Stabbing Defendant in ‘Dire Situation’ For Mental Crisis

A stabbing defendant was granted a mental health screening and placed on medical alert by DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover during an Aug. 4 hearing.

Devyn Cyphers, 27, faces a charge of assault with a deadly weapon for her alleged involvement in a July 31 stabbing on the 300 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. One individual was injured in the neck during the incident.

Court documents state Cyphers told police during an interview on the day of the incident that she thought she was experiencing a mental health episode, since she did not recall the attack.

At the hearing, defense attorney Elliott Queen requested a forensic evaluation to determine Cyphers’ mental condition. Queen called it a “dire situation” because Cyphers had been placed on suicide watch the previous night.

Cyphers’ mother, who traveled from Texas, was present in court.

The next hearing in this case is slated for Aug. 8.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspects in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking suspects involved in a shooting that occurred on July 4 in SW DC. A vehicle was targeted near P Street and Carrollsburg Place, and the suspects fled the scene. A man later sought treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, and his vehicle, damaged by gunfire, was recovered. The suspects were captured on surveillance cameras.

Defendant Held After Self-Inflicted Wound in Domestic Shooting

A suspect in a domestic shooting remained in jail following a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on July 31.

Michael Dais, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly threatened his wife with a gun on July 26 at their residence on the 1500 block of Erie St., SE.

According to court documents, Dais and the victim had were arguing about infidelity and during the dispute Dais pointed a gun at her. A physical altercation ensued resulting in Dais’ being shot in the right hand. Multiple children were present during the incident, one of whom called the police for assistance at the victim’s request.

Defense attorney Stephen LoGerfo alerted Judge Hildum of Dais’ intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence and argued for Dais’ release. He said Dais has strong family connections who he could live with and is employed. He argued that while Dais does have a criminal history, it is dated and consists mostly of possession cases. He has a record of compliance on release including in his current probation in Georgia.

LoGerfo argued the victim’s story that the shooting was self-inflicted by Dias mitigates her responsibility for what happened. He further argued that the testimony of the child who called 911 should be viewed with skepticism as the victim would have had the chance to color what she said.

The prosecution responded that Dais was carrying a weapon during an argument, brandished it against the victim while multiple children were present, and threatened both her and the children. The victim also testified that she was fearful, saying Dais had recently strangled her.

The prosecution emphasized Dais’ criminal history, arguing it worse than LoGerfo implied. Though much of Dais’ record dates back to the 1990s and 2000s, he was released on a 2015 robbery case in Georgia in 2022 for which he is still on probation. He is also charged with an escape in 2022.

Judge Hildum ruled that Dais be held. A plea offer from the prosecution is on the table though the terms were not disclosed.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 13.

‘I Would Have Given Him All The Breaks in The World,’ Says Judge at Teen Shooter’s Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a teenage shooting defendant to 19 months of incarceration and revoked his current probation status, rejecting the defense’s request that he be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Aug. 1.

On April 2, Antuan Myles, 19, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful discarding of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Dec. 19, 2024, on the 5200 block of Blaine Street, NE. There were no injuries.

Myles was on probation for a misdemeanor drug possession case at the time of the incident. Judge Pipe, who had also sentenced Myles in his misdemeanor case, stated that at the time she chose to give him a chance to have a clean adult record as the offense was “very simple… inconsequential.”

Judge Pipe stated that she was going to reinstate Myles’ misdemeanor sentence disregarding her earlier action. Miles attorney in that case, Elliot Queen, was allowed to make a statement commenting, “It’s recklessness… but it appears that its youthful recklessness.”

The prosecution asked that Myles’ probation be revoked on his misdemeanor case and that the previously waived ten days of incarceration be reinstated with six months probation. On the felony case, they asked for a sentence of 19 months with three years supervised release each for carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discarding of a firearm and for a sentence of nine months with three years of supervised release for unlawful discharge. They requested that sentences run concurrently.

Defense attorney Emma Mlyniec asked for a sentence that would return Myles to the community under the YRA, which allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. She asked for initial detention with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) followed by supervised release.

Mlyniec argued “he’s been through a lot” and has shown to be resilience through a difficult childhood. She informed the court that Myles’ older brother was murdered while he was in juvenile custody. This affected him when he returned home Mlyniec said, causing him to look for support to older, “antisocial peers.”

Mlyniec also noted that Myles was wrongfully accused and incarcerated in a case in Maryland, significantly undermining his juvenile release. Still, prior to this offense, he held two jobs as a mechanic and was progaressing toward community college.

“He was certainly trying and he was certainly showing progress,,” Mlyniec said and that his DYRS mentors were willing to take him back.

Myles apologized to the court, his family, and community saying he took full responsibility for his actions before Judge Pipe determined his sentence.

The judge sentenced Myles per the prosecution’s request of 19 months with three years supervised release each for carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discarding of a firearm and nine months with three years of supervised release for unlawful discharge all to run concurrently.

She argued their request was generous and said, “if they were asking for more [time], I would have been inclined to give him more.”

Judge Pipe got emotional in the sentencing saying, “I would have given him all the breaks in the world” had he not shown himself to be such a danger to the community. She argued that deferring to the YRA is not appropriate in this case as Myles clearly has been unable to appreciate the consequences of his actions.

No further dates were set.

Suspect Stays Jailed in Neighborhood Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied release for a defendant who allegedly attempted to shoot hisneighbor, during a hearing on July 29.

Juwan Russell, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 25, on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE.

Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein argued for Russell’s release, stating that he allegedly tried to shoot his neighbor’s car but missed and hit an unoccupied vehicle leaving no one injured. She also stated that if released on GPS monitoring, the defendant could live with his mother in a different part of the city, so that he would not have to come in contact with the victim.

The prosecution opposed and said nothing has changed since DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan ruled against releasing Russell on July 14. They also stated that Russell is charged with firearms charges and video footage captures Russell allegedly committing the shooting.

Judge Salerno stated that Russell had repeated altercations with the victim; there were four expended cartridge casings at the scene allegedly proving he tried to shoot at someone, and a distinctive yellow hoodie was found in Russell’s bedroom that surveillance footage shows the shooter was wearing..

Ultimately, he agreed with Judge Nolan’s ruling and decided to hold the defendant.

Parties are expected to reconvene Aug. 25.

Young Carjacker Pleads Guilty

A carjacking defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on July 31.

Amiya Hilliard, 20, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in attempting to steal a motor vehicle using force while in possession of a firearm on Nov. 5, 2024, on the 4900 Block of Jay Street, NE.

Hilliard pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license outside of her home or business. As part of the plea agreement, all other charges were dismissed and the prosecution will not seek an indictment.

The carjacking charge has a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years, with a maximum of 21 years.

Hilliard’s defense attorney, Elizabeth White, requested Judge Pipe consider sentencing Hilliard under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty

A shooting defendant pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on July 31.

Rene Bost, 41, was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for his involvement in a shooting on the 1300 block of K Street, NW on July 11. There were no reported injuries.

Bost pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a fully suspended sentence.

Bost must register as a gun offender.

Additionally, Bost’s defense attorney, Kavya Naini, requested that her client be released. She stated that Bost has expressed willingness to enter into a treatment program for substance abuse. She also requested that he be placed at a stable address under GPS monitoring as he waits to be admitted into treatment, mentioning that Bost has a son and family that rely on him.

Naini argued that the parties’ agreement to a fully suspended sentence proved they both agreed he does not pose a danger to the community.

However, the prosecution opposed the release unless he immediately goes into treatment.

Judge Pipe noted that Bost has many DUIs. Despite this, she decided to grant Bost’s release request because he is expected to enter treatment soon.

Judge Pipe also ordered alcohol and drug testing, and Bost may not drive a car while on release in light of his DUIs.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 26.

Defense Counsel Seeks Release For Homicide Co-Defendant Facing Retrial

A motion to reinstate a murder co-defendant’s release was discussed in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park during a July 30 hearing.

Alonzo Brown, 28, 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.

Judge Jason Park scheduled a new trial in May of 2026 for Brown, 28, and co-defendant Naquel Henderson,27, after their first trial ended in a mistrial. Defense attorney Steven Kiersh requested that Brown be released in the meantime.

The prosecution opposed Brown’s release, citing a still unresolved case in Maryland and arguing that the circumstances of his detention have not changed. They also noted there is an existing bench warrant for him in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Kiersh argued that the PG warrant was issued because of Brown’s detention in DC. Kiersh stated the warrant would be dismissed once Brown’s Maryland case is resolved.

Judge Park said he expects his Maryland case can be tried first and asked that Kiersh make contact with Brown’s lawyers in Maryland to coordinate trial dates.

Meanwhile, he is not currently in a position to make a decision on reinstating Brown’s release.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 20.

Suspect Charged With Transit Officer Nail-Stabbing Claims Excessive Force

An unpaid Metro fare that escalated into the stabbing of a transit officer is at the center of a trial before D.C. Superior Court Judge Roberto Salerno underway on July 30.

Erik Schleehauf, 43, is charged with assault on a Metro Transit Police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident with a nail that occurred on April 15 at the Navy Yard Metro on the 1100 block of New Jersey Avenue, SE.

According to court documents the officer was stabbed in the face with a five inch long nail.

Defense attorney Amanda Epstein pressed the officer about the legality of demanding Schleehauf’s ID at a Metro stop after a disputed fare payment. She noted the law only requires a suspect to provide their name. The officer claimed he routinely asks for ID because suspects often lie about their identity.

Epstein emphasized that the defendant didn’t have any conventional weapons. The sergeant testified that he initially believed he had been punched, not struck with an object, and didn’t report feelings of numbness or report a visible injury to anyone at the scene. He only reported injuries to another officer and a doctor later at the hospital.

Prosecutors countered by underscoring the victim’s extensive experience and stated he followed standard de-escalation protocols, using force only after Schleehauf became non-compliant and aggressive.

The prosecution called a physician assistant from an urgent care clinic in Maryland, who treated the officer for facial numbness weeks after the incident.

She confirmed the presence of scar tissue and prescribed medication but acknowledged under cross-examination that her evaluation was based solely on the officer’s self-reported symptoms and she did not observe any internal puncture wounds or internal scarring.

Outside the jury’s presence, the prosecution’s attempt to introduce a video of Schleehauf cursing at police during transport to the hospital was rejected by the court.

Epstein filed a motion for judgment of acquittal, and argued that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, asserting the victim initiated physical contact and used excessive force. The prosecution argued the response was reasonable and followed protocol.

The acquittal morion was denied.

The defense called a physician from GW Medical Faculty Associates who treated Schleehauf and the officer the day of the incident. The doctor said Schleehauf was in pain, experienced swelling and a number of cuts that required stitches but didn’t request any painkillers. Images of the injuries were shown to the jury.

According to the doctor, the officer didn’t find any significant issues in the officer’s mouth and he didn’t ask for pain relief.

During closing arguments prosecutors maintained Schleehauf, “cannot stab a law enforcement officer” for being pepper sprayed.

The prosecution says that the officer was simply trying to do his job, asking Schleehauf “Sir can I help you?” and asking for an ID after Schleehauf opened an emergency exit.

In surveillance video, Schleehauf apparently ignored the officer on the escalator. Then things escalated when they had reached the top with the officer pepper spraying Schleehauf and the defendant allegedly swinging at the victim.

The prosecutor argued Schleehauf’s could have avoided the conflict but Epstein claimed the officer “was mad that someone would dare ignore him.”

Epstein’s contended the officer acted beyond his authority and “when officers act this way it makes sense why we have laws to protect us.”

Epstein said this all started simply because Schleehauf didn’t pay his train fare–something that happens everyday escalated into the use of excessive force by the officer who could have diffused the situation..

Epstein said Schleehauf acted in self defense. She lastly added that the jury has the last word and she is asking for two words for Schleehauf and they are “not guilty.”

Parties are slated to meet July 31.

Defendant Ordered to DC Jail in Kidnapping and Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a bench warrant to transfer a homicide defendant from custody in Virginia to the District of Columbia during a July 30 hearing.

Lashawn Washington, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice in connection with the abduction and murder of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford on Oct. 24, 2023. Crawford was last seen on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

According to court documents, Washington allegedly kidnapped Crawford in an attempt to steal personal property, including money.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki was present.

Washington’s jury trial for this case, which was initially set for October of this year, has been delayed due to his detention and pending cases in Virginia.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 7.

Carjacking Defendant No-Show at Probation Revocation Hearing

A carjacking defendant failed to appear at his probation revocation hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on July 30.

Damian Lea, 24, pleaded guilty on Jan. 18, 2022 to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an armed carjacking on July 28, 2020 on the 100 block of Piece Street, NW.

A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) reported that Lea has not been compliant with sexual abuse treatment. The representative met with Lea on July 25 and encouraged him to enter the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Assessment and Referral Center (ARC) program, a community-based treatment center that helps people with substance use disorders.

Judge McLean did not issue a bench warrant due to uncertainty over whether Lea was in the community or in the ARC program. The court instructed CSOSA and Lea’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern, to determine Lea’s whereabouts.

No further dates have been set.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Guilty

A carjacking defendant pled guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 28.

Markese Lewis, 31, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking for his involvement in the carjacking of an Uber driver on the unit block of Banner Place, NW, on May 31.

During the hearing, Lewis’ attorney, Patrick Nowak, informed the court that Lewis intended to accept a plea deal from the prosecution. Through the deal, Lewis pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Nowak argued for Lewis’ potential release, citing his involvement in the Georgetown Pivot Program, a career-development opportunity for people previously incarcerated. He also mentioned his friends and family in the community and his previous work as a concierge director.

Lewis remains detained, however.

Sentencing is slated for Oct. 17.

Judge Severs Carjacking Defendants’ Cases

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted severance to two carjacking defendants on July 30.

Derrick Coltrane, 40, and Ira Shaw-Bates, 22, are charged with unarmed carjacking for their alleged involvement in an incident on June 6 on the 300 block of N Street, NE.

Judge McLean granted the motion to sever the co-defendants’ cases. She based her decision on the availability of the attorneys involved and the desire to speed up trial proceedings. The cases appear to be headed in different directions.

Coltrane’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, indicated his interest in accepting a plea deal from the prosecution. Further details will be discussed at a later date.

Shaw-Bates has not expressed interest in accepting a plea. His case will proceed to trial.

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 29.

Carjacking Suspect Can Keep His Lawyers Despite Ties to a Related Case

A defendant asserted his right to keep his public defender service (PDS) attorneys for representation before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 25.

Aniq-Kai Covington, 17, has been charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property worth $1000 or more, carrying a pistol without a license, and possessing an unregistered firearm for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 2700 block of 31st Street SE. Covington is being charged as an adult under Title 16, which is permissible for youth’s charged with certain serious offenses.

During the hearing, Covington agreed to dual representation by his PDS lawyers, Varsha Govindaraju and Damayanti Desai, who are representing another carjacking defendant in a case that allegedly has DNA evidence that may link Covington to that incident.

The other carjacking defendant, Dontrell Davis, 17, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed and unarmed carjacking for his involvement in five incidents in September 2023 including:

Theft of a vehicle on Sept. 1 at the 1900 block of 2nd Street, NE
Armed robbery on Sept. 3 at the 3800 block of 9th Street, SE
Armed robbery on Sept. 10 at the intersection of 18th and Erie Streets, SE
Armed robbery on Sept. 11 at the 1200 block of Savannah Street, SE
Two armed carjackings on Sept. 11 at the 3300 block of 4th Street, SE, and the 2900 block of Erie Street, SE

Covington agreed that his lawyers cannot initiate plea negotiations with the prosecution that may negatively impact Davis. Covington, as part of the agreement, cannot complain about bad or “insufficient” counsel on the grounds of dual representation in the event of a conviction.

Govindaraju and Desai affirmed that it was “not a possibility for Covington to cooperate in any capacity” with the Davis matter. Covington will not become a defendant or a witness in the other case.

Covington’s conflict counsel, Katherine Massey, requested to stay on the case, despite the resolution, due to the connection between the defendants in the separate cases. Judge Salerno approved the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied release for a murder defendant on July 29 even though a witness said he wasn’t the perpetrator.

Darrell M. Hinkle, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Dajuan Blankey on April 21, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police (MPD) went to the suspected location responding to the sounds of gunshots. Police found Blakney lying on the steps in front of a building. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Defense attorney Lucas Dansie brought an investigator from the Public Defender Service (PDS) to testify. The investigator said he interviewed a defense witness, who knew Hinkle, and presented him with surveillance footage of the crime. He testified that the witness told him the man in the video was not Hinkle.

“That man walks like a penguin,” the witness told the investigator. “Darrell doesn’t walk like that.”

The witness also said the man in the video had a different build and hairstyle from the defendant, according to the investigator.

During the prosecution’s cross examination, the investigator said he did not know how the witness knew Hinkle or for how long, because he did not ask.

“[The witness] could have flown here from Mars, as far as I know,” he said.

The prosecution scrutinized the value of the witness’ identification, noting that they were only shown one surveillance video when there were several other videos with different angles.

Judge Park decided the prosecution had sufficient evidence showing Hinkle probably caused the shooting, thus his release was denied.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 29.

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