Judge Sentences Defendant in Carjacking Case

A defendant who was indicted on seven charges in April pleased guilty to one of the charges and two additional charges the prosecution added on April 21.

A grand jury indicted Nora Whalen for unarmed carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon, leaving after colliding with property damage. injury to an animal, reckless driving, destruction of property of $1,000 or more, threat to kidnap or injure a person and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Whalen is a 39-year-old white woman.

The prosecution amended information in the case on Aug. 21 as well, adding another charge of simple assault.

Whalen decided to plead guilty to second-degree theft, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and simple assault.

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring sentenced the defendant to time served for all of the charges, but is required to pay $150 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.

According to court documents, Whalen tried to choke an Uber driver during the early morning hours on Aug. 1, 2018. The driver managed to escape while the car was driving down the 1700 block of Q Street, NW. The defendant jumped into the driver’s seat and fled the scene.

Carjacking Defendant Sent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

A DC Superior Court judge sent a defendant to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC psychiatric institution, for a psychological evaluation.

Andre Fluelly, 20, is charged with unarmed carjacking for allegedly stealing a car on June 17. He is also charged with assault with significant bodily injury in connection with an incident in which Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found a victim lying on the ground in a puddle of blood on July 19 on the corner of 14th and Irving Street, NW.

Fluelly sat silently during his Aug. 20 hearing as his attorney, Leo Alley, requested that his competency to stand trial be evaluated.

Judge Gerald Fisher granted the motion.

Fluelly’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 31.

Document: Arrest Made In Domestic Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) made an arrest in relation to a domestic homicide that occurred on July 16.

At approximately 6:19 a.m., officers responded to a residence on the unit block of 35th Street, SE and found an unconscious female. She was declared dead on the scene.

An autopsy was conducted and the manner of death was ruled a homicide due to neck compression and asphyxia.

The decedent has been identified as 67-year-old Hazel Evans.

On Aug. 20, a 33-year-old Seth Andrews was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in relation to Evans’ death.

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Crime Alerts: August 20-21

Between 9 p.m. on Aug. 20 and 9 a.m. on Aug. 21, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) sent out two crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 9:20 p.m. for a shooting on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect(s).

The second alert was sent at 9:01 p.m. for a shooting on the 2200 block of Hartford Street, SE. Police are looking for a black Nissan Sentra.

If anyone has information about these shootings, please call 911.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Assault Case, Defendant Held

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond decided that an assault case has enough evidence to go to trial and held the defendant.

Mark Chambliss turned himself into the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on June 10 following an armed assault on May 10 in the 4600 block of Hillside Road and the 4700 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Chambliss did not know the victim. The defendant, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

The prosecution called one witness, a detective, during the Aug. 20 preliminary hearing.

Defense attorney Sellano Simmons asked Judge Raymond to release his client from DC jail while he awaits his grand jury trial because of the ongoing pandemic. Simmons said Chambliss no longer lives in the area that the assault occurred and safety of the community can be reasonably ensured.

The prosecutor opposed the release request, saying there was no evidence of Chambliss being vulnerable to COVID-19. The prosecution also said Chambliss has another pending charge for assault with a deadly weapon and the current case occurred while Chambliss was out on release for the previous charge.

Judge Raymond denied the release request, saying the safety of the community cannot be ensured.

Chambliss is pending a grand jury in the case. His next hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Crime Alerts: August 20

During the day on Aug. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out two crime alerts.

The most recent alert was sent at 6:10 p.m. for a shooting at 5:49 p.m. on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

At 5:46 p.m., police alerted the public to a robbery investigation at 5:33pm on the 4200 block of 13th Street, NE. Police are looking for four black males wearing all black clothing and masks. The suspects were last seen in a black Nissan With Maryland Tags.

Anyone with information about these incidents should call 911.

Judge Holds 9 Out of 29 Defendants During Initial Hearings

On Aug. 20, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 20 defendants and held nine defendants during their initial hearings. Eight of the defendants were held in DC Jail while one was held under the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ custody.

Judge Crowell held Jaamil Hipps, who was charged with second-degree murder, and set his next court date for Sept 14. The defense argued that there was no probable cause based on the circumstantial evidence Hipps was arrested under.

The prosecution argued that surveillance footage and the fact that Hipps was the only and last person to be seen at the location of the incident proved probable cause.

Judge Crowell agreed and held Hipps.

Michael Benbow was held on the charge of premeditated first-degree murder. Benbow is 17, but he is being charged as an adult.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain requested for Benbow’s release and asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial. The prosecution requested Benbow be held, saying surveillance footage placed him in the area during the time of the murder.

Judge Crowell found probable cause. He said there is a “substantial likelihood” Benbow poses a threat of danger. Benbow is detained pending trial.

Stewart Brown, who was charged with burglary, was held with a competency test scheduled to take place due to mental health concerns. Judge Crowell found probable cause and held Brown, taking note of his concerns due to Brown’s extensive criminal history.

Rodney Patterson was held on charges of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Bernard Woods, who was charged with second degree burglary, was held after Judge Crowell stated he was inclined not to release him based on past criminal history.

Tavon Winston was charged with being a fugitive from justice. He is wanted in Maryland for homicide.

Given the nature of the charge, Judge Crowell was not inclined to release him, so he waived his extradition hearing in DC in order for Maryland to pick Winston up within three business days.

Nathan Williams was charged with being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted for kidnapping an adult for ransom in Virginia. He also waived his extradition hearing for authorities to pick him up from DC Jail.

John Matthews is charged with being a fugitive from justice. He is wanted in Maryland for burglary. Matthews is being held for three days in order for Maryland authorities to pick him up.

A final defendant was charged with being a fugitive from justice, where he is wanted for assault in a domestic violence case. He allegedly tried to run over his wife with a car. The defendant is also being held for three business days in order for South Carolina authorities to pick him up.

Three additional defendants were charged with being fugitives from justice. Two were released with orders to turn themselves in to Virginia authorities. The other defendant waived his hearing on Aug. 14 and had not been picked up by the demanding jurisdiction, so the prosecution dismissed the case.

Two defendants charged in domestic violence cases were released with stay-away orders from the alleged victims.

Five misdemeanor cases were presented before Judge Crowell involving charges of possession with intent to distribute cannabis, assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful entry of private property, assault on a police officer, possession of an open container of alcohol and contempt. All were released with stay-away orders.

Three defendants, charged with carrying pistols without licenses, were released with either stay-away orders or orders not to possess any firearms.

Three defendants were brought in on warrants for failing to appear at their court hearings. They were released with new court dates.

Two defendants are still in the hospital, so their cases were moved to Aug. 21.

Finally, of those who were released, four did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release Request

A DC Superior Court judge denied a murder defendant’s request for pretrial release on Aug. 20.

Karlos Kinney is charged with the first-degree murder of 25-year-old Resha Blount. According to court documents, a witness said that Kinney shot the victim four times – twice in the back, and once in the leg and hand – on April 30 on the 900 block of New Jersey Ave., NW. The witness said Kinney, 20, fired the weapon following a drug dispute.

Defense attorney Antoini Jones said that Kinney’s prior, dismissed, charges are insufficient reasons to continue holding his client. Jones also said logistical and technological issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered his ability to communicate with the defendant.

However, the prosecution said Kinney should remain held due to his prior gun, drug, and fleeing charges.

“The defendant killed someone over $10 out of a sense of pride,” the prosecutor said.

A motion for release was also denied on July 7.

“No conditions of release would ensure the community’s safety,” Judge Todd Edelman said.

Kinney’s next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8.

Judge Schedules Hearing for Sex Abuse Case

On Aug. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a sex abuse case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly exposing himself to a victim and trying to have sex with him without his consent on July 11 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.

Hearing Scheduled for Sex Abuse Case

On Aug. 20, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman scheduled a preliminary hearing to determine if a sexual abuse case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse in connection with an incident that took place on July 10 on the 200 block of 36th Street, SE. He allegedly approached a woman who was walking to the store and subsequently pushed her to the ground in a bushy area. The woman screamed for help and a witness nearby came rushing to her defense and removed the defendant from her.

The defendant has been held at DC Jail since July 11.

The defendant’s attorney, Amanda Rogers, also asked for a bond review hearing, which is now scheduled for Sep. 4.

Judge Declines 2nd Motion for Release in Juvenile’s Murder Case

On Aug. 20, a DC Superior Court judge declined the defense’s second motion to release a juvenile who is charged with first-degree murder.

The juvenile allegedly shot 36-year-old Antonio Gardiner, who resided in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The murder occurred on July 4 outside a McDonald’s in Washington, DC, according to court documents.

Defense counsel told the judge that the prosecution inaccurately stated that the juvenile was under supervision for a gun offense at the time of the homicide when he was actually under supervision for two robbery offenses and a destruction of property offense.

Even so, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld’s said no circumstances had changed, from the first time she denied the motion on Aug. 4, to warrant release.

The defense also filed a motion for the judge to reconsider her decision to allow the prosecution to conduct a buccal swab on the juvenile.

According to the defense, new information came to light that there was rain on July 6, which was the day police recovered a gun believed to be in possession of the juvenile and used during the homicide.

Given the new information about the weather, defense counsel requested Judge Hertzfeld deny DNA testing, saying the prosecution could no longer show a high likelihood of the gun being connected to the juvenile through DNA.

The prosecution said body-worn camera footage from officers show they took care to keep the gun covered from the rain, believing there would still be usable DNA on the gun.

Judge Hertzfield denied the defense’s motion to reconsider during the hearing.

The prosecution told the judge that a plea deal was extended to the defense before the hearing.

However, defense counsel said a decision on the offer could not be made until all evidence was received from the prosecution. The prosecution’s investigation is still ongoing.

Given the ongoing collection of evidence and that DC Superior Courts are remaining remote until at least Nov. 9 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Hertzfeld vacated the initial jury trial and set another hearing for Sept. 30.

Judge Schedules Heaing for Child Sex Abuse Case

On Aug. 19, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled a prelimary hearing to determine if a child sex abuse case has enough evidence to go to trial.

The defendant is accused of sexually assaulting two children on the 600 block of 9th street, NW. According to court documents, three young victims were involved in the incident, but only two could positively identify the defendant.

Judge Robert Okun scheduled the hearing for Aug. 31.

We’re Here to Help Push Against Crime

D.C. Witness is not a political or partisan organization.

Instead, we believe in data. The cold, hard facts.

During this political season, one thing resonates — the drive to keep residents informed.

D.C. Witness collects data on all crime cases in Washington, DC for two reasons: to inform the community about what is happening and to provide one location where crime data can be collated to show big pictures on small subsects of the city.

Fact: There were 30 homicides in DC last month, one less than Baltimore. In 2020 there have been approximately 125 homicides in the District, nearly a 7 percent increase from the same time period in 2019.

So far this year, 62 suspects have been arrested. But, a suspect has not been apprehended in 76 of the homicides that have occurred this year with police still searching for two suspects connected to two fatal shootings.

With a rising homicide count that seems to be getting more and more out of control, and a fiery population demanding police reform, especially in the midst of an uncertain pandemic, D.C. Witness is standing up to offer a path to creating a solution to reduce crime.

Something needs to be done. Some assurance made during a time when so many hang on the edges.

This is not the beginning of a backslide. This city, our city, will overcome the upward trend. It just needs a little push.

Document: Suspect Arrested for May Shooting

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers have arrested a suspect for assault with intent to kill.

On May 2 at around 2:21 p.m., police responded to the 3200 block of 23^rd Street, SE for the report of the sound of gunshots. There, they found an adult male victim suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS took him to the hospital.

On Aug. 19, officers arrested a 43-year-old resident of Northeast, DC in connection with the incident.

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Document: Suspect Arrested for Fatal Stabbing in Brightwood

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that happened on Aug. 12.

At around 12:46 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW for the report of a stabbing. There, they found Sa’id Grey, a 40-year-old resident of Northwest, DC, in the hall of a residence. He was suffering from stab wounds. Grey was pronounced dead on the scene.

Officers arrested Jaamil Hipps, a 43-year-old resident of Northeast, DC, for second-degree murder while armed. According to a press release, detectives’ investigation revealed that the homicide happened due to a dispute among known parties.

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