pretrial Services,” Judge Pipe said.

The parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 5.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A shooting defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Aug. 28.

Michael Manley, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1700 block of 6th Street, SE on April 11, 2025. No injuries were reported, but Manley’s ex-girlfriend’s car was damaged in the incident.

During the hearing, Manley rejected a plea agreement that would have required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and destruction of property in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Manley maintains his innocence, and a trial date was set for Dec. 10.

The parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 30.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to Three-and-a-Half Years

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a shooting defendant to 42 months of imprisonment on Aug. 28.

On June 27, Cameron McMillian, 35, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 24, on the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecution presented surveillance video said to show the defendant interacting with another individual when the victim interjected. The prosecutor claimed McMillian was the initial aggressor.

The prosecutor also brought up the defendant’s criminal history alleging that he has attacked others with firearms before. They also stated that there have been times when McMillan owned a firearm though he wasn’t permitted to do so.

The prosecution argued that the bullet discharged during the incident grazed the victim’s cheek and went through his shoulder. The victim was allegedly a friend of McMillian’s.

According to the defense, McMillian accidentally discharged the firearm.

Errin Scialpi, McMillian’s attorney, claimed that he approached a group of individuals with the intention of a confrontation. The verbal altercation then escalated and the victim began to take off his jacket. Scialpi argued that there was a mutual escalation.

Additionally, Scialpi stated that McMillian was unaware the victim had been shot as the victim did not react and stayed at the scene.

Scialpi stated that there are contradictory versions of what happened but that McMillian is remorseful and recognized the dangerousness of his conduct.

McMillian stated that he was talking to the victim and the other individuals, and was not trying to shoot his friend and did not know he had been shot.

Judge Di Toro agreed the shooting was unintentional but McMillan was not supposed to have a gun.

McMillian was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon. He was also sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of one year, and three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm. The sentences and supervised release will run concurrently.

McMillian will also be required to register as a gun offender. Additionally, Judge Di Toro ordered a mental health evaluation and anger management. She also ordered job assistance as needed upon release.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Suspect Released, Warned Against Guns

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover released a defendant in an assault and child endangerment case on Aug. 28.

Jamira Guillory, age 23, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, second degree cruelty to children, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for her alleged involvement in a shooting at 18th Street and Bryant Street, NE on Aug. 24.

On the 24th, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were dispatched to the scene after receiving a report about a shooting and a possible vehicle accident. Upon arrival, the officers interviewed Guillory who allegedly dropped a cartridge, was subsequently arrested and informed officers of a firearm in her handbag. Police later reportedly confirmed that the firearm was unregistered and that Guillory did not have a license to carry it.

During the preliminary hearing, the defense requested the court release the hold on the defendant, and the court agreed on the condition that the defendant not be in possession of a firearm or ammunition during her release.

The parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 16.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Prelim, Jailed

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a stabbing defendant’s request for supervised release on Aug. 27, after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him.

Dennis Doleman, 49, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 300 block of H Street, NE on Aug. 7.

During the incident, Doleman allegedly stabbed and cut one victim, who was in a wheelchair, in the hands, face, neck, and back multiple times, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Doleman waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His attorney, Todd Baldwin, petitioned for his release from the DC jail, arguing that Doleman does not pose a significant threat to the community because he acted in self-defense.

Baldwin noted that though the victim was in a wheelchair when the stabbing occurred, it would be wrong to assume that Doleman could not have been in jeopardy.

Baldwin claimed the victim was “Just as capable of harming Mr. Doleman as Mr. Doleman is capable of harming him.” Baldwin also noted that though Doleman has a criminal record, his prior convictions date back more than ten years.

Prosecutors objected to Doleman’s release because of his criminal record and the nature of the current case.

“The fact that he used the knife repeatedly is significant,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Glover denied Doleman’s request for release saying that he still posed a significant threat to the community.

There are “No combination of conditions that would keep the community safe,” Glover said.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 18.

document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 45-year-old Kevin Stanton, who was charged with Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun) in connection with a shooting that occurred on Nov. 7, 2024, in the unit block of M Street, NE. The incident involved an adult male who was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and an adult female who sustained a graze wound and was treated on the scene.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Stanton Road Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 24-year-old Jordan Battle, who is alleged to be involved in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Terrell Oliver on Dec. 18, 2024, in the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE. Battle was charged with first Degree Murder while Armed following a DC Superior Court Grand Jury Indictment.

Document: MPD Arrests Three Suspects in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on July 29 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident involved an adult male victim who survived a non-life-threatening gunshot wound after two suspects attempted to rob him. On Aug. 27, a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old from NE and a 14-year-old from Suitland, MD, were arrested and charged with assault with intent to rob while armed.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Washington Place Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 16-year-old juvenile male in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on March 4 on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE. The victim, an adult male, was found with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was treated at a local hospital. The suspect has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Shooting Suspect Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

The defendant in a non-fatal shooting case waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on Aug. 28.

Robert Toney, 42 years old, was charged with endangerment with a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting at 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE on July 20, 2025.

Around 11:00 pm on the incident date, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to gunfire detected by the ShotSpotter audio technology. While on the scene, officers were informed that one of the shooters was still near the scene. Later, MPD received a video of an individual said to be the defendant firing into a widely populated area.

After the hearing waiver the case will proceed to a felony status conference.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 2.

Teen Accepts Plea For Playground Shooting, Two Carjackings

A teenager accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 29.

Travis Thomas, 17, was originally charged with assault with intent to commit another offense, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 20 at a playground on the 5400 block of C Street, SE. An individual sustained injuries to the head during the incident.

Thomas is charged under Title 16, which gives prosecutors the option of trying juveniles as adults for certain serious crimes.

During the hearing, Megan Allburn, Thomas’ attorney, alerted Judge Kravitz of Thomas’ intent to accept a plea deal. It required Thomas to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Thomas was also required to plead guilty to two counts of carjacking for his involvement in two previously uncharged incidents, which occurred on Oct. 30, 2024 at the 400 block of 14th Street, SE and on Nov. 17, 2024 at the 1300 block of Massachusetts Avenue, SE.

According to the prosecution, had the cases gone to trial, they could have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the days of the carjackings, Thomas and an associate stole the two victims’ vehicles threatening them with a gun.

The prosecution also argued that the evidence would prove that Thomas shot an individual on the forehead at an elementary school playground on April 20, and Thomas had the “apparent ability to injure” the individual, and intended to kill them.

“What was in your mind at the time you fired?” Judge Kravitz asked Thomas, who responded “to kill.” However, Allburn and Thomas explained Thomas’ intent was not to kill the individual that was shot, but rather another individual at the playground.

Thomas, who previously told Judge Kravitz “I don’t want to be a part of the percentage of Black men locked up, I want to be a part of the percentage that succeeds,” highlighted he recently received a high school diploma from the Maya Angelou program at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 14.

Search