Case Acquitted: Defense Asks How, ‘No One Heard a Thing’ After Prosecutors Claim Defendant Stabbed Victim

Editor’s note: Rayvon Slye was acquitted of all charges by a jury on August 5, 2026.

In closing arguments, defense counsel argued that “there are multiple doubts” in a domestic homicide case against their client before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 3.

Rayvon Slye, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend Andrea Bond, 30, on March 7, 2023, on the 1000 block of D Street, NE. Bond suffered one stab wound to her upper left chest.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on the scene after Slye called 911 in the afternoon of March 7, 2023 to report that Bond was not responsive. Prosecutors played a recording of this call for the jury, in which Slye and Bond’s family members expressed confusion about whether she was conscious or breathing.

In the call, the 911 operator then directed Slye and the others present to place Bond on the floor, facing upward. Slye performed CPR on Bond according to the operator’s instructions until EMS arrived.

According to court documents, Slye and Bond had reportedly been physically violent with each other on multiple occasions.

The prosecution introduced a 911 call made by Bond in February 2023 where she was crying and screaming, “Please, please, come help me, help me” and “Get off me.” When asked by the operator in the call what was happening, Slye said, “Nothing ma’am.”

After the prosecution rested its case, Kayla Wyatt, Slye’s attorney, called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who investigated Bond’s death to testify about Slye’s compliance with police. The officer said he met Slye on the front porch of the house when responding to the scene and that Slye willingly went with police to be interviewed.

In cross-examination, prosecutors confirmed with the officer that other law enforcement officials were already on the scene by the time he arrived.

In closing arguments, both parties attempted to create a timeline of events of the hours before and after Bond’s death.

According to the defense’s theory, Bond was fatally stabbed by an unidentified woman in the Trinidad neighborhood on March 6, 2023. Slye’s other attorney, Kevin Mosley, said that when Slye met Bond later that day, she insisted that he not call the police about her stab wound because she did not want to upset her family.

Instead, Mosley said Slye accompanied Bond to her family’s home, where she cleaned up in the bathroom and threw out her bloody shirt. According to Mosley, Slye was unaware of the severity of Bond’s injury and put a bandage on the wound before the couple passed out on a loveseat in the living room.

Mosley claimed Bond died from the stab wound to her pulmonary artery slowly filling her chest cavity with blood overnight.

The prosecution said the defense theory was “absurd” and equated “a hole in the artery to a plumbing leak.”

When Bond came home on March 6, 2023, multiple witnesses said she looked normal, did not have blood on her, and was in a “cheerful mood,” according to the prosecution. “You’re going to notice a stab wound to the heart,” said the prosecutor.

According to the prosecution, Bond would not have been able to live for multiple hours after being stabbed during a fight in Trinidad. Mosley rebutted that prosecutors “just saying it’s not possible is not proof.”

Prosecutors alleged Slye stabbed Bond at some time in the morning of March 7, 2023 and then laid next to her until Bond’s family discovered she looked “lifeless” in the afternoon.

Mosley questioned how Slye could have stabbed Bond overnight without any of the individuals in the house noticing any screaming, crashing, or a plea for help. “No one heard a thing,” said Mosley.

Mosley also emphasized the prosecution’s lack of physical evidence, as no weapon was recovered and there was “not a single drop of blood” on the loveseat where Bond was found unconscious.

The prosecution said that while they cannot account for every detail of the night of March 6, 2023, the law allows jurors to draw reasonable inferences.

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

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Deadly Beer Garden Stabbing, Defendant Held

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause for second-degree murder while armed in a fatal stabbing case and denied the defendant’s release on Aug. 4.

Cadoza Simms, 50, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 45-year-old Marvin Urquhart, on May 2, on the 1100 block of 1st Street, NE. Urquhart sustained one stab wound to the chest and multiple superficial wounds to his arms.

According to court documents, the incident occurred outside of Wunder Garten, a beer garden in the NoMa neighborhood. Urquhart, a security employee at the bar, allegedly denied Simms entry to the establishment and the two engaged in a physical altercation. Simms was reportedly denied entry by Urquhart to the same bar two weeks prior to the incident, due to intoxication and trying to get in after closing.

At Simms’ preliminary hearing of the evidence against him, the prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify regarding her involvement in the case.

The prosecutor presented three screenshots taken from video footage of the incident. In all of the photos, three men are depicted standing outside the bar, two are face to face, while another man is observing them in the entryway.

According to the detective, the two men standing close together were reportedly Simms and Urquhart. She explained that the third man was another employee of Wunder Garten and a key witness who placed the original 911 call.

“The witness observed Mr. Simms with a knife,” the detective said.

All of the images displayed in court showed the individual the detective identified as Simms holding a small switchblade knife.

In cross-examination, Simms’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, had the detective clarify the events that led up to the incident.

“This incident started as a verbal argument,” Claudio said.

The detective explained that the physical altercation reportedly initiated when Simms pushed Urquhart, then Urquhart hit Simms to the ground. Claudio also confirmed that throughout the detective’s investigation, she did not find evidence that Simms threatened or announced that he had a weapon during the verbal altercation.

Claudio highlighted that after the altercation, Simms was transported to Howard University Hospital for leg surgery.

According to a witness the detective interviewed, after the altercation, Urquhart stood up and walked back into the bar. The detective said that the witness believed Urquhart did not know he had been stabbed. In addition, the detective confirmed that there was no blood trail from where the fight occurred into the establishment.

“Its unclear of when [Urquhart] was stabbed,” the detective said.

The prosecution presented a video of the incident before Judge Dayson ruled on probable cause.

The video started with an appearent verbal altercation between Simms and Urquhart. After approximately five minutes, the two are chest to chest and Simms appears to have a knife in his right hand held down by his leg. Simms pushed the victim with his left hand, Urquhart tackled Simms to the ground, and continuously hit him. After about two minutes, Urquhart stood up and walked away while Simms remained on the ground.

“This was a back-and-forth argument that escalated to a physical fight,” Claudio said and asked the court not to find probable cause.

Claudio argued that Simms acted in self-defense and highlighted that in the video, “Simms was trapped on the ground,” because Urquhart was on top of him.

“The aggressor, clear by the video, clear by the facts, was Mr. Simms,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecution argued for probable cause, emphasizing that Simms presented his knife during the verbal altercation and proceeded to push Urquhart.

Judge Dayson found probable cause for second-degree murder while armed. The judge explained that the prosecution demonstrated Simms did not act in self-defense because he was already armed when he initiated physical contact with Urquhart.

Claudio requested the court release Simms to home confinement.

“By all accounts, those who know Mr. Simms describe him as a very respected person,” Claudio said.

Claudio presented the court with multiple letters of support from community members and highlighted Simms’ stable employment history. She explained that if Simms were to be released, he would live with his fiancée.

The prosecution requested a continued hold of Simms, arguing that there are no combination of release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community.

“This was Mr. Simms going to a business and not taking no for an answer, which ultimately led to the death of an employee,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecution also highlighted Simms’ criminal history. Simms allegedly committed the offense while on parole for a 1996 voluntary manslaughter conviction. In addition, he has two unrelated priors for assault on a police officer and simple assault.

Judge Dayson denied Simms’ release, explaining that she believes, “when Mr. Simms feels that he is in a position, he will engage in unreasonable force… to meet [an] issue.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 13.

Neighbor ‘Heard People Arguing in the Hallway’ in Fatal Stabbing Testimony

The prosecution continued their case against a fatal stabbing defendant in a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 3

Vanessa Bonaparte, 34, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and destruction of property that is worth $1,000 or more. The charges stem from a June 22, 2024 incident in which Bonaparte allegedly stabbed 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd with two kitchen knives on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Boyd sustained two stab wounds.

A transcriptionist from the DC Office of Unified Communications (OUC), who provides 911 calls and communication records to different agencies, detailed providing the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) with radio and call records about an incident.

The transcriptionist said after searching specific parameters, location, date, and time of the call, she was only able to locate one call made at 7:54 pm on June 22, 2024 from the East Capitol Street, SE address.

A witness that called 911 after she “heard people arguing in the hallway” took the stand. The neighbor, who lived a floor above the unit where Boyd was stabbed, said she called police believing that homeless people were arguing, who would often enter the building.

A video played by the prosecution depicted the neighbor meeting with officers upon them entering the building and leading them into the apartment where the stabbing occurred.

The neighbor said she did not know there was a stabbing when she first called police or when they arrived and did not witness the incident.

The prosecution also presented the testimony of criminal investigator from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS). The analyst testified about processing the crime scene in the apartment, describing blood swabs he collected from multiple locations, including the hallways, east bedroom, and area near the bedroom door.

The witness described over a hundred photos he took at the crime scene, which included images of Boyd’s body in the east bedroom. DFS found and catalogued a five dollar bill in Boyd’s pockets.

According to the witness, investigators also found multiple broken windows throughout the apartment, a handprint and foodprint from suspected blood, and multiple suspected blood stains throughout the apartment.

The prosecution displayed one photo of the kitchen floor that depicted packaging for four knives with two knives still in the package.

The investigator showed the jury evidence bags he had marked and sealed that contained swabs of suspected blood and other pieces of evidence including the knife set. He also detailed the recovery of 28 latent fingerprint lift cards, largely gathered from the west bedroom window pane, in addition to physical items including a rock, two slippers, and bedroom knob.

In regards to the rock recovered from the west bedroom floor, the scientist stated that it was not swabbed for DNA or dusted for fingerprints, explaining that it was preserved intact so it could be processed later using improved methods.

He also testified that a black stick visible in a photo from the kitchen was not swabbed or dusted, and that bags found in the living room were searched but not photographed.

The scientist said these items were not processed because lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) had not directed him to do so, and confirmed that DFS personnel typically act on a detective’s instructions at crime scenes.

The witness stated he could not confirm whether another MPD detective later took over as lead detective.

A second investigator from DFS, who responded to the scene as acting supervisor alongside the other scientist, testified about processing two doorknobs and a knife packaging at the DFS lab.

The supervisor testified that the doorknobs, which had reddish staining consistent with suspected blood, were treated with amido black dye to enhance any developed detail, but visual inspection found no visible fingerprints.

Kevann Gardner, Bonaparte’s attorney, established that no DNA, fingerprints, or blood belonging to Bonaparte was found on the doorknobs or knives.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Aug. 4.

Jury Convicts Traffic Shooting Defendant on All Counts

A jury convicted a shooting defendant on all six charges against him in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom on July 27.

Marcus Reavenell, 48, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a firearm with a conviction greater than a year, unlawful discharge of a firearm, reckless driving, and destruction of property worth less than $1,000. The charges stem from a May 14, 2025 incident when Reavenell shot at a car that cut him off at the intersection of on 58th and Foote Streets, NE. No injuries were reported.

The jury returned their verdict after less than a day of deliberations.

In the trial that started on July 20, prosecutors argued that Reavenell fired a single shot into the back of the victim’s car from the white van he was driving after the victim did not give him space to switch lanes.

Reavenell’s attorneys, Michael Bruckheim and Margaret Dawson, argued that the prosecution did not prove Reavenell was the suspect driving the white van.

The prosecution played footage in the trial from cameras on the victim’s car that captured the offense. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also obtained an identification from one of Reavenell’s coworkers.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 2 for sentencing.

Judge Releases Vehicular Homicide Defendant to Halfway House, Says Her Family Does Not ‘Understand the Seriousness’ of the Case

A vehicular homicide defendant was released to a halfway house by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 3, after she found probable cause that the defendant committed involuntary manslaughter.

Shaneia Lincoln, 34, is charged with involuntary manslaughter for her alleged involvement in a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian, Dawn Ciccone, 61, at the intersection of 23rd and L Streets, NW on April 18.

After finding probable cause for the charge against Lincoln, Judge Brandt released Lincoln to a women’s halfway house.

Lincoln’s attorney, Diana Yu, requested Lincoln’s immediate release to her family.

The prosecution claimed there was “evidence of tampering with witnesses,” and “every indication that there was an immediate effort to hide,” by Lincoln.

According to prosecutors, Lincoln allegedly attended a family event after the crash. Her family was reportedly told what had happened and did not go to the police. To avoid issues with witness tampering going forward, the prosecution requested that Lincoln be held in jail until trial.

Ciccone’s husband spoke to the court, saying that his wife was “so full of health and life.” He did not request that Lincoln be held or released, saying “I don’t think it’s my place to say what should happen.”

Judge Brandt addressed Ciccone’s husband and said “I can’t imagine the grief, the pain.” The judge wiped her eyes with a tissue before thanking Ciccone’s husband. Judge Brandt noted that this is the first time in a long time that a family member “takes the microphone and does not spew venom.”

Addressing the evidence, Judge Brandt said that the prosecution did not meet the burden to hold Lincoln in jail. However, she expressed concern with releasing Lincoln to her family members, who allegedly do not “understand the seriousness of what this is.”

Instead, Judge Brandt released Lincoln to a halfway house for women in northeast DC, where she must stay away from potential witnesses, including her mother. Judge Brandt ordered Lincoln not to drive a car, imposed a curfew, and required Lincoln to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

Judge Brandt moved Lincoln’s case to her calendar from another judge’s. If Lincoln violates her release conditions, Judge Brandt said “I want to make sure she’s staring in the face of the judge who said ‘don’t do it.’”

Yu also argued that there was not sufficient evidence to support a probable cause finding. “Driving is inherently dangerous,” Yu said, every incident “involves a level of negligence.”

Yu argued that the facts pointed towards the charge of negligent homicide, which carries a lower sentence than involuntary manslaughter. She pointed towards several cases decided by the DC Court of Appeals in which a defendant was charged with negligent homicide after running a red light or being intoxicated.

Lincoln, Yu said, was not intoxicated, had a green light, was not speeding, and was not swerving.

Prosecutors argued that involuntary manslaughter was the correct charge. There was a “multiplication of risk,” they said. While Lincoln had a green light, she had allegedly been drinking the night before, was on her phone, and made a swift turn from a non-turn lane.

The prosecution read several traffic laws that Lincoln reportedly broke, arguing that the broken laws are further evidence of involuntary manslaughter.

Judge Brandt said that the evidence contains “disjointed pieces of a puzzle.” She noted several reasonable assumptions, including that Lincoln drove a car that did not belong to her, was on her phone during the incident, and turned into the intersection, “so wide she almost goes up on the curb.”

For those reasons, Brandt found probable cause for involuntary manslaughter.

Parties are slated to return to court on Oct. 2.

‘I Want a New Judge,’ Says Knife Assault Defendant, Hearing Rescheduled

A stabbing defendant was removed from court after an outburst during a mental observation hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Aug. 4.

Jacqueline Grace, 47, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly threatening and injuring an unhoused woman on the 900 block of G Street, NW outside the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on July 25.

According to court documents, the victim sustained a laceration to her hand while trying to disarm Grace, whom prosecutors claim pointed a knife at her.

When asked to state her name in court, Grace initially introduced herself as “Charles Ingred.” Grace had made a similar comment in a July 28 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.

To be mentally competent to stand trial, Grace must understand the charges against her and be able to assist in her defense.

Judge Di Toro ordered a full mental competency examination of Grace, who demanded to be moved to the George Washington University Hospital. While Judge Di Toro said relocating to the hospital was not possible, she recommended Grace cooperate with her doctors at the jail.

“I want a new judge. I’m not listening to you at all. You’re fired,” responded Grace, who was then escorted out of the courtroom.

Steven Polin, Grace’s attorney, said she would be best served by going to Saint Elizabeths Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, given her history of outbursts in court. Judge Di Toro agreed there was “clearly something going on” and that she would look into options for mental health services for Grace.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on Sept. 8.

‘We Know the Real Shooters,’ Says Victim’s Mother in Sentencing Flag Football Homicide Defendant to 32 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a fatal shooting defendant to 32 years in prison on July 31, despite claims from the victim’s mother that other suspects were involved.

Antonio Hawley, 23, was convicted by a jury on Feb. 3 of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or a business for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Aaron Wiggins on the 400 block of 13th Street, SE, on a field outside Watkins Elementary School, following a nighttime flag football scrimmage on Oct. 6, 2021. Wiggins sustained at least 12 gunshot wounds.

Prosecutors asked Judge Dayson to sentence Hawley to an “extended sentence” of 40 years in prison.

“This didn’t happen in a dark alley or somebody’s residence, it happened in the open, at the worst place, a school,” the prosecution said.

Prosecutors also asked Judge Dayson to consider the impact of witnesses to Wiggins’ murder as “a horde of people were running off, scared for their lives” at the football field.

“All of those around him watched Aaron die, he was still breathing,” said a prosecutor.

“Despite his upbringing, [Hawley’s] still an intelligent and capable man,” said the prosecution. “This intelligent and capable man did all those things because he didn’t value Aaron’s life.”

According to the prosecution, Hawley was allegedly involved in an armed carjacking in the same month of Wiggins’ murder.

Wiggins’ mother told the court she didn’t want prosecutors to bring the case to trial, and didn’t listen to her when she said the case was gang related.

“As Aaron’s mom, I can say the murder of my son has broken the whole family,” she said.

“You think sending Antonio Hawley to prison would give us relief,” said Wiggins’ mother, “but we know the real shooters.”

Wiggins’ mother claimed prosecutors told her to ignore threatening messages from people she alleges are the actual culprits, and the family has had to move three times since the incident for their safety.

“I believe with all my heart the truth will come to light,” Wiggins’ mother said.

Hawley’s attorney, Julie Swaney called the prosecution’s request “excessive” and requested Judge Dayson give Hawley the mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and run his additional charges concurrently.

“Nothing the court can do will bring Mr. Wiggins back,” Swaney said.

Swaney said the defense disagrees with the jury’s verdict but “will have to accept it at this stage.”

The defense also referenced a letter from Wiggins’ father, where he said he was “not asking that another young man’s life be simply thrown away.”

Swaney acknowledged Hawley’s earning college credits and participation in the A’Tonement Project, which encourages DC Jail inmates to give back to their community.

“I don’t find that the jury’s verdict in this case is inconsistent with the evidence as a matter of law,” said Judge Dayson.

Judge Dayson said Hawley has shown that with structure and consistency he “has the capacity to have done something very different” and acknowledged the progress Hawley has made since his incarceration.

“I have to weigh the seriousness of this offense,” said Judge Dayson.

Judge Dayson said the circumstances surrounding the incident were very different from other cases before her. She said it was “very surprising that nobody else was hurt,” and called the incident “extremely troubling.”

Judge Dayson sentenced Hawley to a total of 32 years in prison. Hawley was sentenced to 32 years for the murder charge, five years in prison for the possession charge, and one year for carrying a pistol without a license, to be served concurrently. Hawley will serve five years of supervised release after his prison sentence.

Judge Dayson set several requirements for Hawley upon supervised release, including registering and renewing his registration as a gun offender annually, a mental health evaluation, and maintaining a combination of school and/or employment. Judge Dayson also imposed a $100 fine per count towards the Victims of Violent Crime Fund out of Hawley’s jail pay, totaling $300.

At the request of the defense, Hawley’s official order to be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will be delayed until he completes the A’Tonement Project program.

Hawley’s next court appearance is on Oct. 9.

Defense Says ‘Prior Beef’ is Insufficient to Implicate Defendant in Fatal Shooting

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Edelman on Aug. 4, the defense argued that past disagreements between a homicide defendant and the victim does not warrant a phone search by police.

Joshua Franklin, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

Franklin’s charges all face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.

In court, parties clashed over the defense’s motion to suppress evidence obtained from Franklin’s iPhone that was seized on March 10, 2021. On that date, Franklin was briefly arrested for an unrelated offense, a no permit charge after a traffic stop, since he could not produce a valid driver’s license.

Franklin’s attorneys, Terrence Austin and Emma Mlyniec, argued that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lacked reasonable suspicion to issue a Be On the Look Out for (BOLO) circulation that led to the seizure of Franklin’s phone.

According to court documents, the BOLO directed MPD officers who came in contact with Franklin to “stop him, seize all electronic devices, and contact” lead detectives because he was a suspect in Session’s homicide. However, detectives did not have a search warrant before Franklin’s March 10, 2021 arrest.

The prosecution argued against the motion and called an MPD detective who was involved in the initial search and interviewing process that occurred at the crime scene for Session’s murder. The detective said she learned from witnesses that there was a “volatile relationship” between Session and Franklin which escalated before the homicide.

In addition, the detective alleged that Franklin may have been motivated to retaliate against Session after a reported domestic violence assault between Session and Franklin’s daughter.

According to the detective, Franklin’s daughter, who was an eyewitness, was interviewed on the day of Session’s death and consented to an examination of her cell phone. The detective noted that she found messages between Franklin and his daughter about Session’s death which were deleted.

“Why would you delete messages?” the detective pondered on the stand. The prosecution noted that they also found this behavior suspicious.

The detective also stated that witnesses reported that a group of individuals chased Session up a hill while holding firearms before gunshots were heard.

In cross-examination, Mlyniec confirmed with the detective that none of the six eyewitnesses stated that Franklin was at the crime scene, that anyone who matched Franklin’s description chased Session with a firearm, nor that his unique Monster Energy car was there on Jan. 21, 2021.

After questioning, the prosecution argued that it was reasonable for MPD to issue a BOLO based on the detective’s testimony. They alleged that Franklin had a clear motive and that the deleted messages on his daughter’s phone were suspicious, also warranting a BOLO.

In response, Mlyniec claimed that there was only “a prior beef,” and “a potential motive against the constellation of all these witnesses,” thus making the BOLO issuance unreasonable.

If the basis for issuing a BOLO is “having beef with someone else,” Mlyniec said, “we would see a lot more people getting rounded up.”

After hearing both sides argue on the motion, Judge Edelman noted that he needed time to go through his notes before making a ruling. “This isn’t particularly strong evidence that he committed the shooting. But it doesn’t have to be,” he responded.

Judge Edelman said he will issue an update on his ruling at the next motion hearing scheduled for Aug. 6.

Double Homicide Defendant Found Legally Sane 10 Months After Exam Ordered

Parties discussed the results of a long-awaited criminal responsibility report for a double homicide defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 4.

Ronzoni Jackson, 26, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of brothers Osmine Quintano, 35, and Octavio Quintano, 28, on Dec. 12, 2023, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

Judge Edelman ordered the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to perform a criminal responsibility examination for Jackson on Oct. 24, 2025. A criminal responsibility evaluation determines a defendant’s mental state at the time of an offense and whether they can be held legally responsible for their actions–in other words, whether he knew right from wrong when the crime was committed.

After 10 months, parties finally received the criminal responsibility report from DBH. In court, Judge Edelman summarized the report, stating that while Jackson has pertinent mental health history, he would still have been conscious of his alleged actions at the time of the incident.

Jackson’s responsibility for the crimes he is accused of was “not prevented by substantial mental illness,” Judge Edelman said.

In addition, Jackson’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, filed a motion to withdraw from the case on July 27. The action was based on a disagreement between Jackson and Simmons regarding litigation strategy, which Simmons claimed led to a deteriorated attorney-client relationship.

After discussion under seal, Judge Edelman noted “I don’t see that there’s a breakdown in the relationship,” that would warrant Simmons’ removal.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Case Acquitted: ‘She May Have Died Quickly, But There is No Science to Say She Did,’ Says Specialist in Domestic Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: Rayvon Slye was acquitted of all charges by a jury on August 5, 2026.

A doctor who specializes in investigating violent deaths testified it’s impossible to determine the victim’s specific time of death during a domestic homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 30.

Rayvon Slye, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Andrea Bond on March 7, 2023 on the 1000 block of D Street, NE. Bond sustained one stab wound to her upper left chest.

Bond’s time of death is contested by prosecutors and the defense. The defense theory, supported by what Slye originally told authorities, is that Bond was stabbed while out with friends in the Trinidad neighborhood the night before her death. Slye told police that Bond was already injured when he met up with her, and the couple spent time together before going to sleep. Bond was found dead the next morning.

The prosecution contends that Slye stabbed Bond in the home where they were staying. According to court documents, the medical examiner who performed Bond’s autopsy told police that Bond would’ve died between 30 minutes and one hour of being stabbed.

Slye’s defense attorneys, Kevin Mosley and Kayla Wyatt, called a forensic pathology expert and licensed doctor to testify. The witness works for a firm based in San Diego that is contracted by law enforcement and other agencies.

According to the autopsy report from the medical examiner, Bond had dangerous levels of alcohol, fentanyl, and fluorofentanyl in her system when she died. The forensics witness said fluorofentanyl is five-times stronger than fentanyl.

Because of the level of drugs in her system, the forensic expert explained that Bond “may have bled slower.” Fentanyl typically lowers blood pressure, according to the expert.

The witness emphasized that the science for determining exact time of death “is consistently terrible. Everyone is different, everyone’s environment is different.” He mentioned that Bond’s tolerance for drugs and alcohol was likely higher, as a regular user.

The witness said that he, as a professional, would’ve sought medical attention immediately with her injury, but it is not surprising that the average person wouldn’t.

In the prosecution’s cross-examination, the forensics expert reasserted the relevance of drugs in this case. He said had Bond not been stabbed, he would’ve classified her cause of death as an overdose.

The forensics expert said Bond likely died between “many minutes” to “a couple of hours.”

“She may have died quickly,” the expert said, “but there is no science to say she did.”

The prosecution then called an observer who lived a half block away from the scene at the time of the incident to testify. He had a Nest camera outside his house that was funded by DC to promote security in the neighborhood. The camera showed the incident address in clear view, and the witness said he was contacted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for the footage.

The prosecution also called a MPD detective who reviewed the footage and investigated the crime scene area. Contrary to Slye’s prior statements in which he claimed that he returned to Bond’s home with her on the night of March 6, 2023, the detective noted that he did not see it happen in the Nest camera footage.

When questioned by Mosley, the detective confirmed that it was difficult to make out who arrived and left the home on the video, as it is “grainy” and “glitchy.”

In addition, Mosley pointed out that the detective only canvassed one street in the half-mile by half-mile Trinidad neighborhood when looking for a blood trail that may have resulted from Bond’s wound.

The detective also confirmed that none of Bond’s blood was found in her home besides what was on her clothes. However, the detective noted that he never personally examined Bond’s clothing nor did he speak with the detective who recovered the clothes about Bond’s blood-stained shirt or coat.

After the detective’s testimony and the jury’s was excused, Wyatt argued in favor of a judgment of acquittal based on the claim that no guilty verdict could come in without jurors relying on speculation.

The prosecution rebutted this, stating that it would be reasonable to come up with a guilty verdict. They said that this is because multiple witnesses reported that Bond appeared “fine” when she arrived home on March 6, 2023 and that Slye was the only individual with her after she returned to the house.

Judge Dayson responded that she will make a ruling on this matter by the next date of trial, on Aug. 3.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 66 Months for 2021 Non-Fatal Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced a non-fatal stabbing defendant to 66 months in prison and three years of supervised release on July 31.

Malik Seltzer, 31, pleaded guilty on June 24 to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 3000 block of 1st Street, SE.

A jury acquitted Seltzer on Jan. 22, of first-degree premeditated murder of while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal-shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns, on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE. Prosecutors previously alleged that the stabbing victim was a witness to Odemns’ murders.

Seltzer accepted an 11c1C plea deal for the stabbing that carried an agreed upon sentence of 66 months in prison and three years of supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval. The sentence would run concurrent to a 78-month sentence Seltzer is currently serving for an unrelated armed robbery.

According to court records, Seltzer was sentenced for robbery in 2022 and is expected to finish his time in May 2028. Seltzer also has an outstanding sentence for an unrelated Maryland offense.

At the sentencing, both parties emphasized the severity of the crime, as well as Seltzer’s readiness to accept responsibility.

“He has grown wiser and more mature,” Seltzer’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, said.

Judge Kravitz deemed the plea deal sentence as “appropriate in the circumstances.”

Seltzer must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.

No further dates were set.

Defense Claims DC Police Breached Defendant’s Privacy During Attorney Conversation in Hospital

Defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, motioned to withhold body-worn camera footage of her speaking to her client, a non-fatal shooting defendant, before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on July 31.

Samard Van, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on July 22 on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE. No injuries were reported but officers located at least 10 shell casings.

According to court documents, the victim allegedly approached Van and another masked unidentified shooter in a parked Honda Accord. Van and the unidentified suspect reportedly exited the vehicle with handguns and chased the victim, repeatedly shooting at him. Less than an hour later, the unidentified suspect allegedly dropped Van off at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

At the hearing, Harvey waived Van’s appearance, because he was receiving treatment at the hospital for two gunshot wounds.

Harvey motioned to withhold body-worn camera footage that reportedly captured a conversation between Harvey and Van at the hospital. Harvey explained that when she asked a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to step outside of the room, she refused and kept her body-worn camera running.

“Given the conduct of the MPD, I don’t think the [prosecution] should benefit,” Judge Kravitz said.

The judge ordered the prosecution to not access the footage until Harvey submits a written motion. The prosecution agreed, however they added that they do not see a legal justification to withhold the footage since Harvey and Van knew another person was present.

Harvey explained that it was crucial for her to speak with Van during the visit because it was her first time seeing him after he was “locked up for nine days.”

Judge Kravitz amended the existing court order to ensure Harvey has access to a private space in the hospital to meet with Van.

According to court documents, Harvey filed a motion on July 31, after the hearing, that argued MPD continued to preclude her from speaking privately and confidentially with Van. Harvey requested Van’s immediate release because “his continued detention is harming his ability to defend his case and denying him his constitutional right to counsel.”

In the alternative, Harvey’s motion asked Judge Kravitz to require the MPD officer to appear before the court for an emergency hearing.

According to an order from Judge Kravitz filed on Aug. 3, both of these requests were denied by Judge Kravitz as moot because Van was transferred to the DC Jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 21 for Van’s preliminary hearing.

Sentencing Rescheduled for Sick Homicide Defendant

A fatal-shooting defendant was unable to attend his sentencing on July 31 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz due to a stomach illness.

Korriek Akinola, 24, pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2025 to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Joshua White, on the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on June 6, 2023. White sustained gunshot wounds to his chest, shoulder, back, and right calf.

Kevin Mosley, Akinola’s attorney, alerted the court that a member of the US Marshals Service told him Akinola had been suffering from a stomach illness since he arrived at the courthouse and was unable to attend his scheduled sentencing.

“I don’t even know how many sentencing dates we’ve had at this point,” the prosecutor said, attributing the prolonged delay to Akinola.

Mosley challenged the prosecution, explaining that Akinola has only been responsible for one other rescheduling. The other incidences resulted from the prosecution being in trial and the court’s full schedule, Mosley explained.

The prosecution pointed out the presence of the victim’s family in the courtroom gallery, stating “Obviously they’re disappointed.”

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 7, almost one year after Akinola accepted a plea deal. Details of the agreement were unspecified.

Defense Sees Possible ‘Compromise’ of Homicide Defendant’s Mental Health Privacy

After a fatal-shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges on July 31, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) voiced concerns with monitoring the defendant’s release conditions before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

Shawnta Aiken, 52, is charged with first-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 a year, for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend, 56-year-old Richard Walker, on the 3000 block of P Street, SE, on Nov. 2, 2025. Walker sustained two gunshot wounds to his head.

At the hearing, the court arraigned Aiken on the charges against her. Dominique Winters, Aiken’s attorney, pleaded not guilty to all charges on her behalf and asserted her rights to a speedy trial. The trial is set for Nov. 8, 2027.

At a previous hearing on May 1, Judge Kravitz released Aiken to 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring, with the conditions that she receive mental health and drug counseling.

After Aiken was arraigned, a representative from PSA, present virtually, requested that Aiken submit to a drug test and allow PSA to speak with her current mental health provider. The representative explained that they have been unable to monitor her treatment because Aiken does not receive counseling through PSA.

“I don’t want to put her in a position where I am compromising her treatment,” said Winters.

Winters explained that she already agreed with PSA that Aiken’s GPS monitoring shows her attendance at mental health sessions. Winters emphasized that this accommodation proves compliance without Aiken’s exposing confidential health information.

In addition, Winters explained Aiken is currently in an outpatient substance abuse program with weekly drug tests. However, the PSA representative said they were unsuccessful talking to the program representatives about her treatment.

Judge Kravitz did not order the release of Aiken’s mental health information or a drug test, explaining she is already tested weekly.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 30.

Gun Possession Defendant With Multiple Cases Granted Release

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a gun possession defendant’s release in a July 23 hearing.

David Cunningham, 28, was sentenced on Feb. 9, 2024 to two years in prison, all but one suspended, followed by two years of probation for carrying a pistol without a license. The charge stemmed from his involvement in an altercation that occurred on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE, on Sept. 1, 2023.

According to court documents, officers found Cunningham at the scene with two gunshot wounds to his thigh and torso.

Cunningham was on probation but arrested in September 2025 for an unrelated drug possession charge. Then, the defendant was arrested for a misdemeanor simple assault case in May.

At the hearing, Cunningham’s attorney, Diana Yu, requested her client’s release. Judge Arthur granted Cunningham’s release with GPS monitoring and continued his case to allow him time to reconnect with his probation officer.

According to court records, parties are in negotiations for a potential global plea deal that would resolve multiple of Cunningham’s cases.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 2.

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