Judge Scheduled Another Hearing for Domestic Violence Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman scheduled another felony status conference for a domestic violence defendant.

The defendant was charged with second-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon on April 30.

The hearing was originally scheduled for an earlier time on June 30 with Judge Michael Ryan, but was rescheduled due to a court emergency. D.C. Witness is could not confirm more information on the emergency.

The hearing was transferred to Judge Edelman’s calendar.

The defense requested that another felony status conference be held, which Judge Edelman granted without opposition from the prosecution. It is scheduled for July 21.

Williams is being held at DC jail. His presence was waived for the June 30 hearing.

Defendant Released With Mental Health Services

A DC Superior Court judge released a defendant on the condition that he connect with mental health services and report to Pretrial Services Agency as directed.

Edward Cowser appeared before the court virtually July 1 to address four cases during a bond review hearing. The 43-year-old is charged with second-degree theft and shoplifting for allegedly attempting to steal five boxes of pain medication from a CVS on the 800 block of Maine Avenue, SW.

On April 20, he was also charged with simple assault after he allegedly refused to leave when discharged from a hospital on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE. As Security Police Officers escorted him out, Cowser spat and yelled “f*** you.”

On April 23, he was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and simple assault for allegedly attempting to steal two Ultimate Margaritas from Good Hope Deli and Market on the 1700 block of Good Hope Rd, SE. He brandished a knife and said “move” when someone tried to stop him.

On April 27, Cowser was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm, second-degree theft, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon (knife), and simple assault. He allegedly tried to steal a Natty Daddy from Greenway Liquors on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. After a witness said he did not pay for the item, Cowser took out a knife, pointed it at the witness and said, “I will kill you.”

Defense attorney Jamison Koehler said the defendant struggles with mental health, which led to the actions.

Cowser said he was unable to receive medication and therapy for his depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

The defense also said he has a heightened susceptibility to the physical dangers presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. He has epilepsy, glaucoma, high blood pressure and a bullet lodged in his head. He has also had multiple seizures while incarcerated.

The Department of Behavioral Health scheduled a telehealth call for Cowser on July 2. He will work with Community Wellness Ventures, a human services agency that provides mental health and wellness services to DC residents, to connect with mental health, disability and housing programs. The agency will also assist him with receiving food, clothing vouchers and an initial supply of medication.

Judge Michael Ryan warned Cowser that if he does not comply with the conditions of release, he will be immediately incarcerated.

“I’m ready for a change in my life,” Cowser said. “I want to be able to eat when I want to eat. I just want to show everybody that I’m trying to do right.”

Cowser’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5.

Judge Discharges Hearing for Man Charged with Robbery and Assault

A judge allows a man charged with robbery and assault to continue with the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) after several instances noncompliance issues.

Duron Hudson has two pending felony cases against him. In one case, he is charged with robbery while armed for allegedly stealing a stranger’s cell phone, one Apple Airpod and his student ID at the Minnesota Avenue Metro Station on Dec. 19, 2019.

According to court documents, the victim confronted Hudson about getting his phone back and Hudson allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the face with brass knuckles. The victim sustained a mild concussion and swelling in his left eye from the attack.

In the defendant’s other case, he is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly attacking a man with a brick in the area between Lincoln Theater and Ben’s Chili Bowl in Northwest, DC on Nov. 29, 2019. The victim later died because he was run over by a SUV as he lay unconscious in the road from Hudson’s alleged attack.

In March, Hudson was released on HISP under home confinement and GPS monitoring restrictions.

A notice of noncompliance was filed against Hudson by Pretrial Services Agency on June 8 for multiple issues of noncompliance. A representative from the pretrial services said Hudson tampered with his GPS monitoring device and left his home without permission in May.

The representative requested that Hudson’s release to be revoked, citing he should not have incurred any violations at all.

Hudson’s defense attorney said that he has had no further issues since May 29. He also said pretrial services never lost contact with Hudson because he reported to them the day after his “GPS issue”.

The defense said Hudson received the message very clearly, which is why he came back into compliance quickly. “This hearing in itself is a wake-up call to Mr. Hudson,” the lawyer said.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna discharged the hearing and emphasized the importance of Hudson continuing to maintain compliance.

Judge Agrees to Keep Defendant at St. E’s Hospital

On June 29, a DC Superior Court judge reluctantly agreed not to transfer a defendant from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to DC jail.

Antwann Johnson is charged with robbery while armed for allegedly assaulting an elderly woman at a beauty supply store on the 100 block of L Street, SE on Jan. 8. According to court documents, Johnson stole $200 from the store, took a credit card processing machine and destroyed the surveillance monitor.

Judge Michael Ryan reviewed court documents and found that Johnson was competent to stand trial and there is no further basis for him to be at the psychiatric hospital.

However, defense counsel argued that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the defense has not been able to do their own evaluations and observations.

Defense counsel told the judge that, since the prosecution has only done evaluations, the defense would like to conduct their own exam in a hospital setting, rather than at the DC Jail.

Judge Ryan was very reluctant to keep the defendant at St. Elizabeth’s, but granted the defense’s request. The defense has one month to perform all evaluations.

A hearing is scheduled for July 29 to determine whether the defendant will stay at St. Elizabeth’s, get transferred to the DC Jail or be released.

The defendant was also convicted of burglary and attempted burglary in 2019.

Document: Homicide on Grant Street, NE

Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating a homicide that occurred on the 4000 block of Grant Street, NE.

According to a press release, officers found 34-year-old Dennis Dykes suffering from gunshot wounds. He died on the scene.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information can also be sent to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Document: Homicide on Q Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE.

On July 1, officers found 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide in DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Hearing Rescheduled for Later Date

A hearing for a defendant facing multiple charges has been rescheduled for September.

Bayney Parker was initially charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on Oct. 25, 2018. This case was dismissed because nine months passed without an indictment being issued.

However, the case was reopened on Dec. 11 when Parker was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and possession of an unregistered firearm.

On April 6, a hearing was scheduled to discuss the status of Parker’s case. That hearing was rescheduled for July 1, and was then rescheduled again to Sept. 16.

Parker was being held on a $250 cash bond. D.C. Witness could not verify is the bond was paid.

Document: Police Investigate Traffic Fatality on Naylor Road, SE

On June 30, a pedestrian was killed in a traffic accident on the 2500 block of Naylor Road, SE.

At approximately 1:55pm, a driver of a 2019 Kymco scooter was traveling southbound on the 1700 block of 25th Street, SE. The driver of the scooter proceeded to go around several vehicles that were stopped at a stop sign entering the intersection at Naylor Road. A 2001 Ford Expedition struck the scooter.

DC Fire Emergency and Medical Services arrived on the scene and transported the victim to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

There is no information on whether the driver of the 2001 Ford Expedition stayed on the scene or fled.

The victim has not yet been identified.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the police at 202-727-9099.

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Prosecutor Extends Plea Offer to Defendant

A defendant decided July 1 to waive his right to a hearing that will depict if the prosecution has enough evidence to proceed to trial.

Kenneth Phillips is charged with robbery for allegedly knocking a victim unconscious on the unit block of Hanover Place, NW on March 26. Phillips, 20, allegedly took $20 from the victim.

In response, the prosecutor on the case offered Phillips a plea deal. The plea has not been discussed with the defendant, therefore the prosecutor requested another hearing.

According to court documents, an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department stopped individuals who were on the scene. The defendant became irritable and loud as the officer was trying to separate him and the victim.

The victim was able to regain consciousness and told the officer that his money was missing from his wallet, the document states. The money was returned to the victim and the defendant was arrested.

Phillips’ hearing is scheduled for July 29.

Crime Alerts: June 30-July 1

From 8 p.m. on June 30 to 8 a.m. on July 1, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 2:25 a.m. for a shooting on the 4000 block of Grant Street, NE. Police are currently not looking for anyone in particular.

Another alert for a shooting was sent at 1:48 am on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE. Police do not have a suspect in this case.

Another shooting alert went out at 10:39 p.m. on the 5000 block of Benning Road, SE. Police are looking for a Black male occupying a black Nissan Altima.

An alert for a shooting was sent at 9:51 p.m. on the 3400 block of 23rd Street, SE. Police do not have a suspect in this case.

The final alert for another shooting went out at 9:30 p.m. on the 300 block of Van Buren Street, NW. Police are looking for a 4-door black sedan with yellow tags.

Anyone with information on these events should call 911. Please do not take any other action.

Judge Denies Motion to Return Property

DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell denied June 30 a defendant’s request for the court to return property that was seized during his arrest. D.C. Witness could not verify what the property was.

Charles Roberts was charged with second-degree burglary on June 2. He is accused of forcibly gaining entry into an establishment on the 200 block of Kennedy Street, NW during the early morning hours of that day. Once inside, Roberts allegedly took property and fled the scene.

Around 6:30 a.m., Roberts allegedly forced his way into another establishment on the 3000 block of M Street, NW, and took property. There, he was apprehended by Metropolitan Police Department officers.

He was granted release on his promise to return to court.

On June 22, Robert’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, filed a motion for Charles’ property to be returned.

Judge Releases All Defendants During Initial Hearings

On June 30, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna released all defendants during their initial hearings.

Of the 11 defendants released, one defendant had two charges–one was dismissed and one was not filed by prosecution. Two of the cases were domestic violence-related.

One defendant was charged with assault and second-degree theft in a domestic violence case. The prosecution requested the judge hold him because he is on probation for an felony assault conviction from 2010.

Judge McKenna denied the hold request and released the defendant, citing his compliance with probation. She ordered him to stay-away from the complainant and the associated location.

Another domestic violence case was heard and Judge McKenna released the defendant with stay-away orders at the prosecution’s request.

A defendant was charged with felony robbery for allegedly stealing a woman’s purse at the Anacostia Metro station. Judge McKenna released the defendant, citing that there was no allegation of weapon use or injury.

The woman also received her property back from the defendant.

One defendant, charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, was released by Judge McKenna.

A man was charged with carrying a pistol without a license was released. The judge said the defendant’s very limited contact with the police and lack of adult convictions went into her decision.

One defendant was brought in on a bench warrant with an underlying charge of assaulting a law enforcement officer. Prosecution was amenable to his release, so Judge McKenna released him with another court date.

Four misdemeanor cases involving threats, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, theft and unlawful entry were all released per the prosecution’s request. Three of the four defendants were given stay-away orders by Judge McKenna.

Judge Holds Hearing to Discuss Case for Murder Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge accepted a defense counsel’s request for a further felony status conference in a murder case.

On April 30, co-defendants Derrick Kearney and Daquan Anglin were charged with the first-degree murder while armed of Devonte Speight, 26, who was shot and killed the previous day on the 1800 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

The two allegedly shot Speight, who was on his dirt bike, from their vehicle. According to a witness, it looked like Adams and Kearney’s vehicle was attempting to “flag down” Speight. After the victim began to ride away, the front passenger door opened and three shots were fired. Speight continued to ride until he reached 19th Street, NE and fell to the ground.

After the shooting, the suspects allegedly attempted to flee in a vehicle with temporary Maryland tags, but were apprehended after being pinned between a bus and a parked car at the corner of Kenilworth Avenue and Ames Street, NE.

On June 16, Judge Todd Edelman scheduled a felony status conference for June 30 to discuss how the case should be scheduled going forward.

During the hearing, the defense requested a further felony status conference, which Judge Edelman granted with no objection from the prosecution.

That hearing is set to be held on July 16.

Two juvinille co-defendants are also suspects in Speight’s murder.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant’s Arrest

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who failed to appear in court on June 30.

Herman Smith was charged with assault with intent to commit robbery on Oct. 31, 2018. On March 13, 2019, the charge was changed to attempt to commit robbery, to which he pleaded guilty that day.

On May 24, Judge Juidth Smith gave Smith a 14-month suspended sentence, meaning he would not have to serve any time behind bars. She also sentenced him to one year of supervised probation.

As part of his probation, Judge Smith required Herman to spend time at an in-patient drug treatment program, do 30 hours of community service, receive a mental health evaluation and comply with a stay away order.

A notice of non compliance was filed on Feb. 19, 2020, prompting Judge Smith to schedule a probation hearing for Feb 24. There, the defendant was put back into a drug treatment program.

Another notice of non compliance was filed on April 15, which was scheduled to be addressed in court on June 23.

When Smith did not show up to the hearing, Judge Heide Herrmann issued a warrant for his arrest. Another hearing was scheduled for June 30. When Smith once again failed to appear in court, Judge McKenna issued a second warrant for his arrest.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request to be Removed From HISP

A DC Superior Court judge denied June 30 a defendant’s request to be taken off the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

Joshua Massaquoi pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, accessory to murder after the fact and carrying a pistol without a license.

Massaquoi is currently awaiting sentencing. He is in home confinement and only able to leave for specific tasks, such as exercising. He has a curfew and is being monitored by a GPS tracking device.

Massaquoi assisted Mason Binion in the murder of Michael Francis Taylor, a 21-year-old resident of Northeast DC who was killed June 22, 2008 on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW.

According to court documents, the defendants picked up Taylor after he failed to acquire marijuana for which Binion paid him.

Massaquoi drove Binion and Victor Carvajal to pick Taylor up at a recreation center in Silver Spring, Md. He then drove everyone to an alley in the Brightwood Park neighborhood of DC, about five miles away.

Binion and Carvajal stepped out of the car with Taylor. Carvajal, whose subsequent first-degree murder while armed case was dismissed the day before opening statements, was alleged to have struck Taylor in the head with a rock. Binion shot him in the head with a pistol that belonged to Massaquoi.

After Taylor was shot, Massaquoi said he drove everyone back to Binion’s house and then hid the gun in the woods near his sister’s house.

Binion was convicted of first-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing.

According to court documents, Massaquoi approached the police with information about the murder in August 2015, seven years after it took place. He confessed to his role in the murder in the interviews that followed.

Massaquoi has been compliant with HISP since he started the program on March 24. He applied to schools and over 30 jobs during his time at home.

Judge Hiram Puig-Logo was sympathetic to his request, but said GPS tracking is the only type of monitoring available during the pandemic. Due to the virus, the Pretrial Services Agency is currently unable to do drug testing and face-to-face reporting.

Massaquoi’s sentencing was rescheduled from July 7 to Oct. 1. If possible, a virtual sentencing will be held at an earlier date.

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