Judge Doesn’t Change Paraplegic Defendant’s Release Status

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian allowed a defendant to remain on pretrial release despite the prosecution’s request for the defendant to be held.

Roscoe Atchinson is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Atchinson, 28, allegedly pulled a handgun and pointed it at a victim’s head. An unknown suspect attempted to disarm him. At the same time, the victim grabbed the handgun and shot both suspects in the back and legs, according to court documents.

The incident left Atchinson paraplegic. He now uses a wheelchair.

Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller said there was more to being paralyzed than not being able to walk. Atchinson also suffers from skin breakdown and bladder issues. He needs help with daily tasks, such as putting on clothes.

His injuries require frequent medical treatment with physical, occupational and neurological therapists. While incarcerated, he received only two sessions with a physical therapist. He has fallen four times in the jail and had to wait for nearly a half hour to be picked up, defense counsel said.

“He’s not getting the care,” Weller said. “He’s getting this very basic level of staying alive care, which I don’t think is appropriate.”

Since his release, Atchinson has been able to meet with spinal doctors and urologists.

Weller also mentioned that Atchinson is no longer a threat to the community due to his injuries. The prosecution disagreed, citing the violent nature of the crimes.

Atchinson’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.

Document: Police Investigate Homicide in Civic Betterment Neighborhood in DC

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred just after midnight in Southeast, DC.

According to a press release, officers found 30-year-old Demetrius Sullivan, a resident from Suitland, Md., in suffering from gunshot wounds. 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 case in DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be sent to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Crime Alerts: July 1-2

Between 8 p.m. on July 1 and 8 a.m on July 2, the Metropolitan Police Department sent out five crime alerts.

The most recent alert went out at 4:41 a.m. for a shooting on the 1500 block of 25th Street, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

An alert went out at 1:15 a.m. for a robbery at the intersection of 14th Street, NW and Shepherd Street, NW. Police are looking for two Black males wearing gray or black clothing armed with a handgun.

Another alert for a shooting was sent at 12:57 a.m. on the 1100 block of 46th Place, SE. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

Another alert for a shooting was sent at 10:18 p.m. Police do not have a description of the suspect.

The final alert went out at 9:13 p.m. for a stabbing on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE. Police are looking for three Black males.

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

Crime Alerts — July 1

The Metropolitan Police Department sent out one crime alert since 3 a.m. on July 1.

At 4:07 p.m. the police sent out a crime alert for a shooting on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. Police are looking for a black male who is wearing white shirt.

If anyone knows about the incident, contact 911.

Defense Schedules New Hearing

A hearing for a defendant facing unlawful possession charges was rescheduled.

George Thomas is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The hearing was rescheduled for July 1, but then rescheduled again for Sept. 16.

According to court documents, police found a semi-automatic handgun and marijuana when they executed a search warrant allowing them into Thomas’ apartment on the 5300 block of E Street, SE April 4. The warrant was filed March 29.

A jury trial was scheduled for April 15. However, it was unable to take place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defendant Cannot be Released Because of Warrant

A DC Superior Court judge was unable to release a defendant on July 1 because he has an outstanding bench warrant.

Judge Erik Christian was announcing the terms of James Demyers’ release when a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency informed him that the defendant’s warrant makes him ineligible for release.

The warrant is from Charles County, Md. for failure to appear in court.

Judge Christian told defense attorney Richard Holliday to contact the Charles County Court to see what can be done.

Demyers, 20, was charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and destruction of property less than $1,000 on June 8.

The previous day, the defendant allegedly punched a stranger on the street and then threatened to hit another stranger with a belt.

Later that day, Demyers allegedly vandalized the toilet and destroyed one of the ceiling light fixtures within his cell. He used a glass shard from the fixture to cut himself. Eight officers detained him and removed the shards of glass from his hands as he shouted he was going to kill himself.

Demeyers has three pending cases but no prior convictions.

Holliday said his client was in a psychotic episode when the incident occurred and has since changed his behavior.

Holliday also said the Demeyers has a heightened susceptibility to the coronavirus because his mental illnesses causes “problematic behavior.” He said if the defendant was released “somewhere there is no coronavirus,” that risk would be eliminated.

The prosecution found these arguments to be inconsistent.

“If he controls his behavior, he will be fine in jail,” the prosecutor said. “If he can’t, he will be at greater risk outside.”

Holliday said his client should be receiving the same treatment as Roger Stone, a friend of President Trump. The Justice Department has allowed Stone to stay out of prison due to his concerns about the coronavirus. Stone is charged with tampering with evidence in a congressional investigation.

Judge Christian found this comparison irrelevant due to the different nature of the crimes.

Demyers’ next hearing is scheduled for July 2.

Judge Finds Defendant Compliant with Home Confinement, Schedules Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna determined July 1 that a defendant is in full compliance with his release conditions, moving the case forward for sentencing.

Dennis Byrd was initially charged with armed assault with intent to kill on Sept. 14, 2019. He took a plea deal on Jan. 21, which brought his charge down to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. An additional charge of carrying a pistol without a license was also filed that day.

After being held in DC Jail for months, Judge Michael Ryan decided to release Byrd under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). The defendant was placed on home confinement.

A notice of non compliance was filed on June 2.

On June 9, Judge Rainey Brandt admonished Byrd to come into compliance with his release conditions.

Another notice of non compliance was filed on June 24. However, during his July 1 hearing, the prosecution and defense agreed that Byrd has come into full compliance with the conditions of his release and recommended that the case move forward.

Byrd, who was running late to the hearing, had his presence in court waived. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21.

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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