Judge Holds Murder Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge decided to hold a defendant charged with the murder of an 11 year-old boy.

Marcel Gordon and his three co-defendants are charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of Davon McNeal. McNeal was fatally shot on July 4 on the 1400 block of Cedar Street, SE.

The Oct. 5 bond review hearing was scheduled to determine if Gordon, 25, could be put on pretrial release. Gordon was screened and deemed eligible for the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.)

The prosecution argued that Gordon should be held, citing a prior weapon possession charge from 2016. The charge in that case was dropped, but the prosecution argued it demonstrates that Gordon is a danger to the community.

“I looked at the docket in court view for the 2016 case and the defendant was in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol outside Cedar Street which is the same block as this incident,” said Judge Neal Kravitz. “It’s highly relevant that, less than four years earlier, on the same block, the defendant is out in the community with a loaded pistol.”

Gordon’s attorney, Howard McEachern, said his client was not convicted for that charge and it was only a possessory offense. Gordon has a place to stay in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Judge Kravitz ultimately ruled that no release conditions would ensure the community’s safety.

Gordon was the last of the four co-defendants to be taken into custody. He turned himself in to authorities on Aug. 31.

The other three, Carlo General, Christen Wingfield and Daryle Bond, are being held because of pending cases or past convictions of firearms charges, which Judge Kravitz argued would make them a danger to the community.

The co-defendants’ next hearing, a felony status conference, is scheduled for Jan. 8.

Judge Sentences Felony Defendant

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant in a felony case that dates back to 2017.

In March, Christopher Sanders pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for shooting a victim multiple times during a dispute on May 17, 2017.

As part of a plea deal, the prosecution dropped his other charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly, possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device and unlawful possession of ammunition.

During the Oct. 5 hearing, defense attorney Mani Golzari pointed out that Sanders, 33, has successfully complied with his pretrial release under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) for the past three years and a half years.

Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced the defendant to 24 months, all of which was suspended, plus two years of probation for carrying a pistol without a license. Sanders was sentenced to 60 months, all of which was suspended, plus two years of probation for the assault charge.

Both the sentences and the probations will run concurrent to one another.

As conditions of his probation for the assault charge, Sanders must maintain employment, not possess any firearms and participate in an anger management program.

Sanders must also pay a total of $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC.)

Yasmeen McGettrick

Document: Police Seeks Public’s Assistance Locating Escapee

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is asking the public’s help locating a man who escaped from St. Elizabeths Hospital while awaiting sentencing for first-degree murder.

Bernard Coleman III escaped from the hospital on Oct. 4.

Coleman, 27, is described as a 6’0” Black male who weighs around 145 pounds. He has a medium complexion, black hair and brown eyes.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for First-Degree Murder while Armed

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made an arrest in connection with a homicide that happened on Sept. 23.

At around 2:44 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE after hearing the sound of gunshots. There, they found Christopher Washington, a 30 year-old resident of Southeast, DC, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

On Oct. 4, 33 year-old Edward Poe of Waldrorf, Md., was transported to the homicide branch.

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Document: Arrests Made in Robbery Cases

Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Criminal Investigations Division announced arrests that were made in recent robbery cases.

On Oct. 1, on the 1500 block of 17^th Street, NW, the suspect approached the victim and demanded property. The victim was struck with a flower pot after not complying.

A 37-year-old resident of Northwest, DC was arrested for assault with intent to commit robbery.

A 20-year-old was arrested for a robbery that occurred on the 4200 block of Benning Road, NE on Sept. 27. The suspect approached the victim and demanded property while implying he had a gun. The victim complied, and the suspect fled the scene with the victim’s property.

A 23-year-old was arrested for an armed robbery that occurred on the 200 block of 36th Street, SE. Two of the suspects brandished handguns and took the victim’s property. One of the suspects took the victim’s motorcycle, and the other two suspects fled on foot.

A 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested for armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon that occurred on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE on Sept. 26. The suspect approached the victim while brandishing a handgun and assaulted the victim. The suspect took money from the victim before fleeing the scene.

As a reminder, citizens are encouraged to use the Safe Exchange Zones when conducting in-person transactions using online applications such as Craigslist and Offer Up. For more information, please visit: http://mpdc.dc.gov/release/mpd-exchange-zone-locations-reminder

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Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection With Armed Robberies

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested a suspect in connection to multiple armed robberies.

Between July 8 and Sept. 18, three armed robberies took place over separate locations in Northeast, DC. The victims all responded to vehicle listings via the “Offer Up” application but were robbed after arriving at the agreed upon location.

An 18-year-old resident of Southeast, DC was arrested and charged with three counts of armed robbery, two counts of simple assault and first degree theft.

Since a handgun was recovered at the time of the arrest, the suspect was also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.

These cases remain under investigation. Anyone who has knowledge of these incidents should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

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Judge Reschedules Stalking Defendants Plea

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a felony domestic violence defendant’s hearing due to technical difficulties.

The defendant is charged with stalking.

The defense had intended to take a plea deal during the virtual Oct. 5 hearing. Since both the defendant and victim are Hard of Hearing, an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter was present.

However, the defendant was unable to get his screen to focus on the ASL interpreter, so he could not understand the proceedings.

The defendant is released on personal recognizance with orders to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA.) The prosecutor recommended that the defendant appears in person at the DC Superior Courthouse for his next hearing. However, he is currently living in Georgia.

Judge Michael O’Keefe decided to reschedule the hearing to Oct. 8 so the defense could have time to address the technical issues.

8 Defendants Held During Initial Hearings Over the Weekend

On Oct. 3, eight defendants were ordered to be held at DC Jail, while 22 defendants were conditionally released.

A female domestic violence defendant was held. She is charged with contempt of a Civil Protective Order (CPO). DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna ordered the defendant held at DC Jail due to her having violated the CPO multiple times within the last 30 days. Judge McKenna also ordered a medical alert for the defendant.

Gerald Edwards is a fugitive from justice from the state of Maryland, with an underlying charge of homicide. After speaking to his attorney, Edwards decided to waive his right to an extradition hearing and be held at DC Jail. The Maryland authorities have three days to pick Edwards up.

A male domestic violence defendant was charged with simple assault and contempt. Judge McKenna ordered the defendant held since the complainant in his current case is the same in a separate pending case. The defendant has four pending cases in total, three of which are domestic violence matters.

A second male defendant was held in a domestic violence case. He is being charged with attempted threats to do bodily and simple assault. He is also charged as being a fugitive from the state of Maryland. Judge McKenna ordered the defendant held on both matters, as she said she couldn’t guarantee the defendant would comply with release conditions.

Najeem Sule, 19, is charged for committing armed robbery. On Oct. 2, he allegedly approached the victim on the 5700 block of 13th Street, NW and asked to use the victim’s cell phone. After the victim dialed the number, Sule brandished a knife and told the victim he was being robbed, according to court documents. Judge McKenna ordered the defendant be held, citing his criminal history.

William Gonyea, 23, is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business.

According to court documents, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) stopped Gonyea’s vehicle after discovering the tags indicated it was stolen from Colorado. When MPD searched the vehicle, they found marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm equipped with a high capacity magazine.

Judge McKenna could not guarantee the safety of the community and ordered the defendant to be held.

Christopher Montgomery, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. On Oct. 2, MPD was called to the 200 block of South Carolina Avenue, SE. An injured woman approached police officers and said she had been assaulted by two individuals inside the residence, according to court documents. The victim told MPD that Montgomery had allegedly threatened to kill her with a loaded firearm.

Judge McKenna said despite Montgomery’s limited criminal history, this case is very serious in nature and she ordered Montgomery held.

Lamonte Tate, 18, is charged with committing armed robbery and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. According to court documents, from July 8 to Sept. 19, there were three robberies committed in the same area. Victims of the robberies responded to vehicle listings on the website “OfferUp” and were subsequently robbed at gunpoint.

Despite not having any adult convictions, Judge McKenna could not guarantee the safety of the community, saying the robberies Tate was involved in all showed a fair amount of planning and premeditation.

A 26-year-old defendant charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine was released. He is co-defendants with a held defendant, Tate. Judge McKenna could not find any evidence that this defendant was directly involved with Tate’s activities. They were both arrested under the same search warrant issued by MPD. Depending on the date of Tate’s preliminary hearing, this defendant may return to court before March 5, 2021.

Four domestic violence defendants were released. Three were charged with simple assault and one with attempted threats to do bodily harm. One of the defendants was also charged with the possession of an unregistered firearm. They were all given stay away orders.

A 25-year-old defendant is charged with failing to charge his GPS monitoring device. He was released and ordered to come back into compliance with his release conditions.

Two defendants are charged with DUI. They were both released and ordered to not drive without a valid permit or under the influence.

Two defendants are charged with drug offenses. One with the distribution of a controlled substance, and the other with the unlawful possession of a liquid (PCP). The defendant charged with PCP possession was given a stay away order.

Another 25-year-old defendant is charged with lewd, indecent or obscene acts. He was given a stay away order and released.

Two fugitives from justice were released and ordered to surrender themselves to the respective authorities. The fugitive from Maryland has an underlying charge of heroin sale.

Four defendants arrested on bench warrants were all released. Judge McKenna quashed their warrants and ordered them to report to their supervision officers. One defendant has three pending, non-violent misdemeanor cases.

Five defendants with misdemeanor charges were released. The charges included sex abuse, simple assault, credit card fraud and receiving stolen property, the unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm and prohibited weapon and unlawful entry into private property. They were all given stay away orders.

Released defendants will return to court on March 5, 2021.

Article written by Caitlyn O’Neil.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Connection with Armed Kidnapping

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives seek assistance locating a vehicle of interested in connection with an armed kidnapping (gun) that occurred on Oct. 3.

At around 1:05 a.m., suspects approached the victim’s vehicle on the 6500 block of 5th Street, NW. The suspects forced the victim to drive the vehicle to a bank and withdraw money. After the victim complied, the suspects took the vehicle and fled the scene.

The vehicle is described as a red Toyota Corolla with a Maryland license plate. The license plate number is 1CV2126.

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Document: Fatal Shooting in Northwest, DC

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offices are investigating a homicide that happened in the early morning hours of Oct. 5.

At around 1:30 a.m., officers responded to 4900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW for the report of a shooting. There, they found Alexander Nwogu, a 23 year-old resident of Blacksburg, Va., suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Crime Alerts: October 4-5

Between 9 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 10 a.m. on Oct. 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 9:05 a.m. for a robbery on the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue. Police are looking for a Black male wearing a white bandana, glasses, black pants and an Adidas black sweatshirt with white stripes. He was last seen walking on foot towards Kennedy with a medium laundry bag.

Another alert for a robbery was sent at 5:42 a.m. on the 5500 block of 14th Street, NW. Police are looking for three Black males, between 15 and 17 years of age, wearing all black clothing.

Another robbery alert was sent at 3:35 a.m. at the intersection of 13th and Taylor Streets, NW. Police are looking for five to seven Black males between 14 and 17 years of age and 5’8″ to 6’1″ in height.

An alert at 2:39 a.m. was sent for a confirmed shooting on the 4900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Police are looking for two Black males with dark complexions and taller in height. They are possibly wearing New Balance tennis shoes.

The earliest alert was sent at 11:56 p.m. for a shooting on the 4300 block of 40th Street, NW. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

If anyone has information about these events, police ask that you call 911.

Document: Suspect Sought in Connection with Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating an assault with a knife offense that occurred on Sept. 29 on the 600 block of H Street, NW.

At around 3:24 p.m., the suspect in the incident tried to stab the victim with a knife on the scene. The suspect fled and no injuries were reported.

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Document: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

At around 3:35 p.m. on Sept. 23, a suspect was arguing with the victim on the 1800 block of Harvard Street, NW. The suspect pulled out a handgun, fired at the victim and then fled the scene.

No injuries were reported.

A suspect was arrested on Oct. 1.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested a suspect for assault with a dangerous weapon.

At around 7:05 p.m. on Oct. 4, a suspect allegedly assaulted the victim with an expandable metal baton on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE. The suspect was arrested by responding officers.

The victim sustained non-like threatening injuries, but refused medical treatment.

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Document: Suspect Sought in Connection with Stabbing

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s help identifying a suspect of an assault with intent to kill while armed offense that happened on Oct. 2.

At around 4:27 p.m., officers responded to the 100 block of 35^th Street, NE for the report of a stabbing. There, they found an adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A suspect was captured by a nearby surveillance camera.

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