Judge Continues to Hold Defendant Charged with Second-Degree Murder

On Aug. 17, a DC judge declined to release a 25-year-old defendant charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Micah Bidgell was arrested and charged with the murder of 18-year-old Marquis Harrod. Bidgell allegedly shot Harrod twice from the driver’s seat of a black, 2-door Honda Accord on June 6 on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

During the hearing on Aug. 17, the prosecutor and Bidgell’s defense attorney, Peter Fayne, cross-examined Detective Kevin Decker, who is the lead investigator on the case.

Decker confirmed the investigation into Bidgell began from video surveillance footage from inside Quick Trip 24, a convenience store located on the same block as the homicide and outside a liquor store that is also located on the block.

From stills of the footage, Decker created a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) for both the suspect and the vehicle of interest involved in the shooting. Per Decker’s testimony and the police report filed, he was contacted by another MPD officer who identified the suspect as Bidgell.

Decker said he compared the photos from the BOLO to photos of Bidgell’s Instagram account and found several matching articles of clothing, including black sunglasses, a Gucci hat, distinct shoes, a watch, a chain worn around the neck and a rectangular-shaped keychain.

In addition, a car that matched the description of the vehicle in the video footage was found burnt a day after the homicide. According to Decker, the owner of the vehicle had been out of town during the homicide and was unaware of anyone using it.

The owner told Decker that he knew Bidgell and had given him permission to drive the car at another date while he was out of town.

The prosecution asked Decker about the stippling found on Harrod, which is residue found on subjects when a shot his fired at close range. Decker confirmed the medical examiner found stippling.

The prosecutor said the stippling is consistent with the theory that the shooter was in the driver’s seat of the car.

Fayne confirmed there were no witnesses to the murder, and he also confirmed that Decker received an email on June 9 from Keith Parker, an employee of the Court Supervision and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), suggesting the suspect in the BOLO could be another individual, who Parker is currently supervising.

Also, Decker said he never interviewed Parker further on his recommendation, but he reviewed photos of the individual and said he did not believe it was the person involved in the homicide.

Decker also confirmed that there was at least one other individual in the car. The detective said the individual, who was in the passenger seat, could have fired the gun. However, Decker said it was more likely that the driver of the vehicle fired the gun given the stippling.

When Fayne asked Decker why the man in the passenger seat had not been arrested as well, Decker said it was because he had not been identified.

Due to these facts, Fayne argued for DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson to not find probable cause and to release Bidgell into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) while his case is pending.

Judge Dayson did find probable cause.

But, she said she could not find a substantial probability that the evidence showed Bidgell was the shooter.

Judge Dayson also declined the defense’s request for release into HISP, citing a gun possession conviction and another firearms offense that he was on supervision for when the alleged offense took place.

Bidgell’s next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Judge Keeps Defendant at DC Jail

A DC Superior Court judge denied a defense attorney’s request for her client’s release.

Antonio McCoy is charged with robbery for allegedly stealing a purse and cell phone from a victim on March 13 on the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW. He is also charged with second-degree theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon in connection with an incident that occurred May 3 on the 700 block of Florida Avenue, NE. During the incident McCoy allegedly stole items from an ambulance.

Defense attorney Cheline Schroeder told the judge that the prosecution has extended a plea offer on July 27.

Judge Robert Okun continued the Aug. 17 hearing to Sept. 2 so defense council could have more time to go over the plea with the defendant.

Schroeder asked Judge Okun to release McCoy into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) pending his next hearing. She pointed out that her client can live with a relative and has employment with a construction company.

Judge Okun denied the request, citing the defendant’s lack of compliance with HISP in the past.

Police Search for Vehicle Connected to Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department notified the public that they were searching for a vehicle that was connected to a homicide on Aug. 10.

According to a press release, police are searching for a 2018 silver Toyota Corolla with the DC tag number FS2584. The vehicle does not have hubcaps on the passenger side.

The vehicle is connected to the shooting of 17 year-old Taijhon Wyatt, Jr. on the 5500 block of 9^th Street, NW. The teenager died on the scene.

Another male victim sustained a gunshot wound as well. He was treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction for this homicide or any other homicide in the District of Columbia. 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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Judge Releases All But One Defendant During Initial Hearings

On Aug. 17, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 31 defendants and held one defendant in DC Jail.

Armando Rodriguez was charged with two cases, one for unlawful entry of private property and one for destruction of property less than $1,000. Judge Crowell released Rodriguez on his two new cases, but he was held on a separate parole matter.

Of those released, three did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

13 defendants charged with domestic violence-related cases were heard by Judge Crowell. He released all of them, including a defendant who has tested positive for COVID-19. Judge Crowell was going to put him on GPS monitoring, but due to his status, he was released with a stay-away from the alleged victim only.

Seven misdemeanor cases were presented before Judge Crowell, with most of them involving simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm or unlawful entry. All were released and most were given stay-away orders.

There were five felony cases involving contempt, carrying a pistol without a license, robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders and one defendant was put on home confinement with GPS monitoring.

Judge Crowell released a defendant charged with a traffic offense and a defendant charged with possession of an unregistered firearm through the District Court.

One defendant was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear and was released by Judge Crowell with a new court date.

Two defendants were still hospitalized, so their hearings were moved to Aug. 18. One was charged with assault on a police officer and has been in the hospital since Aug. 12. The other is charged with second-degree theft and has been in the hospital since July 20.

Crime Alerts: August 14

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out one crime alert during the evening on Aug. 14.

At 8:33 p.m. the police notified the public of a robbery on the 1300 block of K Street, SE. Police are looking for a black male, who is 6′, 20 years of age and wearing a white shirt.

If anyone has information about this crime, please call 911.

Judge Holds 7 Out of 32 Defendants During Initial Hearings

A DC Superior Court judge held seven of the 32 defendants on Aug. 14 for their initial hearings.

Anthony Israel was one of the defendants who Judge Robert Okun chose to hold. He is charged with assault on a police officer, attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a machete.

Israel was one of three defendants charged with assaulting a police officer. The other defendants were released. One was released due to her lack of a criminal history. The other was released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP.)

Three co-defendants are charged with possession with the intent to distribute ecstasy and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Nine defendants are charged in domestic violence cases. Only one of them was held. That defendant is charged with contempt for violating his release conditions.

Two defendants came before the court on bench warrants. Jason Washington, who is charged with second-degree burglary, was held. The other defendant, who is charged with robbery, came to court on a walk-in bench warrant. Judge Okun decided to release him, citing how the defendant came in voluntarily.

Marvin Davis was held. He is charged with contempt, panhandling and unlawful entry.

Decarlos Wilkins, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and carrying a pistol without a license, was also held.

Jarreau Hines, charged with simple assault, second-degree theft and attempted threats to do bodily harm was held as well.

Abu Bakarra Wurie and Dustin Holmes were both brought before the court in two cases: one fugitive matter and one felony matter.

Wurie was released in his felony case, in which he is charged with carrying a pistol without a license. However, he waived his right for an extradition hearing for the fugitive matter, and was therefore held.

Dustin Holmes was also released in his felony case, in which he is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. However, he also waived his right for an extradition hearing for the fugitive matter, and was held.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 6 Months on Probation

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 90 days, all of which were suspended, plus six months of probation.

During the Aug. 14 hearing, Dexter Jackson pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance. As part of the plea agreement, his distribution of a controlled substance charge was dropped.

Judge Erik Christian ordered Jackson, 33, to pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund.

The prosecution requested he receive 18 months of probation, while defense attorney Donna Beasley asked for six months of probation.

Beasley also requested her client’s charge be taken off the public record if he successfully completes probation.

She said a conviction would make it more difficult for the defendant, who already struggles with employment due to health issues that require frequent hospitalization, to get a job.

Judge Christian denied her request.

“I can’t fault anyone else but myself, I chose to make that decision,” said Jackson. “I just want to be able to help my family.”

According to court documents, the defendant sold $20 worth of cocaine to an undercover Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue on Oct. 5, 2019.

Two Defendants Enter Agreements

Two defendants entered into Deferred Sentencing Agreements with the prosecution on Aug. 14.

Christopher MacFarlane pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for simple assault for punching a man on the 1600 block of 14th Street, NW, on Nov. 9, 2019.

Elijah McCrae pleaded guilty to a felony for carrying a pistol without a license on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE, on July 24.

As conditions of the agreement, the defendants’ guilty plea will be withdrawn and their case dismissed so long as they do not pick up any new charges within six months.

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian scheduled a hearing for Feb. 16, 2021, to review the defendants’ compliance.

Judge Puts Defendant on Home Confinement

A DC Superior Court judge placed a defendant on home confinement after he failed to comply with the terms of his probation.

On March 1, 2019, Darnelle Crawford pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license. He was sentenced to 15 months, all of which were suspended, plus six months of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.

A Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) officer said Crawford had 18 dead GPS battery violations, broke curfew and failed to report for drug testing.

Defense attorney Marnitta King said the GPS violations were a result of an issue with her client’s device.

On July 28, he was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm on the 200 block of W Street, NW.

Judge Erik Christian scheduled Crawford’s next hearing for Oct. 28.

Judge Finds Defendant Incompetent to Stand Trial

A DC Superior Court judge found a domestic violence defendant incompetent to stand trial.

The defendant is charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and sex abuse. He was previously found incompetent on July 16.

During the Aug. 14 hearing, Judge Gerald Fisher held the defendant at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, so he could receive inpatient treatment in an effort to restore his competency.

On March 4, the defendant allegedly harassed a woman at the Waterfront Metro Station. He told the victim, “I’m going to beat you up.” She boarded a train to avoid him, but he followed her, continuing the assault her verbally. When she attempted to leave the train, he blocked her path.

He was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm for this incident.

On March 28, he allegedly grabbed the victim’s thigh at some point between the Stadium-Armory and Potomac Avenue metro stations. The defendant followed her as she got off the train to get away from him.

“She said I could sit next to her and touch her,” he told the arresting officer on the day of the crime.

He was charged with simple assault and sex abuse.

At the request of defense attorney Albert Amissah, Judge Fisher scheduled the defendant’s next hearing for Sept. 18.

Document: Police Arrest 41 People for Rioting

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 41 individuals for felony rioting and assault on police officers on August 13.

The police surrounded protesters around the perimeter of Adams Morgan on the 1800 block of Columbia Road, NW and 1600 block of V Street, NW.

According to the police department, individuals conducted in offenses including arson, defacing of public or private property, destruction of public or private property, defacing of US Government property, and resisting arrest.

Police also say officers recovered multiple weapons including knives, fireworks, and chemical irritants, and two officers were injured and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

” We facilitate daily peaceful demonstrations in DC. Overnight, intentional fires were set & property destroyed. When this occurs, our members have a responsibility to take action,” a tweet from the department stated.

A press release of the destruction included photos of a fire, tipped over newspaper stands and graffiti on private and public property.

According to the department, 512 individuals have been arrested in Washington, DC from May 30-August 13 for curfew violations, riot-related burglary, and other riot-related events. Nearly 45 percent of those individuals are residents of DC, 27 percent reside in Maryland and 13 percent reside in Virginia.

The release states that 24 of the arrested individuals were juveniles.

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Judge Orders Competency Restoration for Defendant

On Aug. 14, a DC Superior Court judge ordered that a defendant receive a full competency exam at DC Jail to determine if he can stand trial.

Marlow Dugger, 42, is charged with simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly threatening a victim with a knife over access to a water valve on July 26 on the 1500 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW.

On Aug. 5, a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) doctor reported that Dugger was incompetent to stand trial and recommended that he receive a full exam at the jail. Parties agreed that Dugger could benefit from more mental health treatment.

Judge Jonathan Pittman urged counsel to consider what steps to take next after the examination is completed. He specifically inquired about any plea negotiations between counsel. According to the lawyers, there have not been talks of plea agreements.

Dugger is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 17 to evaluate his progress in gaining competency.

Judge Plans to End Probation Earlier if Defendant Continues Compliance

A DC Superior Court judge said she plans to terminate a defendant’s probation earlier than the initial date if he continues to comply with his probation conditions.

“I’m your biggest cheerleader,” Judge Rainey Brandt told the defendant. “Keep moving forward and you’ll do great things.”

On Nov. 18, 2019, Jonathan Groom pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license for having a semi-automatic handgun on the 2200 block of 6th Street, NW, on Sept. 14, 2019.

Groom, 21, was sentenced to six months, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

A Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) officer said that, besides missing an in-person meeting on Aug. 6, the defendant has been compliant with his probation.

The CSOSA officer praised Groom for his grades and efforts to earn his GED, which he is expected to receive in January of 2022.

“The pandemic has caused some confusion for a lot of people, but it seems that it hasn’t derailed him,” said defense attorney Chantal Jean-Baptiste. “It shows he’s serious about his probation.”

Judge Brandt said she was proud of the defendant. She also suspended his 24-hour community service requirement, so he may continue to focus on his education.

Document: Police Search for Suspect in Robbery and Theft Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in multiple thefts and robberies.

On April 8 at around 5:45 p.m., a suspect stole property from an establishment on the 1700 block of Columbia Road, NW and fled the scene.

Another theft occurred on Aug. 6. At around 11:10 a.m., a suspect stole property from an establishment on the the 700 block of H Street, NE, and fled the scene.

A robbery took place on April 3. At around 5:04 p.m., a suspect approached the victim on the 1100 block of U Street, NW. The suspect forcibly took the victims property and fled the scene.

Another robbery took place on April 7, also on the 1100 block of U Street, NW. The suspect entered an establishment, assaulted a store employee, took property and fled the scene.

The suspect was captured by a surveillance camera.

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Criminal Justice Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic: Judge Declares Mistrial in Murder Case

Instead of continuing a jury trial for murder case that occurred nearly five months ago, a DC Superior Court judge decided to conduct a new trial for the defendants.

Nyekemia Everett and Malik Hewitt are charged with first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Everett is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, fleeing law enforcement officers and obstruction of justice. Hewitt also has a separate case from 2018, in which he is charged with obstructing justice.

Everett and Hewitt allegedly shot 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.

The jury trial of both defendants began on March 3 and was suspended on March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial proceeded until closing arguments.

Both Everett and Hewitt’s obstruction of justice charges derived from their alleged attempts to threaten a witness in the case.

On Aug. 14, Judge Anita Josey-Herring told both parties that the court’s chief judge is extending his order until Nov. 9. The order states that jury trials are not able to proceed due to the pandemic.

The prosecution requested that Judge Josey-Herring ask the chief judge to allow the trial to continue as an exception, saying the District of Columbia is in phase two of reopening. Jurors should be allowed in court with social distancing guidelines, the prosecutor said.

However, the defense motioned for mistrial, saying the pandemic has affected everyone differently. Hewitt’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, said jurors would not be able to focus on or remember evidence from a trial that occurred approximately five months ago. She also said it is unrealistic to put the jurors, court staff and other members involved in the case at risk for COVID-19 while in trial.

Judge Josey-Herring granted the defense’s request for a mistrial, saying she could not ask the chief judge to make an exception for this case because she does not know how long deliberations would take. It is not necessary to put those involved in the trial at risk, the judge said.

Lotze then asked if she could be appointed as her clients Criminal Justice Act (CJA) attorney, which is an attorney who is appointed to defendants who are financially unable to afford representation, according to the U.S. Courts website. Lotze said Hewitt’s family exhausted their funds during the trial period.

Judge Josey-Herring said she granted the request in an attempt to alleviate potential financial struggles.

Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 9 to evaluate if the court will be able to conduct jury trials again.