A Life Lost, A Life Reborn Says Judge at Murder Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a remorsefuldefendant to 12 years in prison on June 27 for a homicide.

On Feb. 13, Lorenzo Goldsmith, 21, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Aaron Robinson. The incident took place on Feb. 4, 2023, on the 1400 block of Spring Road, NW.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 10-to-14 years in prison.

Robinson’s family attended the sentencing hearing and said they disagree with the plea deal and presented many victim impact statements to the court.

Robinson’s oldest daughter said she was 17-years-old when her father was killed, and her younger brother was,13. She said when she graduated high school last year, all she could think about while at the ceremony was her father.

“We were robbed of the happiness his presence would have brought,” she said.

Robinson’s mother recounted looking forward to her son’s 40th birthday with a family celebration. She said the family memorialized his birthday at his gravesite.

“Aaron’s life was stolen in its prime,” she said.

Robinson’s mother said that although she does not agree with the plea agreement or the sentencing range, that she forgives Goldsmith for the crime he committed and encouraged him to lean on his faith.

Robinson’s sister addressed Goldsmith directly and described the type of person her brother was, including the countless family gatherings where Robinson would cook for the family. She said Robinson’s presence is “irreplaceable.”

“My question to you, Lorenzo, is why? Why did you kill my brother?” Robinson’s sister asked.

Robinson’s sister asked Judge Brandt to consider a higher sentence, insisting that the range was not enough. She said Goldsmith will be 39 years old after he serves 20 years in prison, which is the same age of her brother when he was murdered.

The prosecution recommended Judge Brandt sentence Goldsmith to 14 years, while the defense, Dana Page, recommended Goldsmith be sentenced to 10 years.

The prosecution explained some factors that were taken into consideration when deciding the plea agreement, including Goldsmith’s age at the time of the incident, his lack of criminal history, and the progress of his behavior since incarceration.

The prosecution showed the court camera footage from inside Robinson’s apartment building just seconds before he was shot and killed. The video showed Robinson and his fiance coming home from dinner, as Goldsmith was waiting for Robinson inside the building.

The prosecution said Goldsmith asked Robinson to go outside numerous times, and even showed Robinson he had a gun on him. Robinson eventually went outside with Goldsmith, while his fiance stayed inside the apartment building.

The prosecution said Goldsmith shot Robinson seven times, including shooting him one time after Robinson was faced down on the ground. The prosecution said Robinsons’ fiance’s reaction from inside the apartment building makes it clear when the shooting occurred.

Since then, the prosecution said Goldsmith showed remorse and a remarkable capability for rehabilitation. However, he also suffers from undiagnosed manic tendencies at the time of the incident that could have impacted his behavior, which is why Goldsmith should only be sentenced to 14 years.

Page said Goldsmith has taken accountability for his actions, has expressed remorse, and shown regret. She said Goldsmith was also suffering from undiagnosed mental health issues, like depression, at the time of the incident, which is not an excuse for what he did but an explanation, and makes the voluntary manslaughter plea appropriate.

Page said since Goldsmith’s incarceration, he has done things she has never seen or imagined from someone his age, including learning more about mental illnesses, getting his GED, taking college courses, participating on the debate team, and starting a podcast.

“I can’t express how much he has done and how amazing that is given how young he is,” Page said.

Goldsmith apologized to Robinson’s family during the hearing. He said he was also hurting from the incident, and would have understood if Robinson’s family did not forgive him, but he was glad that they did.

“First of all, I would like to say I’m sincerely sorry for your loss and all of the pain I’ve caused,” Goldsmith said.

“I’m gonna do my best to be a better man,” Goldsmith said.

Judge Brandt sentenced Goldsmith to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release, but denied the defense’s request for sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which seals young defendants’ convictions if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Judge Brandt said Page could request a YRA sentence in the future, but he first has to show his continued growth and his acclimation to prison.

The judge argued the fact that Goldsmith shot Robinson, who was unarmed, seven times doesn’t call for the low end of the sentencing range. She said the violent crime was juxtaposed to the strides Goldsmith has taken in jail to improve his life, like getting his GED and mentoring other inmates, along with the fact that he has no criminal history.

Judge Brandt recommended Goldsmith for the Bureau Rehabilitation and Values Enhancement (BRAVE) program in prison for young male inmates serving their first federal sentence to help them understand their emotional problems.

Judge Brandt extended her condolences to the victim’s family.

“Aaron Robinson lost his life, and out of it, Lorenzo Goldsmith has started to be reborn,” Judge Brandt said.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 15 Charges

A defendant in an armed carjacking case pleaded not guilty to 15 charges before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur during an arraignment on June 25.

Raysean Brown, 29, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of reckless driving, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and destruction of property $1,000 or more for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on May 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Brown pleaded not guilty to all charges and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Brown’s attorney, Joseph McCoy, and prosecutors stated that they are ready to proceed to trial.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a jury trial on June 30.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty, Judge Denies Release Pending Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean during a hearing on June 23.

Issacc Rogers, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 19 on the 200 block of 57th Place, NE.

According to court documents, Rogers was in a physical altercation resulting with him and another defendant shooting into the victim’s mini-van

Rogers’ attorney, Wole Falodun, informed Judge McLean that Rogers pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed all greater and remaining charges.

Falodun requested Rogers’ release to home confinement to live with his mother in Baltimore until sentencing. Rogers’ parents were present in the courtroom, Falodun noted, and have attended his previous hearings. Falodun also acknowledged Rogers’ lack of prior firearms convictions.

Judge McLean emphasized that Rogers now has a firearms conviction with his guilty plea and denied Rogers’ release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 5.

Murder Suspect Wants to Recant Guilty Plea, Asks for New Counsel

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed a homicide defendant’s sentencing after changing his mind about a guilty plea and as well as requesting new counsel on June 27.

On March 28, Chad Hawthorne, 44, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Antonio Bassett on May 22, 2017, on the 3900 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

In addition, Hawthorne pled guilty to simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing which occurred on June 20, 2018 on the 1900 Block of D Street, SE, at the DC Jail.

Hawethorne was set to be sentenced on June 27, however Judge Dayson stated she had received Hawthorne’s request for new counsel and his attorney, Qui Mieko Judkins, motioned to withdraw from the case.

The prosecution objected saying Hawthorne had already gone through several attorneys in the case.

Additionally, Judge Dayson confirmed with Hawethorne that she received his request to withdraw his guilty plea.

Judge Dayson told Hawthorne that any matters regarding his guilty plea could not be addressed if his request for new counsel was granted.

“You just tell me what you want to do,” said Judge Dayson.

Ultimately, Hawthorne confirmed that he wanted new counsel and Judge Dayson accepted his request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 18 to ascertain new counsel.

Judge Sets Homicide Defendant’s Trial for 2026

Parties scheduled a trial date in 2026 in an assault-turned-homicide case before DC Superior Judge Michael Ryan on June 23.

Morris Stokes, 71, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for allegedly repeatedly striking 70-year-old Maurice Rowe with a pole to death on Aug. 6, 2024, on the 1400 block of Downing Street, NE. Stokes was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed until Rowe succumbed to his injuries and died on Oct. 24, 2024.

According to court documents, Stokes allegedly approached Rowe, on the side of the street, briefly spoke to him, then walked away. Minutes later, Stokes allegedly returned carrying a long stick with which he struck Rowe in the back. Stokes then allegedly continued to hit Rowe multiple times in the legs and upper body. Officers found Rowe unconscious in the grass, partially exposed and covered in feces, with visible injuries to his head and legs.

Stokes’ defense attorneys, Derek Page and Gemma Stevens, previously subpoenaed Stokes’ hospital for access to his medical records. They received around 100 pages and intend to file a bond review motion based on the contents.

The defense additionally requested that Stokes’ cell phone be released from police custody.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for trial on May, 22, 2026.

Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 54 Months in Hat Dispute

A stabbing defendant was sentenced to 54 months of imprisonment by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe during a hearing on June 27.

Tanade Warsame, 33, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury while armed and contempt for his involvement in the stabbing of an individual on May 4, 2024 on the 600 block of I Street NW.

According to court documents, the victim claimed that the altercation started over a dispute over a $10 hat which read “I ♥ MILFS” that the defendant sold to the victim.

During the hearing, there was some confusion over whether or not the defendant would be charged with robbery, but Judge Pipe ruled that the charge would be treated as a misdemeanor.

“He failed to truly accept responsibility with what happened,” the prosecution asserted. The prosecution requested 66 months for the assault with bodily injury while armed charge, and 180 days incarceration for the contempt charge.

Warsame’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, asked for a sentence on the lower end of the guidelines as the defendant was homeless and needed the money claiming that, “He is trying to be a good person”. Ain also asked that Warsame be placed in a psychiatric after release treatment to ensure effective rehabilitation.

Judge Pipe ruled that Warsame would be sentenced to 48 months for assault with bodily injury while armed with fiveyears of supervised release, and six months for contempt with both charges consecutive.

No further hearings were scheduled.

Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to 54 months of incarceration on June 20.

Danta Forter, 47, pleaded guilty on April 24 to aggravated assault knowingly for stabbing an individual on July 1, 2024 inside the Metro Center Metro Station on the 600 block of 11th Street, NW.

According to court documents, the stabbing occurred after the victim allegedly brushed past Forter’s bike when exiting the metro. Forter claimed that the victim initiated the altercation despite video footage that reportedly showed Forter stabbing the victim multiple times in the torso without visible provocation. The fight lasted seven-and-a-half minutes, and the victim was hospitalized for a week.

The prosecutor requested Judge Arthur sentence Forter to 60 months of incarceration, emphasizing that the victim suffered extensive injuries. According to the prosecution, the victim suffered from lacerations to the scalp, a punctured lung, and damage to his large intestine.

The prosecution also noted Forter’s extensive criminal history since 1996, including two prior convictions of armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He also had two pending probation matters at the time of the incident.

Forter’s actions were “uncalled for,” said the prosecutor. She acknowledged Forter’s substance abuse issues but asserted, “the community shouldn’t have to pay for that.”

The prosecution said the victim claimed that he refused to leave the altercation because he was afraid Forter would strike him from behind.

Forter’s defense attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, asked for a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines. Fullwood-Singh claimed Forter’s actions were influenced by his drug use, but noted Forter plans on completing drug and mental health treatment after sentencing.

“He has a future ahead of him that he has been striving for, until recently,” said Fullwood-Singh.

Fullwood-Singh argued that it was unclear who the aggressor was in the video footage of the incident and asserted that the victim continued to advance toward Forter. Fullwood-Singh claimed the victim’s medical records showed positive drug tests for marijuana and PCP, which explains his erratic behavior.

But, the prosecutor disputed the claim, saying the victim’s drug tests were negative.

Fullwood-Singh maintained that Forter lacked support during his childhood but had family members present in the courtroom willing to support him if he was released. Fullwood-Singh noted Forter has been incarcerated for almost a year and has not had any infractions during this time.

“I pray that you will provide me with another opportunity at freedom,” Forter wrote in a letter to Judge Arthur.

Along with the 54 months of incarceration, Forter will also serve three years of supervised release and is required to complete drug and mental health treatment.

“The video speaks for itself and given the extent of his injuries, the victim is lucky to be alive,” Judge Arthur said. “This could have been a homicide.”

No further dates were set.

‘If We Have To, We Will,’ Says Judge About Trying No-Show Murder Defendant

The defendant in an ongoing murder case failed to appear in court for the ninth time on June 27. DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan said his trial, scheduled to begin Sept. 2, will go ahead with or without him.

Marquis Bullocks, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 31-year-old Michael Pate and 28-year-old Djuan Proctor on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on Sept. 18, 2021.

Judge Ryan asked Bullocks’ defense attorney, David Akulian, why he has not been able to maintain contact? Akulian said that it has been hard to get hold of his client in person at the DC Jail, and was worried what would happen when the case got to trial.

“I am going to have a number of questions to ask him,” said Judge Ryan about the suspects chronic court avoidance, nearly a dozen times in one year.

Judge Ryan said he would consider waiving Bullock’s presence if he consented to the action.

The judge asked Akulian if he would be able to discuss the matter with Bullocks and Akulian said he would. The prosecution had little to suggest in terms of ensuring Bullocks’ presence, other than to issue a court order or have him participate remotely.

After deliberation, Judge Ryan decided he would need to talk to Bullocks before the start of his trial on Sept. 2.

‘If we have to, we will,’ said Judge Ryan, telling Akulian that if Bullocks does not appear they will be going to trial without him. Both parties agreed.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 15.

Carjacking Co-Defendants Plead Guilty

Carjacking co-defendants pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld during a hearing on June 23.

Malik Kearney, 20, and Erick Alvarenga, 19, were originally charged with first-degree burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawfully discarding a firearm or ammunition. Kearney was additionally charged with armed carjacking. The charges stem from their involvement in two separate carjacking incidents, one on Dec. 28, 2024 on the 6100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. The second incident occurred on Jan 3. at an Exxon gas station on the 4200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, on Jan. 3, the victim was at the gas station in his red Dodge Challenger when Kearney and Alvarenga arrived at the gas station in a red Jeep Cherokee. The victim reportedly said the Jeep blocked his car, Kearney then exited the Jeep, aimed his gun towards the victim, and ordered him to exit his vehicle. Kearney then entered the vehicle and both cars fled the scene.

Prosecutors said the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) later identified the red Jeep the defendants drove on Jan. 3 as the same vehicle previously stolen during another carjacking on Dec. 28.

Prosecutors also said during the investigation MPD found phone messages between Kearney and Alvarenga that detailed their carjacking plans.

Carrie Weletz, Kearney’s defense attorney, also acted as stand-in defense for Alvarenga during the hearing. Weletz informed Judge Hertzfeld that Alvarenga and Kearney accepted a plea deal extended by the prosecution.

Alvarenga and Kearney each pleaded guilty to two counts of unarmed carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed any greater and remaining charges.

Prosecutors informed Alvarenga and Kearney the charges carried a maximum sentence of 21 years of incarceration.

Judge Hertzfeld accepted Kearney and Alvarenga’s guilty pleas.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 29.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Deemed Competent For Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal E Kravitz found a homicide defendant competent to stand trial on June 24.

Tiffany Taylor-Gray, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while 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.

Tommy Whack, 35, and Audrey Miller, 20, have also been charged for their alleged involvement in the crime. Whack is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and robbery. Miller is charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Judge Kravitz found Taylor-Gray competent to stand trial based on an evaluation by the DC Department of Behavioral Health. No objections were raised regarding Taylor-Gray’s competency finding.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 22.

Jail Stabbing Co-Defendant Pleads Guilty

One of the four co-defendants allegedly involved in a jail stabbing pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 23.

Ndiaye Elhadji, 26, was originally charged with co-defendants Dion Lee, 26, Dionte Anderson, 26, and Tyrone Hawkins, 24, with conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on May 9, 2023 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The victim sustained six stab wounds–three on his right arm, one on his neck, and one on the top of his head.

Elhadji’s attorney, Marnitta King, informed Judge Arthur that Elhadji accepted a plea offer from the prosecution. Elhadji pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed the greater and remaining charges.

King asked for Elhadji’s release and said Elhadjit made active commitments to improve his mental health and academic performance. King added Elhadji was accepted into a program for incarcerated individuals at Howard University to study medicine.

The prosecution opposed Elhadji’s release and noted the seriousness of the crime and his past criminal history.

Judge Arthur denied Elhadji’s release due to his past criminal convictions.

Sentencing is slated for Aug. 25.

Judge Sentences Stabbing Defendant to Four Years of Incarceration

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a stabbing defendant to four years of incarceration after she considered his lengthy mental health history during a sentencing on June 25.

James Petticolas, 41, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, second-degree burglary while armed, and destruction of property less than $1,000 for his involvement in non-fatal stabbing on the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW on May 10, 2024. The victim sustained one stab wound to his back.

Petticolas pleaded guilty on March 28 to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon. Petticolas attacked a store owner with an open flame and then slashed him across the back with a box cutter.

“I do apologize for that day. I wish it ain’t ever happened,” said Petticolas during his sentencing.

Petticolas’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, argued his actions resulted from Petticolas’ PTSD from a shooting incident in which he was the victim. “We do realize his mental health was triggered that day,” said King, adding that “he snapped.”

King alleged prosecutors misrepresented the evidence to exaggerate the severity of Petticolas’ conduct. King noted Petticolas was acquitted of charges in another case, after a bench trial that considered his mental health.

King asked Judge Brandt to not impose a sentence near the top of the guideline. She asked for the minimum 24 months for the assault charge and further supervised release for the possession charge. She said that Petticolas intended to take responsibility for his actions from the outset of the case and highlighted that this should grant him credit in the sentence decision.

Prosecutors argued for a maximum sentence of 66 months for the assault charge and 16 months for the possession charge to run concurrently. They emphasized the violent and unwarranted nature of the attack. He was “provoked into some kind of anger…chased down and stabbed [the victim] in the back,” said prosecutors.

The prosecution said Petticolas acted intentionally and that he inflicted harm on the victim. Prosecutors asked Judge Brandt to consider the psychological impact on the victim when she imposed the sentence.

Judge Brandt commended Petticolas for his early admission of guilt, and noted that Petticolas’ mental health history and limited criminal record made the sentence difficult. However, she also agreed that the nature of the offense and the severity of the victim’s injuries required appropriate punishment.

Judge Brandt sentenced Petticolas to 48 months of incarceration with three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon and 12 months of incarceration with one year of supervised release for the possession of a prohibited weapon. Petticolas will serve the sentences concurrently and complete mental health treatment upon release.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel accepted a carjacking suspect’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing that would have presented evidence in the case on June 24.

Aaron Tolliver, 19, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of armed robbery, and attempting to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Dec. 22, 2024 on the 1700 block of 4th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Tolliver allegedly demanded the keys to the victim’s vehicle while she was getting in her car, flashed a silver gun, and the victim complied out of fear. Tolliver then reportedly used the stolen car to rob two individuals and attempt to rob a third.

During the hearing, Tolliver’s attorney, Lauren Morehouse, waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 22.

McDonald’s Stabbing Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe deemed a defendant who allegedly stabbed an individual in a McDonald’s competent to stand trial on June 23.

James Allen, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance for his alleged involvement in stabbing an individual inside a McDonald’s on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue NE, on Dec. 28, 2024. The victim sustained a severe stab wound to her upper right arm.

According to court documents, Allen allegedly stabbed the victim while under the influence of amphetamines, then disposed of the knife in a nearby trash can, and fled the scene.

Judge Pipe previously ordered a full competency exam and mental observation hearing for Allen, and Allen was found competent to stand trial.

Allen’s attorney, Charles Allen, and the prosecution did not object to the competency finding.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 30.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Video Evidence of Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe found probable cause in a carjacking case, after prosecutors showed a video of the offense during a preliminary hearing on June 24.

Kevin Lester, 36, is charged with carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on June 13 on the 300 block of 40th Street, SW.

According to court documents, Lester and another suspect allegedly approached the victim’s vehicle. Lester then allegedly held a gun to the victim’s head and demanded he exit the vehicle. The second suspect reportedly pulled the keys out of the ignition, where Lester allegedly dragged the victim out of the vehicle and struck him multiple times. Both Lester and the other suspect allegedly got into the car and drove away.

During the hearing, the prosecution called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who arrested Lester to testify. Prosecutors showed a video of the offense in court.

Lester’s defense attorney, Theodore Shaw, argued no firearm was present in the footage. The MPD officer said it’s still possible the suspect had a gun because of the video angle and the “aggressive stance and body language” the suspect shows.

Judge Pipe found probable cause Lester committed the charges filed and said she has “no reason to believe Lester did not take the car.”

Judge Pipe also noted Lester’s criminal history of three prior convictions, two that involved a firearm and one assault incident.

Shaw requested Lester’s release with GPS monitoring and a stay away order. Judge Pipe denied Lester’s release and stated the circumstances of this event were “very concerning” and that “detention weighs heavily here.”

The prosecution also put a plea offer on the record. If Lester pleaded guilty to robbery and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the prosecution would dismiss the carjacking charge. Lester rejected the plea offer and asserted his right to a jury trial.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.

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