Stabbing Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz alerted parties in a stabbing case that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found the defendant mentally competent during a hearing on May 29.

Corey Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 7, 2025 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple lacerations to their neck and bled severely.

During the hearing, parties discussed the DBH report that stated Bridges is competent to stand trial. The prosecution agreed with the finding. To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney.

Molly Bunke, Bridges’ attorney, told Judge Kravitz she needed time to review the findings with Theodore Shaw, Bridges’ other attorney who was absent.

She further requested that Bridges continue to be held at St. Elizabeths Hospital, claiming it is obvious it has been beneficial to the defendant.

Judge Kravitz agreed to order Bridges to remain at Saint Elizabeths until the next hearing, but stated he cannot guarantee he’ll be able to continue there if the defense agrees with the findings.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 18.

Prosecutors Say Dismissed Murder Case, ‘Can’t Go Through,’ Without Missing Video Evidence

The prosecution dismissed a homicide case after five days of a jury trial because of missing evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 1.

Joshua Allen, 36, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. The charges stemmed from Allen’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Delonte Johnson and injuries to a surviving victim on June 11, 2021 on 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

In addition, Allen was charged with four counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly contacting a witness and reportedly asking the individual to provide false testimony.

At the hearing, which was scheduled as the sixth day of Allen’s jury trial, Judge Park confirmed that he “received a communication” the night before from the prosecution indicating their intent to dismiss the charges. A supervisor from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) explained that a video of the shooting from an “other angle” was missing and they “can’t go through with” the case.

Judge Park asked the USAO official which charges should be dropped to which he responded all. “All?” Judge Park asked, and the supervisor clarified it was all charges.

Judge Park granted the USAO’s request to dismiss all 12 charges against Allen with prejudice, meaning the prosecutors are unable to refile the charges.

The judge indicated that he would dismiss the jurors and no further dates were set.

Defense Tells Key Homicide Witness, ‘It Doesn’t Matter How Long Ago it Was, it Was a Lie’

The defense claimed that a key witness in a homicide case lied under oath and in prior interactions with law enforcement officers in trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 1.

Alonzo Brown, 29, and Naquel Henderson, 28, are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Taylor, 22, on the 1700 block of Benning Road NE on Jan. 12, 2019.

A key witness, previously sentenced for his involvement in Taylor’s homicide, accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to testify against Brown and Henderson, his former co-defendants.

In court, the prosecution asked the key witness to identify individuals in relevant photos and describe the days leading up to Taylor’s death, and after suspects were arrested.

The prosecutors showed the jury a screenshot from a FaceTime call between the witness and an individual he identified as Brown holding a firearm. The prosecution also had the witness identify Brown in another image, which portrayed him squatting over two firearms.

Judge Dayson said the jury should not consider statements about Brown’s involvement with the key witness in making judgments about Henderson.

Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, and Henderson’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, both cross-examined the key witness and identified apparently contradictory statements in with his prior testimonies.

Sapirstein asked the key witness about his relationship with prosecutors and the plea agreement. She confirmed with the key witness that his sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder were 12-to-24 years but prosecutors asked for a below-guideline sentence of 11 years, which the witness received. Sapirstein also confirmed with the witness that the prosecutors in Brown and Henderson’s trial are the same prosecutors handling the outcome of his plea agreement.

Sapirstein questioned the witness’ character, asking about his relationship to a gun found in his cousin’s home in 2018. Sapirstein confirmed that, when confronted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about the gun, he denied knowing about it.

Sapirstein emphasized that the key witness also told police, “I know what to say to get around people’s minds.” The witness did not make a direct response when Sapirstein asked if he wanted to evade the gun charge and “dump it” on his cousin.

The former co-conspirator also claimed that “jail saved [his] life,” which Sapirstein called into question during cross examination. She brought up multiple instances in which the witness tested positive for substances, including opiates, cocaine, fentanyl, and amphetamines while he was on probation.

Upon release, Sapirstein confirmed that the witness violated the terms of the MPD protection program by disclosing his location to others and having unauthorized contact with friends and family. She also asserted that his child’s mother filed a protective order against him because he allegedly sent her a photo of a gun and what she believed to be a threatening message.

Kiersh also claimed that the key witness’ “memory was most likely fogged because [he was] high” when Taylor was shot. To this, the witness responded, “probably, yes.” The key witness elaborated that his memory was hazy because the incident occurred over seven years ago.

Kiersh asserted that “it doesn’t matter how long ago it was, it was a lie,” referring to previous testimony from the witness, when he claimed not to recognize anyone in the building on the day of the incident. In a more recent statement, Kiersh said the witness indicated that he recognized individuals including Taylor and Brown in the apartment building during the shooting.

Kiersh pointed out that the key witness originally claimed he spent two days in Emporia, Virginia after the incident. However, he later indicated that he left the next morning to return to the Pentacle Apartments.

Additionally, Sapirstein noted that the witness previously stated that the Northeast neighborhood is “not one he hangs in,” and he “comes from Southeast.” Sapirstein clarified that this was not true, and that because his cousins reside in Northeast, DC, the witness has spent significant time in that area.

In re-direct, the prosecution confirmed the witness that he would not risk his safety, friends, and family to tell a lie on the stand.

After the jury left, Kiersh said the defense filed for a mistrial citing the perception of fear as evidence. The prosecution attempted to clarify the key witness’ earlier testimony that “jail saved [his] life” by asking if the witness feared retaliation for his involvement in the murder of Taylor. He attempted to connect the witness’s earlier statements he was in fear; however, the judge would not allow the testimony due to a precedent banning fear as evidence and denied the mistrial motion.

The prosecution clarified that the statement was regarding the witness’s life trajectory, not threats from the defendants or their associates.

The prosecution also called before the jury an MPD investigator who patrolled DC’s fifth district and identified a person said to be Henderson both in-person and via photo.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 2.

Mary Hutchinson, Zachary Cohen, Chloe Hokenson, Hannah Huisman, and Josh Nagy-Koechlin

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Including Uncharged Offenses

A multi-shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 28.

Maliq Campbell, 23, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and simple assault, for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on June 10, 2023 on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. All charges had an aggravating factor of being committed during release.

Campbell also had an arrest warrant, but was not charged, for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on Oct. 4, 2023 on the 500 block of 49th Place, SE.

During the hearing, Campbell’s attorney, Camille Wagner, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal for two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in the shooting case, as well as a dismissal of a domestic violence case and two remaining bench warrants for unrelated incidents.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of five years for each charge, which would run concurrently, and five years of supervised release.

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors claimed they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Campbell, while being in a car with the victim on June 10, 2023, fought over the victim’s car keys and shot at them multiple times, with the victim sustaining a graze wound.

Prosecutors also stated that, had the bench warrant incident gone to trial they would’ve proven that Campbell fired at an individual on a bicycle multiple times, striking him twice on the wrist. They asserted Campbell acted voluntarily and without legal justification in both incidents.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 30.

‘We Just Going To Go Do What We Did,’ by ‘Killing’ Testifies Co-Conspirator in Fatal Shooting Trial

A co-conspirator testified as a cooperating witness that a 2019 fatal shooting was a planned act of retaliation before DC Superior Court Danya Dayson on May 27.

Alonzo Brown, 29, and Naquel Henderson, 28, are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Brown and Henderson are charged for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 22-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE on Jan. 12, 2019. Two other victims also sustained injuries during the incident.

A co-conspirator testified as part of a plea agreement he accepted on May 12, 2019, related to his involvement in Taylor’s death. Although he testified that he completed his cooperation agreement and the his obligation to the prosecution, he stated he testified in the trial because he did not want to perjure himself.

According to the co-conspirator, he still faces a sentence for his involvement in the incident and a separate matter from January, but he testified the prosecution has made no additional promises in exchange for his current testimony.

The co-conspirator, who was also a shooter in the incident, testified that the motive for the attack was to avenge the death of a mutual friend, 19-year-old Shamar Marbury, who died on Jan. 1 2019, on the 4200 block of Barnaby Road, SE. The co-conspirator said their group, armed with Glocks, targeted the apartment building because they believed rivals responsible for Marbury’s death were located there.

The co-conspirator told the prosecution that he and his associates were deeply “hurt” and angry after Marbury’s death. He testified that Brown informed him of social media posts suggesting a rival group, “BC the Army” or “Benning Courts,” was responsible for “wiped one down,” meaning their friend.

On the day of the homicide, the co-conspirator testified that he met with Brown, Henderson, and others at a parking lot on Benning Road. He noted that Henderson, Brown, and the others were all armed with firearms.

“We all had glocks,” the co-conspirator testified. He told the prosecution that all four shooters wore masks to hide their identities during the attack.

In the days leading up to the incident, the co-conspirator alleged the group gathered at an apartment complex to smoke and discuss their plans to “run up” on their rivals. The co-conspirator testified that when the group discussed going to Benning Courts, the plan was “basically, like we just going to go do what we did,” which he understood to mean “killing.”

On the morning of Jan. 12, the co-conspirator said Brown reportedly signaled the start of the attack by asking another suspect, “You know what time it is?”

The co-conspirator testified that the group traveled to the incident address, in a car driven by another associate. He noted that Henderson was seated next to him in the back while Brown sat in the passenger seat, and all members of the group were armed with Glocks.

The group allegedly drove to the incident address where they spotted a group of people inside a building. The co-conspirator testified that they parked near a school and approached the building on foot, walking in a single-file formation.

Once inside the building, the co-conspirator said a “lot of shots” were fired as the four men began shooting simultaneously. He testified that Brown went up the stairs to fire from the first landing while Henderson remained on the same level as him near the entrance.

The co-conspirator admitted to the prosecution that he emptied his entire ammunition clip during the ambush. He stated that his intent while firing was to “get someone” and that hitting them included the intent to kill.

He identified both Brown and Henderson as active shooters who were positioned inside the building during the fatal incident.

Following the shooting, the group fled the scene and eventually learned that Taylor was killed via a phone call minutes after. The co-conspirator testified that he sold his firearm to an associate for $700 before traveling to Virginia with Brown by bus.

The defense did not have the opportunity to cross-examine the co-conspirator before the court adjourned for the day. That is expected to continue when the trial resumes.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 1.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on May 29.

Kareem Thomas, 37, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jakele Allen on Oct. 21, 2024 on the 800 block of Kentucky Avenue, SE. Allen died from a gunshot wound to his chest.

The court formally arraigned Thomas reading the charges against him. Quiana Harris, Thomas’ attorney, entered into a not guilty plea on his behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested evidence in the case.

Harris indicated that she was recently appointed to the case and asked for time to file a motion for Thomas’ release. The prosecutor, also recently appointed, and Judge Park had no objections to Harris’ request for time.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 14.

Key Witness Says He Accepted a Plea to Testify in Former Co-Defendants Homicide Trial

A key witness who previously took a plea deal to second-degree murder testified in a trial involving his former co-defendants on May 26 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

Alonzo Brown, 29, and Naquel Henderson, 28, are charged with one count of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, one count of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Michael Taylor and injuries to two other victims on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. Taylor sustained one shot to the back of his head, one to his thigh, and another to his left heel.

The key witness and former co-defendant who testified after accepting a plea, told the jury that he was charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in Taylor’s death and was arrested in Virginia in February 2019. The witness said he resolved the matter by pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed and conspiracy to commit murder, for which he was sentenced in June 2025 to 11 years in prison with four suspended since he already served seven.

The key witness testified that his plea agreement required he cooperate with the prosecution and testify truthfully, and that in exchange prosecutors agreed not to pursue firearms or other upgraded charges. The witness confirmed that a breach of the agreement, including dishonesty amounting to perjury, could result in his facing the charges resolved in the plea.

Given time constraints, prosecutors will continue questioning the key witness and the defense will cross-examine him during the next day of trial.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified on direct examination that he conducted a search warrant in January 2019 at Brown’s apartment. After Brown’s arrest, the detective said police looked for clothing and items matching photographs from the investigation.

The detective testified that he recovered an empty shoebox from a closet, and that the box matched the shoes an individual alleged to be Brown wore in a still image taken from surveillance footage of the apartment complex lobby on the day of the shooting. The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) photographed, packaged the items, and took the box for further investigation, said the detective.

On cross-examination, Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, emphasized that the shoes were a common style and that an empty shoebox of that brand was not unusual. Kiersh further confirmed that the detective could not determine the shoes in the photograph were the same pair as those associated with the box.

A MPD sergeant testified hat he was on duty patrolling the area near the scene of the shooting on Jan. 23, 2019. There he encountered Brown, whom he recognized from a bulletin identifying him as wanted on an active arrest warrant. The sergeant testified that his body-worn camera captured the encounter and that Brown ran from officers after they attempted to arrest him, before he was ultimately taken into custody and his phone was seized.

On cross-examination, Kiersh noted that Brown was cooperative for the first several seconds of the encounter and was not initially doing anything wrong before officers moved to arrest him, resulting in the chase. Kiersh also confirmed with the sergeant that there was audio accompanying the video, where the sergeant’s partner threatened to shoot Brown if he didn’t stop running.

The owner of a remote video surveillance company testified on direct examination that his company provided motion-activated camera service to the Pentacle apartment complex where the shooting occurred, since 2017, that the cameras were not configured to record audio, and that footage was automatically recorded over after 30 days. The witness explained that police could request footage for specific dates and times, that he provided the requested clips, and that he had no involvement in the investigation.

On cross-examination, Kiersh questioned the distance between the buildings captured on the footage and why no audio had been requested, and the witness stated that the complex’s management, as the client, had not requested audio. The prosecution clarified which buildings the footage was pulled from and the approximate distances between them.

The trial is set to resume on May 27.

Judge Orders Full Psychiatric Exam for Fatal Beating Defendant at Mental Hospital

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz transferred a homicide defendant to a psychiatric hospital on May 28 for additional observations about his mental competency.

Lavaughn Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating and dismembering of Abdulio Arias-Lopez on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE.

At the last hearing on May 22, at the request of the defense, Judge Kravitz ordered a preliminary competency evaluation for Barnes. To stand trial, Barnes must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his own defense.

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz said the report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed on May 27 said they needed further evaluation to determine Barnes’ competency. DBH recommended a full evaluation on an out-patient basis, which Judge Kravitz presumed meant at the DC Jail.

Hannah Claudio, Barnes’ attorney, asked for her client’s transfer to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for the evaluation. Claudio said Barnes has a complex mental illness and well documented intellectual disabilities.

In the first evaluation, DBH spoke with Barnes virtually and most of his answers were “I don’t know,” said Claudio. For more detailed observations, Claudio argued DBH needed to see him in person because they would not draw conclusions from evaluations at the jail. The DBH report did not list reasons why an in-patient report is not necessary, added Claudio.

The prosecutor had no objection to Claudio’s request.

Judge Kravitz said he was convinced Barnes should be at Saint Elizabeths for the evaluation because of the defendant’s significant depression and DBH’s suggestion that the full examination required more observations.

As a result, Judge Kravitz ordered a full mental competency evaluation for Barnes and his transfer to Saint Elizabeths.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on July 10.

Case Acquitted: Witnesses Can’t Identify Shooter in 17-Year-Old Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: Randolph Thomas was acquitted of all charges by a jury on June 11, 2026.

Two key witnesses testified they did not recognize a defendant as the shooter during a trial for a 2009 homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on May 28.

Randolph Thomas, 43, is charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary while armed, robbery while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE.

The trial continued as the prosecution called family members, former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, and forensic experts to testify about the home invasion and shooting that left Durant dead nearly 17 years ago.

At the start of the hearing, parties discussed a potential witness with a prior conviction for obstruction of justice. The prosecution argued that if the defense attacked the witness’ character for truthfulness, they should be permitted to reveal he lied to a grand jury reportedly to protect Thomas.

Judge Edelman ruled that the prosecution could respond with this information under the doctrine of curative admissibility to show bias if the witness’ credibility was questioned.

The prosecution resumed its case by calling Durant’s brother to continue his testimony, focusing on the context of his initial statements to investigators. During direct examination, he clarified that when he told detectives in 2009 he would recognize the masked perpetrators, he did not necessarily mean he could do so 17 years later.

Thomas’ attorney Pierce Suen, highlighted the witness’ inability to identify Thomas in court. Suen elaborated that the eyewitness had been asked to look around the courtroom the previous day of trial and did not recognize Thomas as one of the shooters. The eyewitness confirmed he did not see either of the two people who were in the house that night present in the room.

Durant’s sister also testified, describing the “tussle” and “pop noise” she heard from her upstairs bedroom. She said that Durant ran up the stairs and pushed her back, yelling for her to get out of the house because someone was trying to rob them. The prosecution played a recording of her 911 call, where she could be heard screaming for help and stating, “He told me to get my son out of the house.”

In Suen’s cross-examination, Durant’s sister admitted she never actually saw the individuals who committed the robbery or the shooting. She further testified that while Thomas looked familiar when she saw him on a small computer screen during previous online proceedings, seeing him in person left her uncertain. “I’m not sure now,” she said when asked if the defendant was the man she had seen.

A crime scene supervisor from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) testified regarding the evidence collected outside the residence. The prosecution presented evidence of a blood trail leading away from the scene which the supervisor documented from the house to the 200 block of Hawaii Avenue, NE. At the end of the trail, the supervisor said he recovered a pair of blue jeans that were covered in dry, flaky blood and contained a $5 bill.

On cross-examination, the supervisor noted that the scene was quiet when he arrived around 2 a. m. He confirmed to Suen that he did not enter the residence on the night of the incident because the police were still awaiting a search warrant.

A former MPD officer, who was the first to arrive on the scene at 12:45 a. m., testified about finding Durant. He followed the blood trail to an alley behind the 200 block of Webster Street, NE, where he found Durant leaning against a trash can with a gunshot wound.

During cross-examination, Suen used the officer’s 2009 notes to show that a witness had described one suspect as six feet tall with a thin build. The officer noted he could not remember the specific details of the report, asking, “Do you think I would memorize something that I haven’t seen since 2009?”

A second former MPD officer testified about her role in preserving the crime scene and documented descriptions for two suspects. According to the officer’s notes, the first suspect was 5 feet 7 inches tall and 160 pounds with a medium complexion and short hair, wearing slim-fit clothes. The second suspect was 6 feet tall and 160-to-170 pounds with a thin build and was seen with a black handgun.

She was later instructed by detectives to drive family members to the homicide branch without telling them that Durant had died.

Suen pointed out during cross-examination that the officer’s notes identified the first suspect as the one who fired the shot. The report also mentioned the use of a handgun with a red laser. Like the previous officer, she stated she did not have the decades-old report memorized.

A former mobile crime officer from MPD testified regarding the ballistics and physical evidence recovered inside the Durant home after a search warrant was executed. He identified a .40 caliber shell casing found in the kitchen hallway and a bullet strike on the floor near a sofa. He also photographed a round hole in a wall near a mini-fridge and a stuffed Garfield cat where he recovered another bullet.

On cross-examination, the officer admitted to Suen that MPD technicians in 2009 were generally not trained to collect DNA from cartridge casings. Suen highlighted the lack of DNA evidence as the officer confirmed that he used a pen or pencil to scoop evidence into bags rather than more contemporary preservation methods.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for trial on June 2.

Judge Grants Homicide Defendant Home Confinement For Severe Medical Problems

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park released a homicide defendant to home confinement on May 21 after finding that the Department of Corrections (DOC) could not provide adequate care for his medical needs.

Desmond Barr, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ambria Farmer on July 13, 2024 on the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE. Farmer sustained three gunshot wounds to her chest, face, and back.

All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Barr was on release for a prior offense.

During the hearing, Barr’s physician discussed a release plan and provided updates on his condition. According to the physician, Barr arrived at the hospital with an acute kidney issue, a urinary tract infection requiring medication, and a severe, penetrating pressure sore, all of which had resolved since his hospitalization. The physician said that Barr’s rehabilitation required special treatment and equipment, and that his condition before the hospital showed he had not been well cared for at the DC Jail.

The prosecution argued that Barr should remain in custody, contending the required care could be provided in the jail. They claimed that Barr, despite using a wheelchair, was clearly mobile, pointing to allegations that he reportedly attended a pool party after the homicide which showed a lack of concern. Barr was also accused of violence inside the courthouse, noted the prosecutor.

The prosecution further argued that significant DNA evidence allegedly tied Barr to the shooting and that he was not compliant with his previous release conditions, given that he allegedly committed Farmer’s murder while on release in another matter.

Barr’s attorney, Dominique Winters, contended that Barr was violation free while on house arrest for an unrelated case, which supported his release in this case.

Winters argued that Barr was receiving a standard of care at a rehabilitation facility that could not be duplicated in a correctional setting. Even though the DOC was present at previous hearings, they still failed to provide adequate care, said Winters.

When asked by Judge Park, the DOC health care provider stated that the jail did not have the proper facilities to manage Barr’s treatment.

Winters said that Barr was a victim of stalking and abuse, contending that Farmer reportedly ignored court orders intended to keep them apart. She argued that Barr made every attempt possible to avoid contact with Farmer, including blocking her on social media, and that the only reason the two came into contact was that Farmer allegedly deceived him about her identity in order to reach him.

Judge Park found that the evidence in the case was strong and weighed in favor of holding Barr, but noted it was undisputed that Barr had experienced medical emergencies while at the jail and required treatment that the DOC could not provide.

As a result, Judge Park ordered Barr released to 24-hour home confinement with conditions including GPS monitoring, no firearms, no vehicle, and stay-away orders. The judge made an exception to confinement for verified medical appointments but not for legal matters, which were to be conducted at the residence or over Zoom.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Judge Imposes Partially Suspended Sentence in Shooting, Robbery Gone Wrong

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan imposed a partially suspended sentence for a defendant on May 27, despite a victim succumbing to his injuries three years after the shooting.

On Nov. 3, 2025, Nataniel Arce-Washington, 31, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly and carrying a pistol without a license, for his involvement in the shooting of two individuals on Oct. 9, 2023 on the 1200 block of Queen Street, NE.

Malcolm Robinson died from injuries related to the shooting incident on Feb. 21. Arce-Washington was not further charged in relation to the death.

The prosecutor read a letter written by Robinson’s mom, in which she stated “nothing can fully encapsulate the struggle” their family endured. She recalled Robinson being paralyzed from the neck down, and having to be on a ventilator for a sometime after the shooting. She stated he experienced “two-and-a-half years of relentless suffering,” adding he was unable to carry his youngest child, who was born after the shooting.

“He lost his battle,” the letter read, stating it was a “direct result of the actions taken by the defendant.” The mother’s letter continued, “I’m sorry that a sequence of events shattered lives on both ends.”

“I hope you find the mercy my son was not granted that day,” Robinson’s mom wrote.

Prosecutors requested the maximum sentence, which was 60 months for aggravated assault and 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license. They highlighted Robinson’s injuries, and the other victim’s, who they claimed was shot twice in the gut.

They argued there is no way to know exactly what happened leading up to the shooting, despite both parties agreeing evidence showed the victims attempting to rob Arce-Washington, who the prosecution claims was a drug dealer, and pistol whipping him.

“As they’re pistol-whipping him, why wouldn’t he shoot them?” Judge Ryan asked, stating the victim’s actions did not excuse Arce-Washington firing at them 10 times.

“Drugs and guns are an inherently dangerous mix,” the prosecutor asserted, arguing that Arce-Washington put himself in a position that enabled violence.

David Benowitz, Arce-Washington’s attorney, asked for a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines, arguing Arce-Washington’s actions began as self-defense, but ended in an overreaction.

However, he highlighted the prosecution’s failure to question the surviving victim, who he claimed had outstanding warrants at the time of the shooting. According to Benowitz, the victims both had court orders that prohibited them from being in the neighborhood where the incident occurred.

“[Arce-Washington] overreacted. That’s why he accepted guilt. He feels bad about it,” Benowitz asserted.

“I don’t know who brought the gun. That’s what it comes down to,” Judge Ryan said, stating he had a difficult time determining a sentence.. He stated the court’s goal is “punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation,” stating the former two are most important when an individual is significantly harmed.

He highlighted Arce-Washington needing to defend himself from two people who tried to rob him, but raised concern with his firing 10 rounds in a densely populated area. “He hit both of them, and one ultimately suffered quite grievously.”

“[Arce-Washington] did nothing to bring the robbery on himself, but reacted wrongly by going after them,” Judge Ryan stated.

Arce-Washington was issued a 24 month sentence for aggravated assault and 10 months for carrying a pistol without a license, both counts suspended for all but six months. He will be required to serve two years of supervised probation, get a full time job, and be evaluated for mental health and substance abuse issues.

“I truly don’t know what happened that day,” Judge Ryan asserted as Marshals took Arce-Washington into custody.

No further dates were set.

Judge Declares Mistrial After Jury Deadlocks on Suspected Accomplice in Deadly Nightclub Mass Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt declared a mistrial on May 27 after the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict for a defendant accused of aiding and abetting a mass shooting.

Cotey Wynn, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting at CRU Lounge, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on Sept. 23, 2023. The shooting resulted in the death of 31-year-old Blake Bozeman and injuries to three surviving victims.

In the trial that started on May 12, prosecutors attempted to prove Wynn facilitated the shooter’s entry into the club with the firearm. The prosecutors claimed Wynn’s special privileges as the reported “king of H Street,” allowed him and individuals he associated with to bypass security protocols.

Wynn’s attorneys, Brian McDaniel and Randy McDonald, argued their client was innocent and did not have anything to do with the shooting. The defense asserted the case was speculative with no powerful proof of Wynn’s involvement.

After less than four days of deliberations, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict and Judge Brandt granted the defense request for a mistrial.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5 to discuss how prosecutors will proceed.

Jury Partially Convicts Homicide Defendant After 1-Month Trial

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom returned a mixed verdict for a homicide defendant on May 26.

D’Andre Montgomery, 20, was initially charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale on Dec. 16, 2023 on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE. Barksdale sustained two gunshot wounds to his torso and arm.

Eric Sheffield, 21, and Kevin Hider, 20, are also charged for their alleged involvement in Barksdale’s death but will face separate trials.

After less than three days of deliberations, the jury found Montgomery not guilty of felony murder, first-degree murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The jury found Montgomery guilty of conspiracy, the lesser-included offense of second-degree murder while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence.

Judge Ryan previously granted the defense’s motion for judgement of acquittal, meaning that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence for a jury to convict Montgomery, for assault with intent to kill and the associated possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge.

Throughout the trial that started on April 27, the prosecution attempted to prove that Montgomery, Hider, and Sheffield conspired to steal multiple cars in the days leading up to the murder. The defendants were “greedy for more” as they attempted to steal Barksdale’s vehicle, when he confronted them, and they started shooting, argued prosecutors.

Montgomery’s attorneys, Sylvia Smith and Charlotte Gilliland, argued Montgomery did not have a gun and never intended to harm anyone. The defense contended that Barksdale charged at Montgomery and the group reacted to protect him.

Montgomery’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 21.

Defense Questions Why Defendant Would Bring Gun Into Nightclub

A defense attorney challenged prosecutors’ theory that a defendant facilitated a deadly mass shooting at a club where he reportedly received special privileges in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 20.

According to prosecutors, Wynn allegedly aided and abetted the shooter by facilitating his entry into the club with the firearm.

In closing arguments, prosecutors argued Wynn’s “small act” had “big impact” by ending Bozeman’s life and changing the lives of the three surviving victims. They argued Wynn associated with the shooter, participated in the crime, and intended to make the shooting succeed. The prosecutors characterized Wynn as “the king of H Street” and claimed that because the CRU staff trusted Wynn he used his “special privileges” to help the shooter bring the gun into the club.

Through video footage, the prosecutors detailed the timeline around the shooting. They played a video from before the shooting in H & Vape, which was next door to CRU, of the shooter reportedly asking where Wynn was. The employee responded that Wynn was in a nearby establishment.

Another video outside CRU showed the shooter walk in at approximately 10:56 p. m. and prosecutors noted that security patted him down before he entered. Then at 11:15 p. m., the prosecutors said video showed Wynn arrive with no pat down because “he was a familiar face.”

In a video from inside CRU at 11:41 p. m., the prosecutors said the shooter approached Wynn, put his arm around him, they talked for 10-to-15 seconds, Wynn put down the hookah he was smoking, and followed the shooter outside the club. The shooter headed towards his car and Wynn followed behind him.

In Wynn’s testimony, noted prosecutors, he said the shooter approached him to pay for a table that was on Wynn’s tab. Prosecutors argued that retrieving money isn’t a two man job, but the shooter “can’t bring a gun in without Cotey…that’s why it’s a two man job.”

At 11:45 p. m., the two headed back into the club and prosecutors said they went through security quickly with no pat down. Right before the shooting, noted prosecutors, Bozeman and his friends started to leave.

Prosecutors said Wynn stared at them, stopped what he was doing, and stood there. Wynn had “eyes on Bozeman” and “eyes on the shooter,” alleged prosecutors because “he knew this was coming.”

At 11:50 p. m., video footage showed the shots hit Bozeman, the shooter ran to the back of the club, and then shot the other victims. The prosecutors emphasized that everyone in the video, including security, dropped to the ground upon hearing the shots, except for Wynn.

Within nine minutes the shooter approached Wynn and shots were fired, emphasized prosecutors. They said Wynn “put everybody in that zone of danger” and asked the jury to find him guilty.

Wynn’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, said his heart raced and told jurors they might assume it was because of a full courtroom watching him speak. McDaniel said, in reality, “the thing that keeps me up at night is defending an actually innocent person.” He argued the case was speculation with no powerful proof of Wynn’s involvement.

McDaniel reminded the jury that their “analysis is only what [the prosecution] can prove,” not what prosecutors believe happened.

Jurors should ask themselves, what if the prosecution is wrong, said McDaniel. The prosecution proved they are “capable of being wrong,” asserted McDaniel because the lead detective testified that he initially believed Wynn arrived in the car with the shooter.

“There is no plot, there is no plan,” argued McDaniel because Bozeman made a last minute decision to go to CRU on his way to another club and didn’t plan to be there. He added that Wynn did not know Bozeman and never stood next to the shooter after the shots were fired.

According to McDaniel, Wynn went with the shooter to get the money because of prior instances where people told him they were retrieving money and then left.

McDaniel questioned if Wynn was “the king of H Street,” as prosecutors characterized him. Why would he decide to randomly shut down his kingdom one day by bringing a gun “where he holds court,” the defense attorney said.

No witnesses testified that Wynn asked for the shooter to not receive a pat down at CRU, emphasized McDaniel. If Wynn had murderous intent, then why would he risk entering through the security line where the shooter could have received a pat down. With his reported privileges, Wynn could have just walked through the door, reasoned McDaniel.

McDaniel also emphasized testimony from a security guard the night of the shooting. According to McDaniel, the security guard performed a pat down in court that was around three seconds, about the length of time Wynn and the shooter were under the security tent in the video when they reentered the club.

The head of security could not testify about how the gun entered the club, who brought it in, or when it was brought in, said McDaniel and noted that there was evidence of other people entering and exiting the club. McDaniel also pointed out that the shooter arrived at the vehicle with enough time to put the gun into his pants before Wynn arrived.

“I have to leave Wynn to you,” said McDaniel, and asked the jury to find him not guilty.

The parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge Lessens Release Conditions for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted a homicide defendant’s request for relaxation of release conditions during a hearing on May 27.

Anna Hyman, 23, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Robert Dent who sustained 55 sharp force injuries. The incident occurred on July 26, 2025 in an apartment complex on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW while Hyman’s two children were in the apartment.

According to court documents, Hyman claimed Dent was trying to rape her at the time of the incident, and she suffered lacerations to her hands and arms.

During the hearing, parties discussed a report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), which stated Hyman has been compliant with all release conditions during her stay at a halfway house.

Elizabeth Weller, Hyman’s attorney, requested Judge Ryan relax some of the conditions at the halfway house, including allowing Hyman to have visitors. According to Weller, she has been unable to see her children or family while she’s been there.

Weller also requested Hyman be allowed to leave the halfway house in mid-June to attend her child’s kindergarten graduation.

The prosecution did not object to the request for the graduation, but stated they opposed the request for visitation because she is still under evaluations for mental health issues.

Judge Ryan granted both requests, stating her family is allowed to visit her, including her children as long as their custodial guardian supervises them.

“You are doing well with what I ordered. Please continue to do well,” Judge Ryan told Hyman.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 17.

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