Judge Orders More Mental Evals for Rambling Murder Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ordered a defendant undergo further mental health evaluations on June 20, following the defendant walking in while mumbling to himself.

Daryl Thompson, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm (crime of violence), three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, obstructing justice (harassment-reporting), threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the Aug. 29, 2016 fatal shooting of Tyler Jerel McEachern, 23, and an attempting kidnapping of another victim on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE. He’s also charged for his alleged involvement in the July 30, 2016 fatal shooting of Edward Roberts, 29, and an assault on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Thompson entered the court room delivering a rambling, disruptive, and inadmissible statement in an attempt to defend himself. Judge Park repeatedly asked the defendant to stop speaking so the hearing could proceed. Once the courtroom settled, Judge Park explained that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) was in the process of applying for a waiver to continue evaluating Thompson, which would take 90 days to complete.

The prosecution noted that a doctor recommended Thompson undergo inpatient restoration treatment and urged that the process begin immediately.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 3.

Defendant Won’t Come to Court, Further Mental Evaluations Ordered

A stabbing defendant refused to appear in court during a June 17 hearing, and DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered additional mental evaluation following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)

James Gregory, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on March 26 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, Judge McLean notified the parties that Gregory wouldn’t leave the jail.

According to Judge McLean, the doctors at DBH were not able to initially determine if the defendant was competent to stand trial so the Judge ordered a full competency exam. A person can’t stand trial unless he is competent enough mentally to understand the charges and take part in his own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 28.

Carjacking Defendant Claims He Was Unaware of Plea Agreement

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno presided over a hearing in which the court found the defendant was unaware of a plea agreement on June 18.

Markese Lewis, 31, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking of an Uber driver. The incident took place on the unit block of Banner Place, NW, on May 31.

The suspect was allegedly able to force the driver side of the car open and punch the victim in the face. Then, the victim ran away. The suspect tried to start the car and the victim recorded the action on his phone. The video, earlier viewed in court, allegedly shows the suspect in the front driver’s seat of the victim’s car and also running towards the victim.

A plea offer, which would have reduced the armed carjacking charge to assault with intent to rob, was presented during a preliminary hearing on June 5. According to the prosecution, the they were going to withdraw the offer but the defense decided to go through with a preliminary hearing of the evidence.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Salerno to retroactively add the plea rejection to the record. Judge Salerno asked the prosecution why they would do that if it is already on the record. When Judge Salerno asked Lewis if he ever heard the plea deal, Lewis shook his head no.

The defendant was unaware that continuing with a preliminary hearing would result in a withdrawal of the plea offer which he still wants to consider.

The defense also requested release citing Lewis is a needed member of his community, and if released, Lewis would be able to get help and stay at the Samaritan’s Inn, a resource for people fighting homelessness and addiction. Even so, the prosecution asked for detention and Judge Salerno agreed.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 3.

Prosecution Won’t Retry Stabbing Charge Reversed on Appeal

A prosecutor in a non-fatal stabbing case told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt during a June 20 hearing that they will not retry the defendant for a charge that was previously vacated by an appellate judge.

Darrell Jones, 51, was convicted of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business while armed for a stabbing on April 7, 2022 at the Anacostia Metro Station on the 1100 block of Howard Road, SE.

DC Appellate Court Judges Joshua Deahl, Vijay Shanker and John Steadman vacated the assault with intent to kill while armed conviction on June 12. According to court documents, the judges found that the previous court should have allowed the defense to introduce evidence for Jones’ PCP use leading up to the stabbing.

The prosecution alerted Judge Brandt they don’t plan on re-trying the assault with intent to kill while armed charge, and Judge Brandt dismissed it.

The victims’ compensation fund fine will be reduced to account for the vacated charge.

Jones will continue serving his prison sentence for the remaining charges.

Judge Finds Probable Cause Despite Questionable ID of Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause a suspect had committed a shooting despite questions about a positive identification of the assailant. The ruling came during a June 23 hearing.

Daquan Baker, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 25 on the 5300 block of B Street, SE. An individual sustained a gunshot wound to his upper left thigh.

According to court documents, Baker allegedly approached the victim, who washed cars, and inquired about the cost of washing Baker’s truck. The victim told Baker the price, Baker then allegedly became upset and walked away. Baker reportedly returned a few minutes later and shot the victim.

During the preliminary hearing, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective on Baker’s case said his investigation included interviews with the victim and an eyewitness.

The detective acknowledged that he interviewed the victim multiple times, during which the descriptions of the suspect varied significantly. He said in the first interview, the victim described the suspect as a skinny black male, about six-feet tall, with no facial hair and a bushy afro. However, in the second interview, the victim described the suspect as shorter with dreads and glasses. The detective admitted he never asked the victim to explain why his descriptions changed.

Baker’s attorney, Terrence Austin, asserted that these inconsistencies proved the description to be unreliable, and emphasized the police relied on this to justify Baker’s arrest.

Austin further argued that there was insufficient evidence to support probable cause for Baker’s charge of assault with intent to kill.

“There is no information or testimony that the [victim] was shot in any vital organs,” said Austin. Additionally, Austin noted the witness’ inability to provide specifics about the distance between the suspect and the victim during the shooting.

Austin also raised concerns over the detective’s professional record. He admitted to a pending civil lawsuit for harassment, as well as two cases in which DC Superior Court judges found his testimony lacked credibility.

“The lack of clarity from him [the detective], the lack of clarity from you, and then asking me to take judicial notice, [that the detective’s testimony is true]“ Judge Ryan said to the prosecution “…It all sounds a bit difficult to me.”

Judge Ryan acknowledged the defense’s argument regarding the charge of assault with attempt to kill lacking probable cause. However, he concluded there was probable cause in the case against Baker because the suspect was unprovoked and allegedly eft the victim helpless.

The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 3

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request For Release And Dismiss Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied release for a homicide defendant during a hearing on June 18.

Keith Williams, 25, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on May 28, 2023, at the Waterfront Metro Station on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

Williams’ defense attorneys, Sylvia Smith and Erica Arensman, argued that Williams should be released because the prosecution failed to disclose evidence that could prove Williams’ innocence. Under the so-call Brady rule a violation occurs when the prosecution fails to disclose exculpatory evidence or information to the defense, violating their right to due process. Smith claimed the prosecution misrepresented an eyewitness’ credibility by not disclosing the witness’ criminal, mental health, and substance abuse history.

Smith alleged that the prosecution disclosed the witness’ history a couple of days before the trial and if they had received the information earlier, they could have conducted their own investigation into the witness. Smith added that the failure to disclose this information earlier prejudiced the case against Williams.

Furthermore, Smith and Arensman argued the prosecution was being “problematic” and “burying its head in the sand” when forced to confront these issues. Smith asked the court to dismiss the case and release Williams based on the non-disclosure.

“Williams has lost valuable time he will never get back,” said Smith, and added that Williams recently lost his mother while he was incarcerated.

The prosecution disputed any misrepresentation, emphasized the seriousness of the crime, and opposed Williams’ release. Prosecutors also pointed out that having a criminal history does not necessarily indicate an individual has mental health and substance abuse problems.

Judge Park agreed that the prosecution had an obligation to disclose the witness’ criminal history sooner, but did not think their criminal background, as well as past mental health and substance abuse struggles, significantly altered the case.

Judge Park denied Williams’ request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20.

Judge Holds Carjacking Defendant Deemed, ‘a Danger to The Community’

A defendant in an armed carjacking case waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Hermann on June 17, on the grounds that he was a danger to the community.

Dayshawn Lee, 18, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an offense that occurred on the 900 block of G Street, SE on June 13.

Defense attorney Manitta King alerted Judge Herrmann of Lee’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him, and asked for home confinement with a GPS monitor citing his limited criminal history of a single offense from more than a year ago.

Members of Lee’s family, including his sister and his girlfriend, were present at his hearing to offer support. King submitted letters by Lee’s sister and mother attesting to his character. King implored the judge to consider not only Lee’s importance to his family, but his crucial role as a caregiver for his sick aunt.

The prosecution argued that Lee allegedly committed a dangerous crime which put not only the victims, but the entire community at risk.

“This firearm is being brandished in a highly dense area,” the prosecution stated, citing the fact that the incident occurred on a Saturday morning. They also emphasized the severity of the crime by highlighting the discovery of 30 rounds of ammunition near the scene, as well as Lee’s alleged attempt to pistol whip the victim.

A witness to the crime stated that the individual recognized Lee as having robbed the person a few days prior. The prosecution argued that this indicated a pattern of premeditation. They described Lee’s actions as “brazen conduct” and asserted that he was still a present danger to the community.

Judge Hermann concluded that the combined escalation of the offense and Lee’s brandishing of the firearm in a public place satisfied the prosecution’s request that he continue to be held.

“The nature and seriousness of this offense poses a danger to the community,” she said.

Lee remains detained prior to a felony status conference on June 27.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in a Fatal Stabbing Despite DNA Challenge

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide, overruling concerns about DNA evidence during a hearing on June 16.

Jerry King, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Jonathan Reeves, 70, that took place on the 4600 block Livingston Road, NE on Sept. 10, 2024.

According to court documents, King and Reeves arrived at the scene together, where King allegedly stabbed Reeves 16 times in the chest and neck. King then allegedly attempted to flee in Reed’s car but crashed into a telephone pole and ultimately escaped on foot.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department detective on Reeves’ case testified in court, identifying Reed as the suspect seen throughout multiple clips of CCTV footage which depicted the homicide and the subsequent car crash.

While describing the surveillance footage, the detective testified that Reeves was seen driving a silver car with King allegedly in the passenger seat. After parking, both men exited the vehicle and walked calmly together for a short distance. Then, seemingly unprovoked, King allegedly attacked Reeves, stabbing him multiple times before taking his car keys and driving away in Reeves’ vehicle.

The footage ends with King allegedly crashing the car into a small telephone pole and the air bags deploying, after which King escapes on foot.

During cross examination, defense attorney Hannah Claudio called attention to the victim’s vehicle. MPD recovered DNA evidence from its deployed airbag, which they linked to King by way of a national DNA database called Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

The CODIS database stores DNA found at different crime scenes. A CODIS hit indicates that the sample submitted matches another sample in their database, not to the actual individual.

Claudio noted the fact that no confirmatory testing was done by the detective after the CODIS hit was obtained, despite the fact that, by the detectives own admission, CODIS is meant to be used as an investigative lead.

The prosecutor pointed out that King’s CODIS-hit matched him to a 2010 robbery to which King pleaded guilty. Nevertheless, Claudio maintained, “that is simply not enough to rise to the level of probable cause here.”

Claudio brought up how the only evidence that connects King is the DNA. No witnesses identified him, none of the clothes seen on the suspect from the footage were ever found, and the footage is too blurry to make out the face of the suspect.

Judge Ryan rejected the defense’s argument and determined that probable cause was present by virtue of the CODIS-hit.

Claudio requested that King be allowed home confinement and to parrticipate in a drug treatment program while this case progresses. However, Judge Ryan disagreed based on the brutality of the stabbing.

King is being held in custody without bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene on August 5.

Despite ID Challenge, Judge Finds Probable Cause In Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Hermann found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a carjacking incident during a hearing on June 17.

Orlin Lemus-Cruz, 20, is charged with unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, for his alleged involvement in a March 26 incident on the 3100 block of Hiatt Place, NW.

According to court documents, Lemus-Cruz and two other suspects allegedly robbed two victims at gunpoint, injuring both and commandeering their motor scooter, a jacket by Moncler–a high-fashion brand with items costing thousands of dollars–a cellphone, and a ring.

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case testified a lookout was issued shortly after officers arrived on scene, based on the victims’ description of Hispanic males, approximately six feet tall, wearing all black clothing.

A patrol officer later spotted a suspect on Park Road, NW matching that description and identified him as Lemus-Cruz. The suspect fled and the officer was unable to make contact.

However, his photo was subsequently included in a photo array presented to the victims. One identified him as one of the attackers.

During cross examination, defense attorney Quiana Harris called attention to discrepancies in the identification process. While the patrolling officer described Lemus-Cruz as wearing all black on Park Road, NW, he later identified Lemus-Cruz in CCTV footage of the incident on Hiatt Place, NW as the suspect wearing a grey jacket, blue hoodie, and having a backpack.

Harris also questioned the reliability of the victims’ photo identification. The first victim claimed to recognize Lemus-Cruz because they saw his face during the robbery. However, CCTV footage shows that all suspects wore ski-masks during the crime. The second victim didn’t recognize Lemus-Cruz’s photo in the array at all.

Harris argued that these identifications were innaccurate, riddled with discrepancies, and “insufficiently reliable” for the charge of armed robbery.

“The only evidence is a black jacket in a book bag,” Harris stated.

The Moncler jacket in question was allegedly found in Lemus-Cruz’s backpack during his arrest a-week and-a-half after the robbery. During cross examination, the detective testified that the Moncler jacket is a very popular.

Judge Hermann acknowledged the defendants’ concerns, stating that there was an argument to be made in front of a jury on the issue of identification. Nevertheless, she found probable cause to support the charges and ordered Lemus-Cruz held without bond.

The next hearing is slated to be held July 7.

Judge Endorses Mental Health Evaluation For Carjacking Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a full mental health evaluation for a carjacking defendant on June 18.

Shannara Macku, 37, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault on a police officer for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Oct. 19, 2024 on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

Judge McLean heard briefly from the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that recommended a full mental health evaluation for Macku and had already set aside a time.

Judge McLean happily agreed saying this is a great step towards getting help for Macku.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 30.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 17.

Kelly Williams, 52, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business and possession of a prohibited weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Jan. 12 at the intersection of Independence Avenue and L’Enfant Plaza, SW. One individual was harmed during the attack..

The prosecution previously offered to abandon the sentencing guidelines range if Williams were to plead guilty to aggravated assault, and said this offer remains on the table.

During the hearing, Williams’ attorney, Darryl Daniels, mentioned his counter offer. However the details were not discussed in court and ultimately rejected by prosecutors. Daniels requested additional time to discuss the case with his client.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 11.

Another Change of Attorney Casts Shooting Plea in Doubt

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan delayed sentencing a shooting defendant on June 19 because of conflicts with his attorney.

Michael Grayton, 42, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Danzell Hall, 26, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE on July 12, 2025.

Initially set for May 23, sentencing was delayed due to changes in Grayton’s legal counsel.

In the status hearing, Grayton’s latest attorney, Andrew Ain, recused himself from the case, citing time conflicts with other ongoing trials. Further, Ain mentioned an unspecified conflict of interest with the Public Defender Service (PDS) that requiring him to withdraw from the case.

The PDS assigned attorney and co-counsel to Ain, Rachel Cicurel, agreed to recuse herself. In light of the legal turmoil, and the prosecution asked if Grayton intended to withdraw his guilty plea claiming repeated delays had been prejudicial to their case.

Due to the significant changes in Grayton’s defense team as well as the conditions of the initial plea, Judge Ruffinan said it was appropriate for sentencing to be delayed to get Grayton’s new attorney, Dan Kovler, up to speed over the objections of the prosecution. Kovler is not a PDS attorney but a member of a group of lawyers subsidiized by the court to work with indigent clients.

Judge Ruffinan agreed to expedite the status hearing on June 23.

Mental State of Defendant in 2019 Stabbing Still in Doubt

After a report deemed a stabbing defendant incompetent, DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe decided to move him to a mental hospital in hopes his competency can be restored during a hearing on June 17.

On Nov. 29, 2022, Allen Shorter, 58, was convicted and sentenced to 36 months, with 18 suspended, of imprisonment for assault with significant bodily injury and carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Oct. 6, 2019, on a Metro bus between Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Blue Plains Drive, SW.

According to a police account of the incident, Shorter, also known as “snake eyes,” stabbed the victim four or five times on the face, shoulders and chest. A witness said that shorter appeared highly intoxicated when he got on the bus and started arguing with another passenger. As the dispute continued, a witness threw a juice can at Shorter. Before Shorter got off the bus he attacked the victim and also threatened to stab a witness.

As part of his sentence and probation Shorter was required to get mental health and substance abuse treatment. Shorter’s case came back on the docket this year for a post-disposition hearing. The case has been ongoing for some six years largely because of Shorter’s fragile mental condition.

In August 2024, the Court Services and Offender Supervising Agency (CSOSA) submitted a memo to the court requesting that Shorter be referred to a behavioral treatment program under an exception given the nature of his crime.

The request was based on a psychiatric assessment that found Shorter, “Bipolar, current episode manic severe with psychotic features…Schizophrenia…Post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic and Mild cognitive impairment of uncertain or unknown etiology. “

And signficantly, “Mr. Shorter appears to have short-term memory and does not know how come he’s on probation.” The memo said that Shorter has been compliant overall and would benefit from the behavioral intervention. To demonstrate mental competency Shorter must be able to understand his legal situation and assist his attorneys arguing the case.

However, Shorter has drifted in and out of competency during several mental evaluations by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), thus his current status as incompetent. As a result, Judge Iscoe signed on order committing Shorter to inpatient treatment at St. Elizabeths Hospital.

“The Court finds that the defendant’s placement in an inpatient treatment facility is necessary in order to provide appropriate treatment OR that the defendant is unlikely to comply with an order for outpatient treatment,” according to the order.

The belief is that Shorter is likely to be restored to mental competence to complete his probation.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15.

Defendant Maintains Self-Defense in Fatal Stabbing

A murder defendant testified he acted in self-defense before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 16.

Daniel Chapman, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 43-year-old Antoine Ealey. The incident occurred on July 22, 2023, on the 2300 Block of L’Enfant Square, SE.

According to court documents, Chapman delivered four sharp blows to Ealey’s back, arm, and his upper left shoulder.

Chapman was called to the stand by his defense attorneys David Knight and Gail Engmann. He admitted to using a knife against Ealey but argued he did so in self-defense. Knight had Chapman walk through the events leading up to the incident, using video footage from that day to corroborate Chapman’s claims.

Chapman recalled meeting with his friends in the early morning because a friend from the neighborhood called him. Video is aid to show Chapman and a friend who stayed with him that night meeting another acquaintance in the lobby of his apartment.

Knight asked Chapman to describe the relationship he had with Ealey. Chapman stated he saw Ealey everyday at the bus stop and that they would greet each other there. On the day of the incident, Chapman stated that Ealey was acting differently.

According to Chapman, Ealey began to get angry at Chapman’s friend, claiming Chapman’s friends had stolen his possessions. This allegedly resulted in an argument with Chapman’s friend telling Ealey to leave. Ealey continued to yell and curse at her.

Chapman is supposedly seen in the video telling Ealey to leave while kicking in Ealey’s direction.

When asked about the kick, Chapman claimed he wasn’t trying to hurt Ealey but was only trying to get him to move on. When prompted about how he felt at the time of the argument, Chapman said that he was not scared that Ealey would do anything, he was just annoyed that he was yelling and wasn’t leaving.

The video is said to show Ealey hiding behind Chapman’s cousin who was also friends with Ealey. According to Chapman, his cousin had to tell Ealey to leave. Ealy allegedly picked up his bags and walked away. Chapman was seen following Ealy after he left.

Knight asked Chapman why he followed Ealey to the alley, to which Chapman stated that while Ealey was leaving, he was still cursing and said “next time I see that b**** I am going to kill her.” Chapman explained that he wanted to understand why Ealey was so mad and to get him to leave his friend alone.

Chapman testified he wasn’t planning on doing anything violent, but just wanted to speak to Ealey. Chapman allegedly told Ealey to stop threatening his friend, and began to leave when Ealey grabbed him saying, “How about I kill you instead?”

According to Chapman, the two began fighting, which was captured in surveillance footage. Knight requested Chapman describe the fight. Chapman stated that when Ealey grabbed him, Chapman saw a black object in his hand which Ealey used to strike Chapman in the chest and rib. At the time, Chapman claimed he thought it was a weapon, so he grabbed his knife and swung at Ealey. After the fight ended, both parties quickly left. Chapman stated he did not know Ealey was going to die.

When asked how he felt after the fight, Chapman claimed to be upset and said he was glad it was over. Chapman also said when he told his family about the fight he left out the part about the knife, but later told the police the full story. “The truth should be out,” Chapman stated after being asked why confessed.

The defense shifted their focus to after the fight in which Chapman stated that he felt in pain and that his body was burning. His friend took pictures of Chapman’s chest, which Knight showed in court. A thin scratch and a larger red circular mark were visible on Chapman’s upper chest, while his rib was bandaged. Knight also introduced pictures the defense investigator took after Chapman was arrested where the injuries Chapman sustained to the rib were visible.

Chapman ended his testimony by stating he was sad to hear what happened because he never intended for Ealey to die, and that it hurt because Ealey had been someone he saw everyday.

In cross examination, prosecution questioned Chapman about the knife, which Chapman stated hung on his hip and was visible. Chapman again insisted that he did not mean to hurt Ealy.

The prosecution also brought up the taser that Ealy allegedly pulled on Chapman during the fight. Chapman stated that in the moment, he had no idea what it was, just that it could be a weapon. He also stated that he did not hear the buzzing or light that usually accompany an active taser, nor did he feel a shock, just a burning feeling when he was walking back to the apartment.

The prosecution called on the managing partner and founder of Jaguar Exports, the manufacturer of the stun gun allegedly used by Ealey during the incident. The witness was able to identify the model, voltage, and the lasting effects of the weapon.

The witness identified the stun gun as one manufactured by his company, specifically as a N100 mini stun gun. He stated the taser is “very generic,” and is sold anywhere from Amazon to gas stations.

Prosecution showed the witness several images of the stun gun allegedly used by Ealey. The witness stated that at most, the weapon could cause a person to lose control of their movements for a few seconds. He further noted that the evidence of damage to the metal prongs of the weapon at the time of the incident suggested that Ealy would not have been able to tase anyone to the weapon’s full capacity.

The defense also brought in two investigative specialists from the Public Defenders Service (PDS). The first specialist took photos of Chapman at the jail after the stabbing. In the photos, Chapman had blood splatter and scratches on his chest. The witness also provided photo evidence that showed a more significant injury on the side of Chapman’s chest, below his ribs.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 17.

Miranda Rights Questioned in Cold Case

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who interviewed a homicide defendant testified before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan in a hearing on June 12.

William Ransford, 59, is charged with first-degree and second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal strangulation of Debra McManus, 39, at the 400 block of Trenton Street, SE on Oct. 23, 1993.

According to court documents, Ransford was charged with the decades old murder after his DNA was allegedly discovered on the victim’s sock.

The detective not only interviewed the defendant but also had obtained a mouth swab that would later be used to link the defendant’s DNA with the victim’s.

The detective located Ransford at a hospital and although he had already obtained a warrant for Ransford’s DNA swab, he wanted to get consent.

The prosecution asked about procedures the detectives used when interviewing the defendant. He stressed the defendant was not under arrest and that it was just an interview to get more information. Ransford was not Mirandized prior to the interview, however the defendant was made aware that he did not have to consent to the swab.

The detective said asked the defendant whether he had known McManus and that his DNA had probably been found on vaginal and rectal swabs taken from the victim. At the time of the interview, that had not been verified.

Defense attorney Molly Bunke asked the detective if he asked why Ransford was in the hospital and whether he had undergone anesthesia or other medical procedures. The defense played a recording of the interview during which the defendant’s slurred and slow speech suggested he not been fully aware during the interview.

Bunke also said Ransford wasn’t told he did not have to talk to the detectives and that he was free to leave although he was not under arrest The witness asserted that he had just been there to interview him and get information even though he had a warrant.

“If he had said no, we would have executed the warrant,” the detective said when asked about what he would have done if Ransford were to say no to the swab..

Judge Ryan said the prosecution had to show that Ransford’s Miranda rights did not have to be read during the interview and whether the swab was voluntary.

The prosecution argued that the interview did not occur under duress and no reasonable person would believe that he was under arrest in this circumstance–thus reading Miranda rights was not required.

In addition, the prosecution said over the course of the interview, Ransford became more coherent, giving precise answers, which proved he knew what he was saying and doing when he consented to the buccal swab. However, since the detective also had a warrant for the swab so getting material was legal, voluntary or not.

Bunke argued that the test for custody isn’t just arrest and that other circumstances must be considered. They argued that the defendant had not been asked to give the interview and he had just been brought to the room, which could have indicated that he was not free to leave. Bunke referred to past cases in which the court ruled confinement even when the suspect was interviewed in his apartment and was told he wasn’t under arrest.

Bunke suggested that not bringing up the warrant and trying to get Ransford to consent to the swab was subtle coercion and a tactic to put him at ease while eliciting a confession. As a resulted the defense wanted to suppress statements made by Ransford during the interview as well as the DNA evidence from the swab.

The prosecution concluded that as long as there was a warrant the evidence should not be suppressed and that any actions the detectives may have taken, such as trying to put Ransford at ease were not improper tactics.

Judge Ryan stated he is leaning towards the defense but is still unsure about the DNA from the swab and whether it was voluntary or not.

Parties are expected to reconvene June 16.

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