Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 19 Years

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 228 months of incarceration before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 1.

On May 5, Andre Clark, 34, pled guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Leonard Taylor Jr. on Oct. 20, 2024, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 180-to-240 months of incarceration.

Several victim impact statements were delivered by Taylor’s family members during the sentencing.

Taylor’s mother stated that since her son’s death, “[her] world has come crashing down.” Her family dynamic has completely changed, and she said she began blaming herself and Taylor’s father for their son’s death. She stated she often feels angry and helpless, which has caused her to experience frequent panic attacks.

“I feel all this because someone decided to play God and take my son from me,” she cried. She also recounted that Taylor completed rehab in August 2024 and was on a path she was proud of.

Taylor’s sister, standing alongside their brother for support, stated, “Losing my brother is like a burning rage. I can’t sleep at night. It’s not fair, it’s really not.”

The prosecution stated that, rather than attempting to speak more eloquently about Taylor, they would focus on the actions of the defendant. They emphasized that the shooting occurred on a residential street in broad daylight, and Taylor was shot in the back, suggesting he was fleeing from Clark at the time.

Prosecutors also said Clark proceeded to cut his hair and then hid in Baltimore after the shooting. They referenced his extensive criminal history, which includes robberies and assault.

Defense attorney Thomas Key stated that while his client regrets his actions, and Clark believed Taylor was reaching for a gun and never intended to shoot or kill him. Key acknowledged this was not a strong self-defense claim but explained that Clark had a troubled childhood. He learned at a young age that the man he thought was his father was not, and that he was also sexually assaulted as a child.

Clark apologized to the victim’s family, the court, and his own family.

Ultimately, Judge Edelman sentenced Clark to 228 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Edelman noted that, given the fact the crime occurred in broad daylight, the nature of the shooting could have warranted a first-degree murder charge. He also cited Clark’s long criminal history, including firearms offenses, as influencing his decision. However, the judge acknowledged that Clark accepted responsibility early and took a guilty plea.

Parties are not set to reconvene.

Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Seven Years

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a carjacking defendant to seven years and one day on Aug. 7.

On June 9, Parren Hawkins, 33, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his involvement in a on the 300 block of 15th St, NE on Feb. 2.

Although the victim did not make an appearance, the individual did write a statement. The victim indicated that the crime affected the invidiuah who was out of a job for a month-and-a-half.

“This is not a one person problem,” the person wrote, “this is a community problem.”

The prosecution requested Hawkins be sentenced to the mandatory minimum of seven years for the unarmed carjacking.

Hawkins’ defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf, stated that his client had recently lost his grandmother and began drinking heavily as a result. On the night of the incident, he stated that his client had ingested alcohol and psychedelics. One of Hawkins’ first statements to Rosendorf was that he didn’t remember anything that happened, but after waking up in the hospital, he felt very remorseful for his actions.

However, Rosendorf explained, Hawkins has been involved in grief counseling during his incarceration. Having children, Hawkins asked for admission to a facility that offers support programs so he can become a better person and parent.

Rosendorf requested that his client be sentenced to the seven year mandatory minimum plus an added day.

“I send my sincerest apologies to the victim in my case,” said Hawkins, adding “I’m dedicated and committed to make right of my wrongdoings,” said Hawkins.

“I no longer have any desire to indulge in anything that alters or impairs my decisionmaking,” he continued

Judge Salerno stated that he would recommend Hawkins be placed in a prison that offers the support programs he requested.

Hawkins was sentenced to seven years and a day for unarmed carjacking with three years of supervised release.

He was also sentenced to three years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict with three years of supervised release.

Both sentences are to run concurrent to one another, and Hawkins must also register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Judge Deems Shooting Defendant Mentally Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe deemed a shooting defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial during a hearing on August 5.

Kevin Harrison, 24, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 26, 2023, on the 2100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. No injuries were reported.

Harrison’s defense attorney, Patrick Nowak, asked Judge Pipe to order a Jackson finding during the hearing, which would require that Harrison be deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial and not have to be admitted to inpatient hospitalization because he is not restorable.

Nowak asked this in reference to a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Harrison’s state of mind.

In the DBH report, Harrison’s doctor wrote that he lacks comprehension of current events and has no interest in participating in activities in outpatient treatment. The report doesn’t idicate Harrison is restorable and could be deemed competent to fit trial at a later time. In order to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be prepared to help his lawyer.

Upon reviewing the report and hearing Nowak’s argument, Judge Pipe entered the Jackson finding, telling prosecution it had, “not met its burden in proving that Harrison is restorable.”

The prosecution then asked to dismiss the charge of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, which was granted.

Nowak also asked if Harrison’s GPS monitoring and curfew requirement could be lifted, but Judge Pipe explained that she will maintain these restrictions for community safety.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 4.

Judge Calls Shooting Case a ‘Road Rage’ Incident, Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a shooting defendant’s request for release due to concerns about community safety, following a waiver of a preliminary hearing on Aug. 5.

Marcus Reavenell, 47, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 14 on at the intersection of 58th and Foote Streets, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the altercation was sparked by a road rage incident which led to Reavenell’s allegedly following the victim’s vehicle from his own and shooting toward the victim.

Reavenell’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, informed the court that he intended on waiving his preliminary hearing of the evidence and Judge Glover accepted his waiver.

Sapirstein requested that Reavenell be released on GPS monitoring or home confinement if necessary. She argued that the majority of his cases were more than 25 years old and said he wanted to return home to help support his partner and their child.

The prosecutor requested that Reavenell continue held at the DC Jail, arguing that he had at least three firearm convictions and had a prior conviction for reckless driving. He claimed that there were no conditions that could be set that would ensure the safety of the community.

Judge Glover said the shooting was a “road rage” incident. He pointed out that Reavenell had a conviction for concealed carry, carrying a pistol without a license, and for unlawfully carrying a handgun in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

Judge Glover denied Sapirstein’s request for release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 3.

Judge Concerned About Community Safety, Keeps Stabbing Defendant in DC Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover accepted a stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing waiver and denied his request for release due to concerns about community safety on Aug. 5.

Antonio Williams, 59, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Aug. 1 on the 2600 block of Q Street, SE. The victim

According to court documents, the crime occurred after Williams was upset with the victim, who he had been living with for the past nine months, for allowing another allowing another person to stay with them.

Williams’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, informed Judge Glover that Williams wanted to waive his preliminary hearing, which he accepted.

King requested that Williams be released on GPS monitoring. She argued that Williams is older, had dated criminal history, was a self-employed electrician demonstrating his sense of responsibility.

She added that Williams was willing to find another place to stay and was willing to stay away from the victim.

The prosecutor objected, arguing that Williams had a relationship with the victim, who was supposed to be someone that he cared about, but instead decided to lash out and harm the victim. In addition, she pointed out that there was a child in the room during the stabbing.

The prosecutor said she was planning to extend a plea offer. She requested that Williams continue to be held at the DC Jail and informed Judge Glover that Williams had tested positive for cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP) during drug screenings.

Judge Glover said while Williams’ criminal history was dated, his criminal history was significant and included prior convictions, cruelty to animals, and misdemeanors for marijuana.

Ultimately, Judge Glover decided to keep Williams at the DC Jail as he believed there were no conditions that could be set to ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 21.

Suspected Murder Weapon Delivered To Police In A Wine Box

A detective testified that a murder weapon was delivered to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in a wine box before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 7.

Jajuan Gripper, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the death of 34-year-old Rynell Bradford. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Anacostia Avenue, NE on Dec. 20, 2022.

A MPD detective testified and prosecutors showed CCTV video footage the detective collected from the apartment complex where the incident occurred.

The footage showed a dark figure running and suddenly collapsing as well as a dark object skidding across the street that the detective assumed to be a firearm. Then, a group of people are seen exiting the apartment building and crowd around the victim.

The video showed someone pick up what the detective identified as the murder weapon, and hand it to another person who re-entered the building.

The detective said he later located the apartment where the gun was taken and asked the leasee to return the weapon to the police station. The witness said they transported the gun to MPD several hours later in a wine box.

The detective confirmed that he identified and swabbed the two individuals who brought the gun to the police station.

Faldoun asked the detective about the footage of events prior to the shooting. The detective replied that although he has knowledge of other CCTV footage clips collected he is not the lead detective on the case and is not responsible for reviewing all surveillance footage.

During the trial, the prosecution called a toxicologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiners(OCME) to describe Bradford’s results.

The OCME typically tests bile, urine, blood, liver and brain tissue. The toxicologist said alcohol, was detected in Bradford’s bloodstream; the witness concluded he had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .29.

The witness testified that alcohol could cause lethargy, slowed speech, less focus and lowered inhibitions. He added that determining the level of intoxication for an individual is difficult because tolerance ranges based on gender and bodyweight.

During cross examination, defense attorney, Wole Faldoun, pointed out that a BAC of .29 is almost four times the legal limit in DC. The toxicologist confirmed he would not advise someone to drive or operate a firearm with that BAC level.

The witness also clarified that alcohol does not directly correlate to aggressiveness, however he said lowered inhibitions can make someone act in an unusual manner or give someone the confidence to do something they normally would not.

Prosecutors also called two MPD officers to testify who both executed a search warrant at Gripper’s apartment.

Inside, the officers said they found Gripper and two women. Officers seized a cellphone, a pair of jeans, Gripper’s ID’s including his Social Security card, driver’s license, and a T-Mobile statement.

Prosecutors also called an eyewitness, Bradford’s neighbor, who testified that the night of the shooting he was playing video games with a few friends on the first floor of the apartment complex.

The eyewitness said he then heard someone yell something along the lines of “what he took” followed by gunshots. The witness said he was unsurprised by the gunshots because they are a common sound in the area.

Fauldon clarified that the witness never heard any threats or arguments, only the three words “what he took.”

A firearms expert also testified that 18 total cartridge casings were found at the scene and three types of casings. The expert said he was unable to match any casings to a specific gun because of they sustained damage.

Parties are expected to reconvene the trial on Aug. 11.

At Sentencing Judge Tells Shooter, ‘You Have Been a Menace to Other People’

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a shooting defendant to 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release on Aug. 6.

On April 30, Marquise Vauss, 22, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Sept. 17, 2024 on the 1700 block of D Street, NE.

According to court documents, Vauss arrived at the victim’s residence and shot at her vehicle as she was attempting to drive away. No injuries were reported. Vauss and the victim were romantically involved.

The prosecutor requested that Vauss be sentenced to 60 months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, to run concurrently.

The prosecutor said that she had previously been in contact with the victim, who made it clear that she did not want to press charges or proceed with the case since its inception.

Additionally, the prosecutor claimed Vauss had not taken responsibility as his pre-sentence report stated he claimed to have shot at the ground, that the victim was being “petty,” and that he could have shot her if he wanted to.

Vauss’ defense attorney, Thomas Key, said that Vauss acknowledged that his actions were wrong, to which Judge Hertfeld replied, “I don’t buy it.”

Key asked the court to consider that the victim did not want to proceed with the case. Key requested a sentence of 30 months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm to run concurrently.

Further, he requested that Vauss be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

When asked if he wanted to address the court, Vauss said that his actions were not excusable and despite the issues between him and his girlfriend, he had no intention of hurting her.

Judge Hertzfeld, puzzled, asked Vauss why he shot a gun at his girlfriend if he didn’t intend to hurt hert?

Vauss claimed he had made a mistake and that his girlfriend knew he did not mean to harm her as she allowed him in the vehicle a few minutes after the incident.

“It was an irrational mistake that took me away from the people I love… I’m so much better than this,” said Vauss.

Vauss told Judge Hertzfeld that while in jail, he was able to make progress and earn an anger management certificate and was taking General Educational Development (GED) and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) courses. He also mentioned that he had unfortunately missed his brother’s funeral due to being incarcerated,

Judge Hertzfeld acknowledged the progress he had made in jail, but told him that the nature of this case was not one that fit into the bottom of the sentencing guidelines.

“This isn’t your first time around this block… so far, you have been a menace to other people,” said Judge Hertzfeld.

Judge Hertzfeld imposed a sentence of 60 months of incarceration for count assault with a dangerous weapon and 14 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction to run concurrently.

In addition, Vauss would be placed on three years of supervised release, was ordered to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF), and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Waives Prelim

An armed carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him on Aug. 7 before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Jerail Stroud, 26, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the intersection of South Capital Street and Anacostia Avenue, SE on July 4, 2024.

After Stroud waived his preliminary hearing in court, the prosecution asked that Stroud be detained.

Stroud’s defense attorney, Thomas Lester stated there was “no contest,” meaning they would not be objecting to the hold or asking for Stroud’s release.

Judge Glover ordered Stroud continue being held pending future proceedings.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 10.

Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Aug. 7.

Marcus Tucker, 30, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred at the intersection of Hartford and 30th Street, NE on April 17.

The prosecution offered a deal that included Tucker’s pleading guilty to one count of armed robbery in exchange for their not seeking an indictment on any greater charges. With the plea deal rejected, the jury trial is set to start Sept. 8.

According to court documents, Tucker was appointed a new attorney, Carrie Weletz, on July 31. Weletz told the court that she needs more time to review motions, specifically Tucker’s request for a new preliminary hearing based on false testimony, which he sent to the court on July 23.

Court documents show that Tucker, representing himself, believes probable cause was found for his case based on a witness’ identification, saying Tucker was wearing all black clothing during the incident. He argues that he was wearing white that day.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 25.

Homicide Defendant Has Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity Option

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz opened the possibility of a not guilty plea by reason of insanity for a homicide defendant on Aug. 5.

George Sydnor, 46, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, and kidnapping while armed and two counts of felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, 2023 at a hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

All offenses were committed during release and each charge has an aggravating circumstance of an especially heinous, atrocious or cruel crime.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a 911 call concerning screams originating from Bautista’s hotel room, where she was stabbed approximately 30 times.

Judge Kravitz mentioned that he was under the impression after reading the prosecution’s proffer of facts that the defense might pursue a Frendak inquiry in which Sydnor would plead not guilty by reason of insanity. A Frendak inquiry determines whether a defendant can voluntarily and knowingly waive the insanity defense.

When asked if the defense would be pursuing that approacf, Sydnor’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, stated that no issues of competency had ever been raised,

Parties agreed that a Frendak inquiry was not necessary, but stated for the record to Sydnor that, if he wished to pursue such a plea, the option was available to him and he would undergo mental competency evaluations.

Judge Kravitz also scheduled a later date for the defense to formally decide the matter.

Additionally, Winograd entered a motion to dismiss the kidnapping while armed charge, arguing that the detention of the victim, which was around 13 minutes according to Winograd, had not been long enough to count as kidnapping. In the motion, Winograd outlined a court of appeal decision which stated detention under 30 minutes did not amount to a kidnapping.

Judge Kravitz noted that if the kidnapping charge were to be dismissed, one of the felony murder while armed charges would also have to be dismissed as that count is directly connected to kidnapping.

Kravitz believed the motion was premature, and denied it without prejudice, believing the motion would likely be more successful at a later stage.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 12.

Homicide Defendant Extended Global Plea Offer

A homicide defendant was extended a new global plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Aug. 6.

Mussay Rezene, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing in jail of 34-year-old Darrow Johnson at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Aug. 17, 2023.

The prosecution approached Rezene’s defense attorneys, Kevin Robertson and Camille Wagner, with a global plea offer.

The terms of the deal required Rezene to plead guilty to second-degree murder in the present case and felony possession of a firearm for a district court case against him for possession of guns and drugs.

The prosecution outlined a range of sentencing for murder of 15-to-25 years, and reminded Robertson and Wagner of a five year minimum sentence for felony possession.

As it stands, Rezene does not plan to accept the offer. However, Robertson and Wagner believe that decision may change if the prosecution is willing to adjust the sentencing range for the murder charge.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 22.

Judge Rules Police Unlawfully Obtained Shooting Defendants’ GPS Data

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ruled that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) unlawfully obtained GPS data from a shooting defendant on Aug. 5. That’s evidence the defense wants to suppress.

Daquawn Lubin, 30, and Jonathan Young, 35, are charged with conspiracy while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed.

Lubin is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, possession of a prohibited weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. These counts stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE, on July 24, 2023.

On Jan. 22, Lubin’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, submitted a motion to suppress GPS evidence acquired from Lubin’s rental car, being used by the prosecution. According to O’Sullivan, the evidence was acquired without a warrant, and he was concerned that the lead detective had access to more personal data than necessary to aid in his investigation.

However, Young’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, stated that her client would like to keep the data as evidence in the case.

The prosecution argued the GPS data was still admissible. They mentioned that the lead detective received login details from a car dealership giving him full access to all of Lubin’s loaner car GPS data. However, they insisted that the detective had only accessed the dates of July 24 through 28, 2023. These are the time of and four days after the shooting, which the prosecution believed were necessary in the investigation.

The court called the lead detective who confirmed he had received login details to Lubin’s loaner car data, but stated he had only accessed the dates outlined by the prosecution. The detective was unable to confirm to the full extent of the data.

However, the detective recalled being told a timeframe which may have been 30 days.

Judge Kravitz asked the detective if he had ever received training about the circumstances for warrant to receive data, and if he ever considered he might need a warrant to which the detective answered to both that he did not.

While the detective intended to only access up to four days of tracking data, he instead received authorization for up to 30 days. Knowing this, Judge Kravitz believed that the detective clearly obtained more than seven days of data which would require a warrant.

Judge Kravitz ruled that the police had obtained the information unlawfully.

He said the prosecution has yet to provide a convincing argument that the detective believed he was acting lawfully in which the evidence could be used under the good faith exception.

Additionally, Judge Kravitz also stated that they had not provided evidence of another argument in which the independent source exception could be employed.

That allows evidence obtained illegally to be admissible in court if it was also obtained through a separate lawful means.

Sapirstein and O’Sullivan intend to argue there is no probable cause to continue the case on the grounds that the police lacked a proper basis to make their arrests.

O’Sullivan stated that this argument will be outlined in their remaining motions to suppress evidence.

Judge Kravitz scheduled another date for the prosecution to put together a formal argument that the data can still be used.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 7.

Judge Modifies Release Conditions for Shooting Co-Defendants

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro modified release conditions for two shooting co-defendants on Aug 4.

Reco Jackson, 26, and Raquan Felder, 32, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two people on Jan. 25 on the 4400 block of 19th Place, NE.

Jackson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and Felder with carrying a pistol without a license.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Kavya Naini, said that he was currently on home confinement and GPS monitoring but had a curfew to from 6 p. m. to 6 a. m enabling him to work.

According to court documents, Jackson is compliant with his drug testing, GPS charging and monitoring, and location approval. Naini requested that Judge Di Toro modify his release conditions to have his curfew switched to 9 p. m. to 5 a. m. and reduce the constant verification of his daily locations as it was allegedly burdensome.

Judge Di Toro granted Naini’s request.

According to court documents, Felder’s current release conditions were set to a 6 p. m. to 9 a. m. curfew. Felder’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels, requested that his release conditions be modified to personal recognizance or solely GPS monitoring as he has been compliant with his release conditions for the past five months.

The prosecutor was against Felder being released on personal recognizance and mentioned that he had a specific stay-away order.

Judge Di Toro acknowledged that Felder had been compliant with his conditions but recognized the severity of the crime. She did not grant Daniel’s request for release on personal recognizance but modified his curfew to last from 6 p. m. to 6 a. m.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 7.

Judge Revokes Elderly Stabbing Defendant’s Release For Non-Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro revoked a stabbing defendant’s release due to non-compliance on Aug. 6, holding him awaiting trial.

Billy Williams, 69, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and aggressive panhandling for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 7, 2023. The incident occurred at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, NW.

Judge Di Toro said Williams continued to violate court orders and pointed to numerous curfew infractions and failures to appear for drug testing and for meetings with his case manager. She said there are no conditions she could set to ensure the safety of the community.

“What’s not working is Mr. Williams’ ability to be in the community,” Judge Di Toro said.

A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative added that all of the drug testing Williams has done have come back positive for cocaine, the most recent one on July 17. The PSA representative said Williams told his case manager that he isn’t interested in getting treatment.

“I am not going to stop using,” Williams told the court at a previous hearing.

Williams’ defense attorney, Henry Escoto, instead requested the court remove GPS monitoring and discuss alternative options, like bed-to-bed treatment. He acknowledged that the current release conditions did not work.

Judge Di Toro denied Escoto’s request and marshals detained Williams.

Parties are slated to begin trial on Dec. 1.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Considers Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld that he needs more time to consider a plea offer during a hearing on Aug. 7.

Rayton Carry, 62, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on Oct. 12, 2022.

The prosecution extended a plea offer of one count of assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for limiting their sentencing request to 24 months and not pursuing greater charges.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 21, when the offer expires.

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