Crime Alerts: June 15-16

Between the hours of 8 p.m. on June 15 and 8 a.m. on June 16, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out three crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 5:15 a.m. for an attempted robbery of an establishment with a gun on the 1700 block of Columbia Road, NW. The police are looking for three black male suspects. One suspect is wearing a white tank top. Another suspect is wearing a yellow jacket and the third suspect is wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.. The suspects were last seen on Columbia Road NW in a black Infinity bearing unknown DC tags.

At 1:35 a.m., police sent out an alert for a robbery by force on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE. Police are looking for eight people, including six black females and two black males. One suspect is wearing all purple clothing.

At 12:51 a.m. an alert for a stabbing at the intersection of 15 Street and V Street, SE was sent out.

Judge Denies Release of Defendant Jailed for Assault

A judge denied the release of a defendant currently jailed for assault.

Cordell Simms is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and assault with a dangerous weapon on April 15.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah requested the release of his client, saying Simms has a place to live with his brother in Silver Springs, Md. Amissah also said the gun in Simms’ possession might have been inoperable.

The prosecution argued that Simms should remain in custody because he has multiple cases of violence against him. When Simms was found by police, he was in a stolen car and had 25 rounds of ammunition.

Judge Michael O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution and said that Simms will stay in custody.

Simms has indicated that he is not sure whether he should take a plea deal that the prosecution is offering.

To allow more time to discuss the matter, Simms has been scheduled for a felony status hearing on July 16.

Defense Needs More Time to Review Evidence

A defense attorney requested to continue his client’s hearing to review new evidence with the defendant.

Khamari Perkins, 19, is charged with the first-degree murder of Naseem Simpson, 18, who died from a gunshot wound on March 26 on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

Perkins’ presence was waived for the hearing.

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner said he requested the continuation because he has not been able to share evidence with his client because of the restrictions at the DC jail due to COVID-19.

Gardner said that he is working with DC jail to deliver the new evidence to Perkins.

Judge Michael O’Keefe granted the continuation, which has been scheduled on June 23.

Perkins remains in confinement without bail.

Defense Attorney Needs More Time to Communicate with Client

On June 15, a defense attorney requested another court date, saying that he had logistical problems communicating with his client.

Melessa Williams, who is also known as Tavesa Nitinia Rose-Moore, was arrested on the 400 block of M Street, SE for assault with the intent to kill while armed with a knife on April 10.

Defense attorney Anthony Matthews requested another court date since he could not speak with his client outside of the presence of other people due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A lawsuit against the DC Department of Corrections revealed that inmates were on calls with their attorneys while a case worker was present.

Another hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.

Defense Attorneys Want to See Video Evidence in Murder Case

The defense attorneys for two defendants argued that they should be able to watch video evidence that the prosecution currently has in order to prepare for a preliminary hearing.

Jermaine Harris, 18, and Maurice Johnson, 21, are both charged with the first-degree murder of 38-year-old Lamar Walters, who was allegedly killed on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE.

On May 13, defense attorney Jonathon Zucker filed a motion to compel the prosecution to give them access to the video evidence.

The prosecutor said that she will work on giving the defense access to the videos.

However, she also said that because there are two additional perpetrators in this crime that still have not been arrested, parts of these videos may need to be redacted for the safety of the witnesses.

The defense attorneys said they would agree to a protection order and to keep the video and findings solely amongst the defense team to ensure the safety of the witnesses.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 2.

Prosecution Waits on ME’s Report to Determine Murder Charge

A prosecutor is waiting on the medical examiner’s report to determine if a defendant’s charges should be changed to murder.

Tyrone Williams, 49, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed on March 30. After Williams was charged, the victim of the assault died.

An autopsy was conducted to determine if the assault was the cause of death.

Another hearing is scheduled for June 18 so the defendant can change his legal representation. William’s attorney Charles Allen is not able to represent Felony 1 cases.

Defendant moves towards a plea

Another court proceeding has been scheduled to give a defendant time to decide if he wants to accept to a plea deal.

Anthony Barnes is charged a with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. He was arrested on the 100 Block of Ivanhoe, NW.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 9.

Judge Sentences Defendant to Prison Time Despite Health Concerns

A defendant pleaded guilty to assault and attempted possession of a knife and was sentenced to one year in prison despite his health concerns.

Joseph Armstrong was originally charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing a victim under their arm on Sept. 11. Armstrong also allegedly punctured the victim’s tire.

The prosecutor requested that Armstrong be sentenced to six months for each charge, citing his “lengthy criminal history,” previous infractions while on probation and noncompliance with pretrial conditions.

Defense Attorney David Richter explained that Armstrong struggles with mental health issues, homelessness and the challenges that come with being transgender.

The defense also said that Armstrong is HIV positive, and that being at the DC Jail during the COVID- 19 pandemic has been very scary for his client, who is concerned about his health.

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution, saying that Armstrong has proven that, because of previous probation infractions, confinement is necessary.

Prosecution Finalizes Plea Deal for Suspect Charged with Misdemeanors

On June 15, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled another hearing for a defendant who was arrested for assault..

Police arrested Ariel Amaya won April 14 for allegedly breaking into a store and assaulting the manager. He also allegedly carried an open container of alcohol.

Amaya expressed interest on May 20 in taking a global plea deal that is being offered by the prosecution. A prosecutor said more time is needed to get paperwork together and collect victim statements before finalizing a plea agreement.

Amaya’s next hearing is scheduled for June 22.

Crime Alerts: June 15

Between the hours of 8 am. and 8 p.m. on June 15, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out three crime alerts for robberies.

The most recent alert was sent at 7:21 p.m. for a robbery on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW. Police are looking for two black males who are in their 20s, wearing dark clothing and masks. One Suspect is wearing a Bob Marley hat.

At 6:46 p.m. an alert was sent out for a robbery on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE. Police are looking for a black male who is wearing a black hat, white shirt and black pants. Police are also looking for a black male with long dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a skull cap. The suspect is perceived to be armed with a handgun.

At 10:44 a.m., an alert was sent out for a robbery on the 1000 block of 17th Place, NE. Police are looking for a black male who is 5’7″, 170-180 pounds, wearing ab all black Adidas sweatsuit, and black mask. The suspect is perceived to be armed with a black handgun. Police are also looking for a black male who is wearing a black sweatsuit and black mask. The suspect has braids and was last seen headed towards 17th Street, NE.

If anyone has information on these robberies please call 911.

Document: Homicide in Congress Heights

At approximately 7:19 am on June 14, police officers responded to a shooting on the 1300 block of Congress Street in Southeast, DC.

Officers report that there were two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the victims to local hospitals.

One of the victims, 21 year-old Albert Smith, died after all life saving measures were performed. The second victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The MPD is currently offering an award up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in DC.

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Judge Releases Defendant

A defendant who has been held in DC Jail sine May was released on June 15.

Corina Smyers was placed under the high intensity supervision program (HISP) with GPS motoring after she was found mentally competent on June 9.

Smyers is charged with simple assault and possession of prohibited weapon for allegedly attempting to stab a victim on the 400 block of Newcomb Street, SE on May 13.

Smyers was released with GPS monitoring and a stay away order.

Defendant Released After Agreeing to Complete Community Service

A DC Superior Court judge released a defendant on June 15 after he agreed to terms set by the prosecution.

Travone Person, 32, was arrested on April 4. He was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon for an incident that occurred earlier that day on the 1900 block of Savannah Street, SE.

Defense Attorney Jonathan Layni requested a hearing after Person entered into an agreement which grants him pardon from the prosecution if he completes 32 hours of community service.

Judge Juliet Mckenna released Person after evaluating his commitment to service and rehabilitation. He is released on personal recognizance as long as he promises to appear at all future court dates.

Future hearings will be set to discuss Person’s improvement, as stated in the agreement. Person’s next scheduled court date is on Oct. 15.

Document: Police Arrest Man for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

A man was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon on June 14 in Lafayette Square.

At approximately 2:17 p.m., a MPD officer discovered a man with deep lacerations to his left eye at the intersection of 16th Street and H Street, NW. A witness claimed the suspect harassed her and her group, wielding a sharp stick.

The victim allegedly confronted the suspect for his behavior and was later stabbed in the face.

The suspect fled on foot before Secret Service agents apprehended him on the 1500 block of H Street, NW.

His initial hearing at DC Superior Court was scheduled for June 15.

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3 Misdemeanor Cases Rescheduled for August

Three cases that were supposed to happen on June 15 at the DC Superior Courthouse were rescheduled to late August.

O’Donna Daniels and Kevin McKelvin are charged with simple assault. Daniels was scheduled for a mental observation hearing and McKelvin was scheduled for a probation show cuase hearing.

William Sibert is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm. He was scheduled for a post trial show cause hearing.

All cases were rescheduled to Aug. 31.

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