Defense Requests Stabbing Dismissal, Defendant Detained by ICE

A defense attorney requested the dismissal of a stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 30, as she claimed her client was recently detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Edin Matute Bautista, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Aug. 28, 2025 at the 1400 block of Irving Street, NW. The victim and the defendant sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victim claimed he was riding his bike when he saw Bautista crouched, hidden among parked vehicles. Bautista allegedly approached the victim with a large knife and stabbed him until the victim dismounted his bike and fought back

Bautista’s attorney, Hannah Claudio, requested the court dismiss his case, arguing that the circumstances surrounding his detention by ICE and potential deportation overrule the rationale for prosecution.

The prosecution opposed the request and argued to proceed against Bautista for the stabbing. She requested additional time to decide her approach.

Judge Ryan did not make a decision, but advised the parties to file written motions and responses.

The parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

Judge Denies Defense Request to Delay Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a homicide defendant’s attorney’s request to delay the trial by a few days on Jan. 30.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards at the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023.

Kevann Gardner, Tyler’s attorney, requested to delay the trial by two days, which was originally to occur on Feb. 17. He said that his co-counsel, Elizabeth Paige White, will be in trial for one week for a different case and will not have a break in between the two trials.

Judge Park denied the defense’s request because the witnesses have limited availability and wants to accommodate their schedules.

The prosecution will file a supplemental Drew Johnson motion by Feb. 2, which contains information about the history of domestic violence between Tyler and another individual. This motion will detail evidence of prior bad acts or crimes that are independent of the crime in question.

Tyler’s presence was waived during the hearing because he was in a transport bus that was in an accident between the DC Jail and the courthouse.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6.

Judge Denies Release For Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a motion for release filed by a fatal shooting defendant on Jan. 29.

Shawnta Aiken, 51, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in killing Richard Walker, 56, on the 3000 block of P Street, SE on Nov. 2, 2025.

During the preliminary hearing, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that Aiken allegedly called 911 and stated, “He told me he had HIV, now he’s dead.”

Aiken’s defense attorney, Dominique Winters, argued that the defendant does not pose a danger to the community. She explained that a “gradual release plan” would allow Aiken to be “the best version of herself.”

Winters provided the court with a plan that suggested releasing Aiken to live in transitional housing providing employment services and peer support groups, and 24 hour home confinement.

The prosecution opposed the request, citing drug abuse and the violent nature of the crime. They argued that Aiken is “no stranger to the criminal justice system,” highlighting a 2009 perjury conviction as a concern for Aiken’s willingness to comply with conditions of her release.

Winters argued that the perjury conviction is “outdated and old.” She explained that Aiken had no history of “violent or erratic conduct” in her 51 years of life, until this case.

Judge Kravitz explained it was important to understand the relationship between the victim and the defendant in order to determine if she is a danger to society.

The prosecution claimed that Aiken and Walker had been “romantically involved for a number of years.” Due to Walker’s being incarcerated, the two split up. Prosecutors claim they had recently rekindled their relationship at the time of the incident.

Winters argued that Walker had a “domestic violence history” against Aiken. She explained that she had “pursued protection orders” against him in the past. Winters went on to say that just because Walker’s last reported domestic violence case was in 2022, it doesn’t mean that was the last offense.

“It just doesn’t stop with abusers,” Winters said.

Judge Kravitz also heard from two family members of the victim. Walker’s daughter “believes that [Aiken] should stay detained.” His sister-in-law also claimed that she did not feel safe with Aiken’s being released.

Judge Kravitz ultimately denied the motion by the defense for release. He explained that even with access to resources, mental health and drug abuse issues do not go away immediately.

“I do not think the release plan proposed is sufficient to protect the community,” Judge Kravitz claimed.

Aiken blew a kiss to her family members sitting in the courtroom as she was escorted out by U.S. Marshals.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 27.

Union Station Killer Pleads Guilty

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan 23.

Faizon Mason, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Wayne McDaniels on Feb. 10, 2025 at Union Station, on the unit block Massachusetts Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, officers located McDaniels at a parking garage, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back.

During the hearing, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Mason’s attorney, told Judge Edelman that Mason was prepared to accept a guilty plea for voluntary manslaughter and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, the prosecutors agreed to limit their sentencing request to the middle of the guidelines.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 23.

Married Co-Defs Take Pleas in Robbery Turned Shooting Case

Married co-defendants accepted plea deals for an armed robbery that resulted in a non-fatal shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 29.

Bernard Vance, 31, and Nikia Cunningham, 31, were originally charged with robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, second-degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a licence outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Cunningham also faced two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and three additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Vance was also facing two additional counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and an additional count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Vance was previously convicted of tampering with physical evidence by a jury, and they acquitted Cunningham of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Their charges stem from their involvement in a robbery and non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE, on March 28, 2023. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his face.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove that Cunningham, who had her child with her, accompanied Vance to an old friend’s apartment and shot the friend’s roommate in a robbery gone wrong. According to prosecutors, Cunningham was carrying the child on her hip as she allegedly shot the victim.

During the hearing, Vance and Cunningham accepted plea deals from prosecutors. Vance pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, and Cunningham accepted guilt for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against them.

Cunningham’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, requested that she be granted release while she awaits sentencing to deal with family issues. Winograd highlighted Cunningham’s cooperation with law enforcement while incarcerated, claiming she’s “done a complete 180.”

Prosecutors requested Cunningham remain detained, noting it was not her first firearm offense.

Despite acknowledging her progress, Judge Park denied Cunningham’s request for release and ordered that she remain held at the DC Jail. Vance and Cunningham are scheduled to be sentenced on March 24.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Fatal Shooting Case

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Feb. 2.

Tyree Irving, 29, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and two counts of obstruction of justice for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Davane Williams, 22, on Jan. 15, 2019 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

At the hearing, Irving entered an agreement with prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, and in exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop the remaining charges.

If the case had proceeded to trial, prosecutors said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Irving approached Williams, who was conversing with peers. Irving yelled at Williams for roughly 10 seconds before removing a pistol concealed in his hoodie and firing five shots. All five shots hit Williams, who was found unconscious by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and pronounced dead 30 minutes later. The prosecutors said Irving’s actions were intentional and voluntary.

As a part of the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentence of 18-to-21 years in prison with five years supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing. In addition, Irving will be required to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

The parties delayed sentencing to allow Irving to complete The A’Tonement Project at the DC Jail, a prison initiative that aims to decrease violence and mentor individuals. Irving’s attorneys, Andrew Ain and Joseph McCoy, expressed the importance of their client’s finishing the program.

Parties are set to meet on June 12 for sentencing.

Document: Second Arrest Made in Death of Missing Woman

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding the death of Chyna Crawford, 25, who was reported missing in October 2023. A second suspect, 31-year-old Bjarni Cooper, has been arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder-Felony Murder, Conspiracy, Armed Carjacking, and Armed Robbery. Previously, 32-year-old Lashawn Washington was also charged in connection with Crawford’s death.

Murder Defendant Receives 41 Year Prison Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a murder defendant to 41 years in prison on Jan. 30.

Julius Worthy, 42, was found guilty by a jury on Nov. 21, 2025 of second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his involvement in the fatal shooting and stabbing of Orlando Galloway, 36, on April 2, 2023 at the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Galloway’s girlfriend also sustained stab wounds during the incident.

At sentencing, Galloway’s daughter, aunt, and the mother of his child delivered victim impact statements. His aunt, who raised him, said that Galloway attended culinary arts school and wanted to start a business delivering food to senior citizens.

“You’re the dumbest criminal I’ve ever seen,” the mother of Galloway’s daughter said and added “That was vile of you, Julius.”

The victim’s family and friends attended the sentencing with booklets filled with his photos.

The prosecution asked Judge Park to sentence Worthy to 41 years of imprisonment for his brutal conduct.

Michael Bruckheim, Worthy’s attorney, said that he had strong family support and noted they attended almost every hearing. According to Bruckheim, Worthy was in the foster care system and exposed to drugs at an early age. Bruckheim requested a sentence not at the top of the guidelines so Worthy can look forward to rehabilitation after prison and become a better person.

Worthy spoke in court and thanked his family for showing up “during these trying times.”

Judge Park said that he didn’t notice any expressions of remorse from Worthy throughout the trial and the sentence should reflect the seriousness of the crimes. He sentenced Worthy to 25 years of imprisonment for Galloway’s murder and 16 years for stabbing his girlfriend. Worthy also received eight years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and 28 months for unlawful possession of a firearm, which will run concurrently with the murder sentence.

After his sentence, Worthy will be required to complete five years of supervised release and comply with mental health evaluations and drug screening. Worthy also must also register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

No further dates were set.

Teen Carjacking Defendant Receives Fully Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Di Toro imposed a suspended sentenced of two years to a carjacking defendant on Jan. 21.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Dekhyri Greene, 17, pleaded guilty to robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his involvement in an armed carjacking on Aug. 8, 2025 on the 1200 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.

Greene is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At sentencing, the victim said that at the time of the offense, she was homeless and living in her car. In addition, the victim said her grandfather’s ashes were destroyed during the carjacking.

Judge Di Toro said the victim’s statements moved her.

The prosecutor requested Greene serve five years in prison for how his actions impacted the victim.

Varsha Govindaraju, Greene’s attorney, requested a sentence that would avoid the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Greene was set to be transferred to the DC Jail on his 18th birthday next month. Govindarju said, if released, Greene would live with his father and his father’s fianceé.

A social worker for the Public Defender Services (PDS) also expressed concern about the lack of mental health services and high school classes available at the jail and BOP. Bresnahan said Greene expressed interest in graduating high school and attending college.

Greene’s family, coaches, and a mentor also wrote letters supporting him to the court. Judge Di Toro read a handwritten letter from Greene that he was too nervous to read aloud. In the letter, Greene took responsibility and expressed his deep regret.

When the social worker said that Greene’s family was extremely open to continuing his therapy, Greene’s father spoke up and said “Me,” pointing at himself.

Govindaraju also requested a sentence 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.

Judge Di Toro found it appropriate to apply the YRA and sentenced Greene to two years for each charge, all suspended, in favor of one-and-a-half years of probation. Greene must also register as a gun offender in DC.

Requirements of Greene’s probation include alcohol and drug testing, educational and vocational training, and 90 hours of community service. If he fails to complete the requirements, Greene will be required to serve the two years of imprisonment.

A probation review hearing is set for Feb. 27.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant who shot at his child’s mother accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Jan. 21.

Darnell Morgan, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting on Oct. 13, 2025 on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. There were no injuries reported, but three individuals were shot at.

According to court documents, one of victims was his child’s mother.

At the hearing, Morgan’s attorney, Courtney Vaughn, told Judge Di Toro that her client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. The agreement required Morgan to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to seek an indictment with additional charges and limit their sentening request to the bottom third of the guidelines.

Judge Di Toro questioned Morgan to ensure that he knowingly and willingly pleaded guilty.

Morgan’s sentencing hearing is set for April. 7.

Judge Finds Probable Cause For Shooting Defendant Who Says, ‘Gun Jammed by The Grace of Allah!’

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a shooting incident during a hearing on Jan. 23, and denied his request for release.

Matthew Murphy, 61, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured a child on Oct. 27, 2025 on the 4900 block of Ayers Place, SE.

According to court documents, officers located the victim a block away from the incident at a church on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a responding officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who recalled receiving simultaneous calls for the sounds of gunshots, and for assistance needed for a male gunshot victim. She rendered aid to the victim when she arrived on the scene, stating there was a trail of blood between the incident location and the church steps where the victim was found.

According to the officer, the victim told police that “[Murphy] had been harassing his family on multiple occasions” and that the “he lives in their apartment building near the laundry room.”

The officer stated the victim identified the shooter as “a Black male, approximately six feet in height.”

The officer testified that about three hours later, Murphy called 911 to identify himself as the shooter.

“My mind was so messed up I tried to kill them this morning, my gun, I tried to shoot them, but the gun jammed by the grace and mercy of Allah didn’t let the bullets go,” Murphy told police during an interview, according to the officer.

During her testimony, the officer told the parties that Murphy told police that he shot because the victim and another individual, who Murphy claimed are homosexuals, were looking into his window on the first floor of the building.

Prosecution requested Judge Dayson find probable cause for assault with intent to kill and aggravated assault, arguing that Murphy followed the victim and his companion out of the building and shot at them.

Murphy’s attorney Molly Bunke argued against probable cause, claiming that the officer did not seem credible, stating that she was unaware and did not remember a lot about the investigation. Bunke further argued Murphy suffers from mental health issues, and there was no photo identification done in order to identify Murphy as the perpetrator.

Judge Dayson sided with the prosecution and found probable cause, arguing Murphy knew what he was doing even though he claimed his “gun jammed by the grace of Allah.”

Bunke requested the release of Murphy, citing his old criminal history that consists of misdemeanors dating back to almost twenty years ago, arguing he needs mental health treatment through a community, and claiming he is not a threat to the community.

The prosecutor refuted this, highlighting the nature of his offenses, his mental health concerns, and his criminal history, which included assaultive behavior. They further argued that being at the jail provides a structure for him that he cannot achieve anywhere else, and that he is deemed as a threat to the general public.

Judge Dayson granted the prosecution’s request to continue holding Murphy.

Parties are set to meet on April 3.

Judge Grants Partial Severance For Defendant in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan partially granted a homicide defendant’s motion to sever his charges on Jan. 30.

Sherman Holley, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks Jr. on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE on Jan. 15, 2023.

Holley is also charged with arson, destroying property more than $1,000, and resisting arrest for allegedly barricading himself inside an apartment and starting a fire on Jan. 16, 2023 on the same block as the murder. According to court documents, Holley was then taken to an area hospital for smoke inhalation where he allegedly assaulted a police officer for which he was also charged.

According to court records, Holley’s attorney, Kevin Irving, filed a motion on Aug. 29, 2025 asking to sever the arson, assault on an officer, from the murder charge.

At the hearing, the prosecutors opposed severance for any of the counts. According to the prosecution, within 24 hours of the stabbing, police found Holley “barricading” himself in an acquaintance’s apartment, screaming and throwing objects out of the windows. The apartment then erupted into flames leading to Holley’s arson charge.

The prosecution claimed when Holley finally left the burning building, first responders took him to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. At the hospital, Holley allegedly argued with an officer and started a physical altercation.

The prosecution argued the arson and assault charges are directly linked to Holley’s consciousness of guilt in murder from the day prior. They characterized Holley as non-compliant with officers.

Irving argued the arson and assault are unrelated to the murder charge. Regarding the assault on a police officer, Irving said the altercation “could have happened anywhere.”

The prosecution was attempting to “have their cake and eat it too” by combining Holley’s charges, said Irving. Irving claimed that the argument between Holley and the officer was not resistance of arrest but simply an altercation that could occur outside the context of the case.

Judge Ryan asserted Holley’s actions, barricading himself in the apartment and the apparent arson, within the 24-hour period showed consciousness of guilt. The judge denied the motion to sever the arson charge and ruled it will be tried at the same time as the murder.

Judge Ryan reiterated the prosecution’s argument and said “[Holley’s] trying to get away by setting the house on fire,” and setting himself on fire as well.

The motion was partially accepted by Judge Ryan, who agreed to sever the assault on an officer charge from the case after Irving’s argument.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

At a felony arraignment on Jan. 30, a stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel.

Warren Rainner, 30, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, and misdemeanor threats to do bodily harm. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a stabbing on July 5, 2025 that left one victim injured on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

At the hearing, the court arraigned Rainner on the indictment charges against him. Afterword Rainner’s attorney, Branden Burrell, informed Judge Israel that his client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. The agreement required Rainner to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and, in exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the other charges.

As part of the deal, prosecutors also agreed to limit their sentence request to the bottom third of the applicable guidelines.

The prosecution presented the factual basis for the plea, which included video footage of Rainner’s involvement in the offense. They said if the case had proceeded to trial, the evidence would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Rainner assaulted and injured the victim.

Judge Israel was satisfied with the factual basis provided by the prosecution and accepted Rainner’s plea as knowing and voluntary.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 10 for sentencing.

Judge Allows Stabbing Defendant More Time to Consider Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a stabbing defendant additional time for plea negotiations on Jan. 30.

Darryen Kenney, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing on Aug. 23, 2025, on the 3400 block of 18th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the incident reportedly occurred inside an apartment after a verbal dispute between Kenney and his stepfather over household responsibilities. Kenney allegedly entered a bedroom holding a knife, punched his stepfather, and during the struggle, the stepfather sustained a laceration to his hand.

At the hearing, the prosecution placed an offer on the record that would require Kenney to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and assault on a police officer – which is connected to an unrelated matter. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with additional charges in this matter.

Kenney’s attorney, Sharon Weathers, told Judge Arthur she was in discussions with prosecutors about a global plea deal, one that would also resolve Kenney’s other cases. Weathers said she needed additional time to review the offer with Kenney and requested Judge Arthur set a new hearing date.

Judge Arthur granted Weather’s request and continued the case to allow plea consideration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27.

Judge Finds Post-Conviction Plea Proposal Confounding

At a motions hearing for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Jan. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Deborah J. Israel expressly told parties that the post-conviction plea offer they proposed was unusual and confounding.

On March 11, 2025, Diamond Early, 33, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Early was involved in a shooting that injured one woman on July 31, 2023 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

The case, which was supposed to go to sentencing on July 25, 2025, has been delayed multiple times since the conviction.

During the hearing, defense attorney Antoini Jones, in agreement with the prosecution, presented a plea agreement that would require Early plead guilty to four of her charges while the remaining four were dismissed – it is unclear which ones would be dismissed. Judge Israel stated that this plea agreement is occurring under unique circumstances, since there has already been a jury trial and guilty verdict for Early’s case.

Additionally, Judge Israel emphasized that there is not yet a solid basis of fact for the plea offer, and the parties are to work towards establishing one before the next hearing so that they can move forward with the plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 20.

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