Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Mandatory Minimum Following Guilty Plea

A defendant was sentenced to seven years in prison in an unarmed carjacking case before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Nov. 18.

Jarrell Gayden, 33, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking on Sep.18 for his involvement in an incident that took place on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW on April 25.

Gayden was on supervised release following a 2024 conviction for unauthorized use of a vehicle when the carjacking occurred.

Judge Salerno stuck to the mandatory minimum guidelines and sentenced Gayden to seven years for the carjacking, which is set to run consecutively with an additional 18 months for violation of the terms of his supervised release. He will also be required to complete three years of supervised release.

The prosecution highlighted Gayden’s extensive criminal history and the need for a strong deterrent to prevent him from committing similar acts in the future. They stated that he has four felony convictions consisting of robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and firearm possession charges.

Gayden’s attorney Sarah Kopecki focused on his willingness to admit his guilt early and stated that he is regretful of his actions. She conceded that he will have to serve time due to mandatory minimum guidelines but requested that all time be concurrent to the unarmed carjacking, believing that seven years was more than enough to act as a deterrent.

There are no more hearings scheduled in this case.

After The Incident, Homicide Victim’s Neighbor Says She Heard ‘For The Love of God, Somebody Help Me’

A witness testified about the day a brutal murder occurred next door before DC Superior Court Jason Park on Nov. 18.

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2, 2023, on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Galloway’s girlfriend was also found in the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds, but survived.

Prosecutors called in a witness who lived on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE, with her husband during the time of the incident.

The prosecution asked the witness to describe some of her relationships with her neighbors

The woman said she only knew a few of her neighbors. One neighbor, in particular, was a man who lived with his wife on the second floor of a red brick apartment building next to her. The witness described the man as a “character,” explaining he was always noisy, hosted lots of parties, would put a boom box in his window, and yelled at random people walking by the apartment.

The witness also claimed that the man and his wife would argue a lot, and whenever they did, the witness and her husband would hear them. In fact, the witness testified that she and her husband once complained to the man about the noise. “He grew agitated and got in our faces,” the witness stated.

The witness also spoke about another man, whom she said was a “regular” in the neighborhood, and rode a red bicycle. “He would ask us for money to buy food, and we would give it to him,” the witness testified about the man with the bike. Prosecutors previously alleged the person on the bike is Worthy.

The prosecution inquired about the day of the murder and asked the witness to describe it as she remembered it.

On April 2, 2023 at approximately 5:45 p. m., the witness said she was gardening in her front yard while her husband was attending a baseball game.

The witness said at some point, the man with the red bike approached and asked her for money. “I told him I did not have any money, and he rode away,” the witness testified.

The witness’ husband came home between 6:15 and 6:30 p. m., and got on a work call. Shortly after, the witness said she heard three loud bangs coming from the apartment building next door.

“It sounded like someone pounded on the window. It startled me,” the witness testified. The witness said she thought it was her neighbor who made a lot of noise.

Shortly after hearing the three loud bangs, the witness said she heard a man and a woman arguing. She did not think it was her neighbor who made a lot of noise and his wife because they had “distinct voices.”

The witness testified, “I then heard a man’s voice scream, ‘For the love of God, somebody help me!’ and then it got quiet.”

The witness said she did not call 9-1-1 because she thought it could have been her neighbor just being noisy. “We were not sure if it was the right decision,” she said.

Around 7:15 p. m., the witness saw her neighbor who made a lot of noise and his wife dropped off at their apartment building. The witness then knew it was not the couple she heard arguing earlier.

“They entered their apartment, and immediately after, I heard loud screams,” the witness stated.

The witness said lots of police arrived and started to cordon off the apartment building.

During cross-examination, Worthy’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, asked the witness if she had encountered the man on the red bike after he asked her for money. The witness said she did not encounter him.

Prosecutors brought to the stand the medical examiner who performed the autopsy of Galloway. The examiner testified that Galloway suffered from seven stab wounds, six gunshot wounds, and “extensive” blunt force injuries including contusions, lacerations, and abrasions spanning over his entire face.

According to the examiner, particularly detrimental were two stab wounds in Galloway’s neck that each penetrated the carotid artery and jugular vein.

The examiner also explained that Galloway was shot in the left hip and groin, which each resulted in swelling and hemorrhaging.

Through her examination, the examiner concluded that the cause of death was a combination of multiple gunshot wounds, sharp force injuries, and blunt force wounds. None of the injuries could be isolated as the single cause of death. The manner of death was determined to be homicide.

A former member of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Digital Evidence Unit (DEU) was then called to testify on digital extractions he performed on the iPhone the prosecutors alleged was Worthy’s.

The expert performed a full file system extraction on the iPhone, which involved the full content of the iPhone being extracted using a forensic tool. This data included information such as contacts and text messages.

A series of text messages was highlighted by the prosecutor, including an interaction between the owner of the iPhone and another person.

“I killed two people,” said the owner of the iPhone.

Seemingly confused by the sudden claim, the other person responded saying, “Julius, what the hell do you mean you killed two people?”

In response, the owner of the iPhone said, “Yes, they stole from me today.”

“Julius, I can’t do this with you, I cannot,” responded the other person.

“I was just tryna get rich,” said the owner of the iPhone.

During the cross-examination, Worthy’s attorney, Steven Ogilvie, attempted to challenge the accuracy of the data extraction.

Ogilvie questioned the expert about how the data extraction was verified, to which the expert explained that number values unique to the file were cross-referenced with forensic tools to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. The expert had no concern that the information extracted was at all corrupted.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Found Mentally Competent

A fatal stabbing defendant was found mentally competent to stand trial during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 18.

Kevin Johnson, 39, is charged with felony murder while armed, first-degree premeditated murder while armed and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 44-year-old Antonio Woody. The incident occurred on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE, on Oct. 6, 2024.

Judge Brandt reviewed the competency evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) , which concluded Johnson is competent to stand trial. Neither Johnson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, nor the prosecution raised any objections, and the court formally adopted the report.

To stand trial a defendant must establish he’s mentally competent enough to understand the charges and help his lawyer represent the case.

With competency established, Johnson’s case will head to trial in the upcoming year.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 4, 2026.

Murder Trial Closes With Dispute Over Self -Defense

Parties delivered closing statements focused on self-defense claims in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Nov. 17.

David Pena, 48, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maurice Robinson, 24. The incident occurred on June 12, 2023, on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE.

Before the parties made closing remarks, the defense called the victim’s mother briefly back to the stand. Dana Page, Pena’s attorney, asked about a request that the witness had made to the Crime Victims Compensation Program. The witness testified that her request was denied because her son had a weapon.

However, when asked by the prosecution, she added that she had appealed the initial denial. In her appeal, she had told the program that her son did not have a weapon and that he was not the aggressor in the incident. She also clarified that she never received funds.

During their closing, the prosecution showed a picture of the victim saying “This photo is here instead of Maurice Robinson.” They claimed Pena shot the victim six times after getting involved in an unrelated fight, and that Pena “made that choice.” They also showed photos of Robinson’s bloodstained shirt and his wounds.

According to the prosecution, Pena alleged he heard someone say “blow his ass up, Moe,” which spurred him to pull a gun out. They argued, however, that some of Pena’s other statements are contradictory. In addition, there was no evidence that confirmed someone said that and even if true, words are never adequate provocation, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution showed a surveillance camera video of the incident. Several people can be seen crowded by a car, but the prosecution added arrows to the footage to highlight Pena and Robinson. The part where someone pulled out a gun and fired was highlighted.

The prosecution claimed Robinson put his hands up and started to run, arguing that should have been enough for Pena, but that he shot anyway. Pena was allegedly the only person to have a gun during the incident.

Pena once stated that when he got involved in the fight, he was pushed down twice, but he didn’t know who pulled him down. He also didn’t know who said what he heard. The prosecution said he shot at the first person he saw and called it “beyond unreasonable.” They also claimed he only shot six times because he didn’t have more bullets.

The prosecution reiterated that Pena was the only person armed and that everyone at the incident scattered when Pena drew the gun. They claimed that if anyone else had a gun, they would have pulled it out in response.

The prosecution stated Pena called his testimony “his truth,” suggesting h was not being entirely truthful. They claimed Pena said exactly what he needed to say on the witness stand and not the complete truth.

Page claimed Pena was trying to stop a fight between his daughter and a different group of seven individuals, including Robinson. She argued for self-defense, claiming Pena was pushed down twice and overheard someone say “Blow his a** up,” without knowing who did what.

According to Page, the group of seven arrived at Pena and his daughter’s home and were calling for her to come out and fight one of them. Pena allegedly tried to stop her, but was unsuccessful, and struggled how to stop the fight once it began. Once Pena’s daughter was pulled into the street, he tried to physically get in the way of the attackers.

During this confrontation, Pena was hit and knocked down from behind, so he couldn’t know who hit him. He only heard the “blow him up” line and saw someone approach him with a hand reaching for something at his hip—which Page claimed was the same place Pena had his gun.

Page argued the incident was chaotic and fast, stating the whole fight, from when Pena’s daughter joined to when Pena shot was 44 seconds. She played a recording from ShotSpotter monitoring system of the gunshots alongside a timer she recorded to show how quickly all the shots were fired. The recording was four seconds, but all gunshots can be heard within a one-and-a-half second span. Page claimed this was too fast for Pena to react to Robinson running away.

Page argued one of the witnesses, Robinson’s mother, was not credible. She claimed her testimony tried to “minimize her involvement” in the incident. Specifically, Robinson’s mother tried to say Pena’s daughter was the instigator of the group fight when evidence was presented that the whole group was seen and heard outside their house trying to get her to join a fight.

Page also presented a social media video of Robinson’s mother apparently threatening Pena’s daughter. According to the defense, Robinson’s mother alluded to her alleged role in an arson incident and said she would “do ten times worse to you” to Pena’s daughter in the video.

Page further argued for self-defense, saying that the prosecution never conducted a search to see if anyone else at the incident had a weapon. She pointed to some woods near the incident that someone could have thrown something into to hide, but that no one searched to see if there were any. She also stated that Pena did not have to be right for the self-defense claim to be reasonable.

Page concluded by saying “if there is any uncertainty, you must find him not guilty.”

The prosecution rebutted by saying their job was to prove the events of the incident, not answer any and all questions. They assured there was no evidence of anyone other than Pena being armed.

The prosecution explained self-defense, saying there are multiple parts to it and all have to be true for self defense to be established. If they could disprove any, then there would be no argument for it. They followed up by saying Pena “brought a gun to a fistfight.”

“Actions speak louder than words,” the prosecution said, and claimed none of Pena’s movements during the incident suggested fear or danger. They also argued that, since Pena did not know who pushed him, it was not reasonable to shoot at the first person he saw.

The prosecution concluded by saying that, regardless of the events, Pena was not allowed to own a gun anyway due to a prior conviction.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Surprise Grand Jury Tapes in 1997 Double Homicide Delay Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman paused a double homicide case after prosecutors revealed new evidence from the grand jury minutes before parties were slated to pick a jury on Nov. 17.

Oscar Diaz-Romero, 47, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jose Noel Coreas-Carcaro, 22, and Jose Molina, 27, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Aug. 9, 1997.

In what was supposed to be the beginning of the trial, prosecutors informed the court that new issues had arisen regarding discovery, initially characterizing the matter as a Jencks issue, which requires the prosecution to provide the defense with statements made by witnesses after they’ve testified.

The prosecution explained that although they provided nearly all the discovery to the defense in January, they were unaware of any grand jury testimony. During their final stages of investigation, they learned that one eyewitness recalled testifying before a grand jury. After questioning additional witnesses, they discovered a second witness who also remembered testifying, yet neither the prosecution nor the defense team had previously known a grand jury had been summoned. They received this information only about 15 minutes before the hearing.

The judge expressed concern and noted he had never encountered a situation like this. He questioned the prosecution about when they first learned of a grand jury and why they had not reviewed its materials, especially since the prosecutors had control of the grand jury proceedings from the start.

The prosecution stated they became aware on Nov. 7. The judge further asked how the prosecution could be certain that the existing cassette tapes, recorded 30 years ago, contained the full grand jury record if no one had listened to them.

The defense, Destiny Fullwood-Singh and Julie Swaney, emphasized that they had never been told a grand jury transcript existed. After prosecutors notified them of the tapes, the defense uncovered a memo from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer referencing an arrest warrant and confirming a grand jury had been empaneled.

At least two witnesses now recall testifying, supporting the argument that Jencks material exists, though no one knows whether additional witnesses testified.

The judge expressed uncertainty about how to proceed, noting the defendant had been extradited from El Salvador and had not committed a crime in more than 30 years. He ordered the prosecution to listen to and transcribe all grand jury tapes and identify the former prosecutor who handled the case in 1997 and locate his notes.

The prosecution reported contacting the former prosecutor of the 1997 case, who attempted to locate records but found they had been destroyed. Court Report Services likewise had no transcripts, but an off-site facility in Philadelphia held a physical box from which the current prosecutors recovered two cassette tapes and one eyewitness statement dated Aug. 21, 1997.

To keep the case on track, the judge asked the prosecutors whether they could have an update by the afternoon or if they would need more time and reconvene on another day.

The defense requested an order requiring the prosecution to produce various Fairfax County source documents and raised concerns about a witness with violations or complaints, arguing that this constitutes Brady material, which is any evidence that could be exculpatory to the defense. The judge agreed with the defense and ordered disclosure.

After reconvening in the afternoon, the defense moved to dismiss the case. The court held the motion in abeyance and continued the matter until Thursday to allow the prosecution time to figure out how to proceed.

Parties slated to reconvene on Nov. 20

Judge Allows Homicide Defendant to Finish School Before Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz delayed imposing a homicide defendant’s sentence in order to allow him to earn his high school diploma on Nov. 14.

On April 24, Caleb Padilla, 20, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Damion Hill. The incident occurred on Dec. 30, 2024 on the 1800 block of Benning Road NE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of ten-to-12 years of imprisonment.

At the hearing, the prosecution recommended a sentence of 12 years of imprisonment, as well as five years of supervised release. Padilla’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, presented three separate sentencing plans to the court that would allow for Padilla to graduate high school and be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) before being transferred to the federal prison system for the rest of his sentence.

The YRA allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

The prosecution opposed all three offers, and raised concerns that without an imposed sentence, Padilla could later revoke his plea of guilty. The prosecution also stated that the purpose of Padilla’s plea was to expedite “swift justice and a quick resolution”.

Bunke argued that Padilla wished to resolve the issue at his first hearing, and is the reason he accepted his plea deal. The defense also noted that one of their sentencing plans allowed for Padilla to have a sentence imposed at the hearing, but would delay its execution until after earning his diploma.

Judge Kravitz believed that the defense’s suggested plan addressed legal issues highlighted by the prosecution, but asked Padilla if he would go on the record to further alleviate worries from the prosecution.

“I don’t want to withdraw my plea, I do want to graduate high school so my daughter can see I’m doing something with my life,” Padilla said. “ I plead guilty because I am guilty and I want to make my actions right and apologize to the family.”

Judge Kravitz accepted Padilla’s request, and said that he would not impose a sentence at the hearing. He also noted that Padilla’s ability to earn a high school diploma would demonstrate rehabilitation potential that would allow him to be sentenced under the YRA.

Instead, Judge Kravitz proposed that Padilla’s progress in school be monitored in court every 60 days until his graduation, or lack thereof, before his sentence would be imposed.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16, 2026.

Non-fatal Shooting Co-Defendant Wins Extended Curfew

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a non-fatal shooting co-defendant an extension on his curfew on Nov. 14

Donte Bennett, 27 and Demarco Hayes, 22, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence,. These charges stem from a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE, on July 24, 2024.

Hayes is also charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to the matter.

At the hearing, Hayes’ defense attorney, Molly Bunke, stated that Hayes had recently been hired by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and would begin working a 6 a. m.-to-2 p. m. shifts starting Nov. 17.

Currently, Hayes and Bennett are both under GPS monitoring with a curfew from 10 p. m.-to-6 a. m.

Bunke requested that Judge Kravitz be open to granting an extension of his current curfew for confirmed employment opportunities, rather than modifying Hayes’ current curfew altogether.

Judge Kravitz congratulated Hayes on his employment, and said that Hayes’ hours outside of his home would be extended for confirmed employment opportunities.

Bunke also orally requested that Hayes’ GPS monitor be removed, and that according to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Hayes has been in “perfect compliance”. Bunke added that Hayes no longer is required to complete weekly drug tests, and has been downgraded to spot testing.

Judge Kratviz denied the motion without prejudice, given that there was no written motion and that Hayes currently has a stay-away order in place. Judge Kravitz told Bunke that he would be potentially open to reconsideration if a motion was formally filed.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13. 2026.

Domestic Homicide Defendant Jail Until Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause to hold a homicide defendant in his girlfriend’s fatal shooting on Nov. 20.

Darryan Bynum, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Mignon Brown-Massey on Aug. 13, 2025, on the 3300 block of 15th Street, NE.

During the hearing, prosecutors called to the stand a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Homicide Branch who testified about his interactions with Bynum on Aug. 13, 2023, identified him in court, and discussed the preparation of the affidavit.

Prosecutors presented a series of video exhibits to the court. The first showed interior footage from the living room of the residence where the shooting occurred. Additional street view footage allegedly captured Bynum leaving the home with another individual at approximately 3:02 a. m.

The prosecutor showed another video of Bynum entering a room and demanding, “Who the f*** are you?” to a witness. A subsequent clip, time-stamped 3:04 a. m., depicted him entering a bedroom, while a later video from 3:29 a. m. appeared to show someone exiting the bedroom and entering the bathroom.

The prosecution also played the 911 call, during which Bynum could be heard crying and pleading for help, stating that his girlfriend had been shot outside. The emotional recording prompted members of the victim’s family to leave the courtroom in tears.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Kevin O’Sullivan highlighted the longstanding romantic relationship between Bynum and Brown-Massey. He emphasized that the couple lived together and had no known history of domestic violence.

O’Sullivan noted that there were no reports, witnesses, or video evidence indicating arguments, threats, or abusive behavior between them. Several witnesses corroborated this, describing Brown-Massey as intoxicated but calm on the night in question and reporting no signs of conflict.

A friend of the victim testified that he had fallen asleep in the bedroom with Brown-Massey and that no sexual activity had taken place. He recounted that Bynum became upset upon discovering them, and claimed that Bynum pointed a gun at him and struck him.

The defense challenged these assertions, pointing out the lack of medical documentation or video evidence of injuries and noting that the friend admitted to possessing a firearm of his own. O’Sullivan further stressed that no one witnessed what occurred inside the bedroom at the exact moment the shot was fired, and that investigators found no shell casings in the home.

Although a gun was later located allegedly in Bynum’s Jeep with a lodged bullet, the defense argued there was no physical evidence linking that weapon to the shooting. A projectile recovered from the bathroom was still undergoing testing. The defense also remarked that Brown-Massey survived until noon the next day and did not make a 911 call herself.

Arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish probable cause, O’Sullivan emphasized the absence of video capturing the shooting, the lack of eyewitnesses, and the uncertain connection between the weapon recovered and the fatal injury.

He portrayed Brown-Massey’s friend as unreliable due to inconsistencies in his statements and his admission of carrying a gun. The defense maintained that the shooting was accidental and occurred in the heat of the moment after Bynum discovered another man in bed with his girlfriend. They argued that Bynum’s actions afterward, attempting to care for Brown-Massey and eventually calling 911, reflected panic rather than intent.

The judge, however, rejected the defense’s arguments. Citing the surveillance footage showing Bynum entering the bedroom followed by a sound consistent with a gunshot, as well as later images of Brown-Massey crawling toward the bathroom, the judge found the evidence consistent with the cause of death.

The court did not accept the defense’s claim of an accidental shooting, noting the delayed 911 call and testimony that Bynum appeared upset. With probable cause established, the hearing proceeded to arguments regarding detention.

Prosecutors urged the court to keep Bynum detained, characterizing the case as a domestic-violence homicide that took place inside the home. They stressed that Bynum waited hours before seeking help, that Brown-Massey died roughly an hour after arriving at the hospital, and that Bynum was already on probation in Maryland under conditions prohibiting new offenses or firearm possession. They argued that Bynum violated these terms and posed a danger to the community.

The defense countered with a request for Bynum’s release on electronic monitoring to his mother’s home. O’Sullivan emphasized Bynum’s lack of prior criminal history, steady employment, educational background, and strong family support.

He noted that Bynum helps care for his sick mother, works long hours, runs a small apparel business, and is a first-time father with Brown-Massey’s child. The defense argued that the shooting involved a single, unintentional event and that Bynum believed the injury was minor. They contended that prosecutors could not show that lesser conditions of release would be inadequate.

The judge ordered that Bynum remain detained, expressing concern that he allegedly committed the offense while already on release and under explicit orders not to possess a firearm.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 26, 2026.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty After Sentencing Questions

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal after resolving questions about sentencing in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 14.

Sequon Price, 30, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that wounded one individual at the intersection of Wheeler Road and Alabama Avenue, SE, on July 15.

During the hearing, Judge Kravitz asked about the plea offer to Price, which would have him plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted possession with the intent to distribute. In exchange, the prosecution would agree not to seek an indictment against the defendant.

When asked about the status of the plea, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey noted that she wanted to amend the offer before Price accepted it. She explained that, according to the prosecution, the current language in the plea offer would prevent Price from requesting to reduce his sentence in a motion. Harvey said that Price was not willing to accept the plea deal if he could not file a post-conviction motion to reduce his sentence.

Judge Kravitz told the defense that “no objective reader” of the plea agreement would think the defendant was waiving his right to motion for a reduced sentence, and that any argument to the contrary by the prosecution was “not a credible argument.”

The prosecution stated that the plea offer would not prevent the motion and requested that she call her supervisor to clarify the language confusion, explaining that she and her supervisors may have misunderstood Harvey’s initial email regarding the motion.

When parties returned, the prosecution explained that there had been “several miscommunications,” and that Price accepting the plea offer would not prevent him from a sentence reduction motion.

Price accepted the plea offer, saying that he “had reacted without thinking” when he stabbed the victim, and that it was no excuse.

On Price’s behalf, Harvey asked if he could be released on GPS monitoring before his sentencing hearing, noting that he had “taken responsibility” by pleading guilty early, and had a “minimal record.”

The prosecution opposed his release, noting the nature of the offense and the significance of the victim’s injuries, as they had been stabbed in the face.

Judge Kravitz ordered that Price continue to be held.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 6.

Shooting Defendant Re-Sentenced For Probation Noncompliance

A shooting defendant was re-sentenced to ten months of incarceration by DC Superior Court Milton Lee for probation noncompliance on Nov. 13.

On June 6, 2023, Be’Shon Tyler, 24, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW on May 9, 2023.

He was originally sentenced to 24 months in prison, with 12 suspended, 18 months of probation, and three years supervised release on Nov. 6, 2023.

Tyler’s probation was revoked on Oct. 20, due to noncompliance in light of a new misdemeanor charge.

Judge Lee noted that Tyler was set for trial in a new misdemeanor case in January and asked if Peter Cooper, Tyler’s attorney, wished to go forward with the sentencing for this shooting after that trial. After speaking with his client, Cooper informed the court that Tyler wanted to continue with sentencing.

Prosecution requested Tyler serve the 12 months that were originally suspended from his sentence. The prosecutor highlighted that probation did not go well with Tyler. There were only marginal, if any, improvements between each hearing, and this eventually resulted in the misdemeanor charge. They also noted that Tyler had ample notice and warnings about the consequences of not complying with probation conditions.

Cooper told the court that probation showed good and bad indicators from Tyler. Although a bad sign was the misdemeanor charge, Cooper noted how probation gave Tyler the time to understand the importance of living harmoniously as a member of society.

Tyler also spoke about how probation allowed him to see himself as a real man with a real job for the first time.

Judge Lee mentioned he had warned Tyler multiple times, telling him that he was the only person who could help himself. Judge Lee said he wanted to help, and did not want Tyler to grow older, just to look back at himself and question why he spent his youth incarcerated.

Tyler was re-sentenced to ten months incarceration, and 30 days supervised release.

Parties are not slated to reconvene.

Homicide Defense Says Late Grand Jury Testimony Amounts to ‘Egregious’ Misconduct

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman is considering a fair way to proceed with a homicide case while near decade old grand jury transcripts are reviewed on Nov. 20.

The prosecution discovered 19 boxes of files including 1997 grand jury testimony in the case. The prosecution explained that copies in their office had been destroyed, and rediscovered elsewhere but the company had originally claimed they did not have the files. He told Judge Edelman that he is in the process of trying to get any other computer files from the original prosecutor.

There were 13 witnesses in the grand jury, which ended Sept. 10, 1997. The prosecution originally planned to call two of those witnesses during the trial. However, these transcripts contain possible Brady violations requiring disclosure of potentially exculpatory information that needed to be disclosed to the defense team ahead of trial.

A witness the prosecution was not intending to call provided a description of the shooter that contradicts the description provided by other witnesses and does not match the defendant.

Another witness directly contradicted the testimony of a key prosecution witness, a driver who claimed that the prosecution’s witness was also wearing a sports jersey that the shooter is described to be wearing by other witnesses.

The defense team, Julie Swaney and Destiny Fullwood-Singh, told the judge they do not know enough about these witnesses. Swaney asked that the prosecution help the defense investigation by providing any and all contact information for them. She also believed there is no fair solution to this case other than dismissal due to the “egregious” misconduct of the prosecution.

Judge Edelman said that “the case was not ready for trial on the trial date” and believes the case would have been a “potential disaster” had they proceeded. However, he was unsure about a remedy. The judge said that dismissal would only be appropriate if it is impossible to give Diaz-Romero a fair trial or sanction the prosecution for misconduct.

Swaney argued that the late disclosure cost them ten months to look into these witnesses, who may be able to aid the defense’s case.

The defense team will file a supplement to their Brady motion by Dec. 1 to provide more details about the alleged violations they have found within the transcripts. After this submission and the prosecution’s response, a motion to dismiss may be appropriate.

Judge Edelman asked the parties to remain in touch with him to avoid future surprises.

Parties are slated to return Dec. 18.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 44-year-old Thomas Jamal Carter in connection with a shooting incident on Sept. 24 on Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Carter, who has no fixed address, was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) and Probation Violation. The investigation is ongoing.

Stabbing Defendant Transferred to Mental Hospital For Competency Restoration

DC Superior Court Deborah Israel ordered Saint Elizabeths Hospital to attempt a mental competency restoration for a stabbing defendant on Nov. 20.

Leon Bryant, 35, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 8, 2025 on the 1700 block of Lincoln Rd, NE, leaving one person injured.

A competency evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) determined Bryant to be incompetent to stand trial, and requested he undergo restoration. Judge Israel ordered Bryant transferred to the psychiatric facility for observation and testing.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and help his lawyer defend the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 13.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Southeast Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 44-year-old Tekesia Atiya Hancock in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on Sept. 29 on the 2400 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. The victim, an adult female, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Hancock has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Facts of Carjacking ‘Hotly Contested’ at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe described the facts of a co-defendant carjacking case as “hotly contested” during a sentencing on Nov. 14.

Kevin Lester, 37, and Traviyan Hardy, 24, pleaded guilty on Sept. 8 to robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle for their involvement in a carjacking on June 13 on the 3900 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, Hardy was in the passenger seat of the victim’s vehicle when Lester approached the vehicle, pulled the victim to the ground, and assaulted him. Lester and Hardy then robbed the victim and drove away in his vehicle.

At sentencing, Judge Pipe described the facts of the case as “hotly contested.” Lester’s attorney, Theodore Shaw, and Hardy’s attorney, Everald Thompson, asserted that the victim sexually assaulted Hardy while she was in his vehicle and Hardy contacted Lester for assistance because she was uncomfortable.

Shaw claimed a defense investigation corroborated Hardy’s version of events and showed parties text messages between Hardy and Lester during the incident.

Judge Pipe said the messages aligned with Hardy’s initial interview with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in which she told officers the victim offered to pay her for sex. Judge Pipe also noted that the victim was 71 while Hardy appeared to be a healthy 24-year-old.

Thompson believed Hardy was credible and said she did not originally disclose the assault to MPD because she was uncomfortable and doubted she would be taken seriously.

The prosecutor said the judge should not credit Hardy’s description of the incident because the objective evidence did not indicate sexual assault. According to the prosecutor, Hardy’s statements were not truthful but made in a “self-serving manner” to mitigate the sentence she received.

The prosecutor noted Hardy lacked a criminal history which weighed in her favor but requested she serve a top-of-the-guideline sentence of 60 months of imprisonment for robbery and 28 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle. The prosecution did not oppose concurrent sentences.

Thompson asked Judge Pipe to sentence Hardy under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant. The prosecutor opposed the application of the YRA to Hardy’s sentence.

Thompson requested Hardy serve a split sentence with all time suspended but one year of imprisonment for robbery and six months for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Regarding Lester, the prosecutor requested a 66 month prison sentence for robbery concurrent with 28 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle. The prosecutor noted Lester had multiple prior convictions including a felony.

The prosecutor said he believed the victim did not deserve the violent assault from Lester.

Shaw requested Lester serve 48 months of imprisonment concurrently for each charge. Shaw noted Lester’s acceptance of responsibility in the case through the plea deal and described him as “deeply remorseful” for his actions.

“[Lester’s] need to want to protect [Hardy] caused him to exercise some bad judgement,” said Shaw.

Shaw added that Lester was exposed to trauma throughout his life. According to Shaw, Lester’s mother was abused by her boyfriend, he was in the foster care system, and lacked stability his entire life.

First, Judge Pipe denied Hardy’s request for a YRA sentence. Judge Pipe then sentenced Hardy to 24 months of imprisonment for robbery and 24 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Lester was sentenced to 54 months for robbery and 28 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle. The sentences for both defendants will run concurrently followed by three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Search