Judge Orders Homicide Suspect Back to DC From Maryland

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park issued an order on Aug. 26 to ensure that Alonzo Brown, 28, appears for a DC homicide hearing following his transfer to Maryland earlier this summer for a pending case.

Brown is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Taylor, 21, on Jan. 19, 2019 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

However, in order to provide Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, adequate time to prepare Judge Park is coordinating with Maryland authorities to make the transfer in a timely fashion.

In issuing a writ for Brown’s detainer and then a warrant Judge Park wants to respect the legal processes in both the Maryland and DC courts.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Homicide Victim’s Mother Condemns Potential Stabbing Sentence as ‘Unfathomable’

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 28, despite the unhappiness of the victim’s family.

Shaneka Jackson, 41, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for her involvement in the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Gray Hall on Sept. 1, 2024, on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, Joseph Yarbough, Jackson’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of her intent to accept a deal, which required her to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and a misdemeanor count of possession of a prohibited weapon.

In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the murder charge and not seek an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of four-to-10 years of imprisonment for the manslaughter charge, and up to a year for the possession charge. Each party is able to argue for or against consecutive sentences at the sentencing hearing.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Jackson became involved in a physical altercation with Hall’s girlfriend inside an apartment building, which Hall attempted to quell. While Hall attempted to stop the fight, another man interfered and fought Hall – with the men ending up outside of the building.

The prosecution claimed that, while outside, Jackson stabbed Hall once in the back, which punctured his lung. The prosecution insisted Jackson did not act in self-defense, and that her claim that she acted in the defense of others was not reasonable.

Hall’s mother told Judge Edelman she and her husband oppose the plea agreement, stating it is “unfathomable that she could possibly get four years” for killing Hall.

She deemed Hall a “bright, energetic, excessively curious boy,” who was trying to diffuse a situation.

“My son was murdered by another mother,” she stated, adding that each time she attempts to sleep she envisions Hall’s suffering as he fought for his life.

“As a mother, I couldn’t imagine taking someone’s child from them,” Hall’s mom stated.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 31.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal I-695 Pedestrian Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on I-695 on Aug 25. The victim, identified as 43-year-old Efrain Chavez-Navarrate of Northwest, DC, was struck by a Toyota Rav4 traveling westbound. The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation is being conducted by MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit.

Document: MPD Arrests 21st Street Homicide Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 62-year-old Phillip Palmer, who is alleged to be involved in the fatal shooting of 61-year-old Steven Stewart on May 2 in the 600 block of 21st Street, Northeast. Palmer was charged with First Degree Murder While Armed following a D.C. Superior Court Grand Jury indictment.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 25.

Marcus Tucker, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred at the intersection of Hartford and 30th Street, NE on April 17.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Tucker and another suspect allegedly used a handgun to steal a victim’s car.

During the hearing, Carrie Weletz, Tucker’s attorney, alerted Judge Hertzfeld of Tucker’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 2.

Carjacking Defendant Refuses to Appear in Court for the Fifth Time

A carjacking defendant failed to appear before the court for a felony arraignment with DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro which was scheduled for Aug. 26.

Rasheed Jenkins, 26, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on the 5700 block of Eads Street, NE on Jan. 31, 2022.

A US Marshal stated that Jenkins refused transport from the jail, once again citing medical reasons. According to court documents, he has already been absent for medical reasons three times, and was sent back to the DC Jail once for non-compliance.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.

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.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent to Face Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant was deemed mentally competent to stand trial during a mental observation hearing with DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Aug. 27. That finding enabled the case to move forward to sentencing.

On Dec. 9, 2024, Anthrone Cabos, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE, on June 28, 2020. One person sustained injuries during the incident.

cIn a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), a forensic psychologist that evaluated Cabos deemed him mentally competent. A defendant can’t stand trial unless he is mentally competent enough to understand the charges and work with his attorney.

Cabos’ defense attorneys, Kevin O’Sullivan and Theodore Shaw, did not object to the psychologist’s findings and requested that they move forward to sentencing. The prosecution also did not object, and stated they would like to move forward as well.

However, Judge O’Keefe put on the record that he had a few concerns, including the defendant’s competency status, and pending acceptance and terms of the plea deal.

“The sentence doesn’t adequately address the magnitude of the crime,” Judge O’Keefe said.

The deal, which Cabos accepted in December 2024, requires Cabos to serve four years for the two charges he pleaded guilty to, and dismiss the remaining 12.

Judge O’Keefe highlighted that Cabos “seemed reluctant and unengaged” when taking the plea deal, almost as if he didn’t want to do it at the time.

The judge also put on the record that there were issues with Cabos and his counsel back in May, and believed Cabos was afflicted with delusional thinkingt as noted in the DBH report.

He then urged counsel to file pleadings to aid in sentencing, hoping they would address some of his concerns and bring and close case.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Sept. 26.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 22.

Jeremiah Simms, 25, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, attempted robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without license outside home/business, and destruction of property $1000 or more. The charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Erik Mewborn, on Sept. 14, 2024, on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE.

At the hearing, Mani Golzari, Simms’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution filed a motion on Aug. 2, to revoke Simms’ release and place him back into custody citing that he is a danger to the community. Simms’ was released on Jan. 15, and has been under home confinement.

The prosecutor claimed that, as part of Simms’ release conditions, he may not have a firearm. They claimed there is no way of knowing whether or not Simms has a gun. In a motion filed with the court, prosecutors also argued that the indictment, issued by a grand jury, increased the seriousness of Simms’ charges increasing the risk of him fleeing.

Additionally, in the motion, prosecutors argued that eyewitnesses claim to have seen the defendant attempt robbery, the alleged recovery of illegal substances from Simms’ vehicle, and events leading to Mewborn’s death make him a danger to the community.

Golzari claimed that Simms’ has no criminal record, has been compliant, and there is no indication that Simms’ has engaged in behavior dangerous to the community. The defense plans to file an opposition to the prosecution motion.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer stated that Simms is compliant with release conditions.

Golzari also asked that all Brady information, evidence that may be favorable to the defendant, be turned over. He stated during Simms’ Jan. 8 preliminary hearing the prosecution was ordered to provide all video evidence. Defense lawyers claimed that the prosecution only uploaded 15 minutes of video when they have four or more hours of footage.

The prosecution stated that they have additional video that they will be providing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 7.

Shooting, Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to Eight Years

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a shooting defendant, also guilty of a stabbing, to 96 months of imprisonment on Aug. 22.

On June 13, Dontrell Harrison, 48, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 17, 2023. The incident occurred on the 2100 block of I Street, NE. Harrison’s neighbor, the intended victim, sustained injuries during the incident.

The same day, Harrison pleaded guilty to simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing on April 22, 2024. This incident took place on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE.

The prosecution requested that Harrison be sentenced to 96 months for assault with intent to kill and 180 days for simple assault. Prosecutors mentioned Harrison’s long criminal history and stated that on the day of the incident, Harrison waited for the victim in the apartment building lobby while holding a firearm and allegedly pointed it at the victim’s partner and child.

Errin Scialpi, Harrison’s attorney, claimed that Harrison was minding his business in the lobby when the victim became aggressive, triggering Harrison’s past trauma of being imprisoned. Scialpi claimed the victim pushed Harrison first and that this was not their first verbal confrontation.

According to his attorney, Harrison acknowledged that he did not act in self-defense.

Harrison took responsibility for his actions but he didn’t not agree with all of the prosecution’s claims, denying that he pointed a gun towards the victim’s partner and child. Harrison stated that he was being constantly harassed and threatened by his neighbor.

No victim impact statement was given.

Judge Dayson stated the defendant has a pattern of “interpersonal conflict” that ends in unlawful behavior. However, the judge also acknowledged Harrison’s willingness to take accountability.

For assault with intent to kill, Harrison was sentenced to 96 months incarceration and three years of supervised release.

Harrison was also sentenced to 180 days for simple assault.

The sentences are to run concurrently and Harrison will be required to register as a gun offender upon release.

No further dates were set.

No-Show Homicide Defendant Wants Lawyer Off The Case, Judge Refuses

During a hearing in which the defendant refused to appear DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied the defense attorney’s request to withdraw from a case on Aug. 26.

Tiffany Taylor-Gray, 23, is charged with first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW, on April 5, 2024.

Taylor-Gray was not present before the court, as she refused to get off the bus at the courthouse for the second time. Defense attorney Eduardo Balarezo said Taylor-Gray was refusing to speak with him during legal visits to the jail and that he was unsure how to proceed.

Balarezo explained he cannot represent Taylor-Gray if she is not present, which is why he filed a motion to withdraw from the case.

The rosecutor suggested Judge Kravitz could issue a court order that requires Taylor-Gray to attend hearings. She explained that it “sounds ridiculous,” but that a court order may induce Taylor-Gray to get off the bus and comply.

Kravitz said he a contempt order will likely change anything because Taylor-Gray is serving a lengthy sentence for an unspecified crime in another jurisdiction.

Judge Kravitz said there is “not a proper basis to grant the motion” for Balarezo to withdraw from the case. He indicated there was no suggestion Balarezo had “caused any rupture,” and that they have no reason to believe Taylor-Gray won’t act the same with a different attorney.

Judge Kravitz also suggested that they could set a new court date in hopes of speaking with Taylor-Gray about the importance of showing up to her own court hearings.

“A person cannot prevent their own prosecution,” he said.

However, Judge Kravitz will research the matter and encourged counsel to do likewise.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 15.

Ernest Cleveland, 31, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 600 block of 19th Street, NE, on Oct. 24, 2020. Three people were injured.

Cleveland is also charged in a separate case with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Edward Pearson, 39, on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, on Nov. 26, 2020.

According to court records, Cleveland was charged in the non-fatal shooting in May 2024 after text messages obtained during a search warrant for the homicide and DNA evidence allegedly tied him to the incident.

During the hearing, Cleveland was arraigned in a formal reading of the charges related to the non-fatal shooting incident. Cleveland’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, pleaded not guilty to all charges on his behalf and asserted Cleveland’s right to a speedy trial.

Parties set a date to further discuss how to proceed with the case in light of Cleveland’s plea of not guilty.

They are slated to reconvene on Dec. 12 to discuss both cases.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Aug. 26.

Keith Walker, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a March 7 shooting on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where an individual was wounded in the ankle.

The prosecution offered a deal to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for all other charges being dropped. The sentencing range would have been 48-to-60 months.

Walker rejected the offer and parties set a trial date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 1.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 26 in Southeast. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom, was found with a gunshot wound on the 300 block of Anacostia Rd, SE, and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect for Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 64-year-old Darryl Woods for allegedly shooting at two teenagers in a Southwest apartment building on Aug. 23 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The incident occurred after the teenagers knocked on Woods’ door and ran away, prompting him to fire shots down the hallway. No injuries were reported, and Woods faces multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon and firearm-related offenses.

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