Crime Alerts: April 23

Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. D.C. Witness was able to track two crime alerts sent out from the Metropolitan Police Department.

The most recent alert came at 4:59 p.m. in relation to a sixth district shooting that occurred on the 3600 block of Ames Street, NE. A lookout was released for a black 2006 4-door Mercedes with Virginia tags. The driver is described as a black male with dreadlocks wearing a white T-shirt with a dark coat covered in NBA team logos.

The first alert came at 2:41 p.m. in relation to a first district robbery on the 900 block of Pennsylvania Ave, SE. A lookout was released for a 2012 bronze Hyundai Accent with Virginia tags being driven by a black male in his late teens. The male is described as tall with a slim build.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

Judge Continues Hearing to Work Out Release Conditions

During an April 23 hearing, a murder defendant’s hearing was continued to work out the details of his release.

Leonard Smith, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon (knife) for his alleged roll in the stabbing of 26-year-old Leonte Butler on the 4000 block of South Capitol St., SE, in March of 2017.

Smith is currently released to Hope Village, a halfway house, so he could work. However, the defense amended an initial motion for Smith to be released from Hope Village to the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) given the imminent closure of the halfway house.

Smith’s hearing on the matter is scheduled to continue on April 24.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson scheduled a status hearing for July 9.

Smith is currently awaiting a new trial date after Judge Dayson declared a mistrial on Dec. 5 2019.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

Defendant Misses Hearing

During an April 23 pretrial show cause hearing, a defendant did not appear in court.

On March 1, 25 year-old Olonzie Coney allegedly assaulted a Metropolitan Police Department Officer Odette Lagui with a knife at 100 block of 19th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the MPD was called out to a train station because there was an individual allegedly harassing patrons and drinking alcohol. Officers found Coney in a train seat with a 750ml bottle of Belleruche Rose, an alcohol beverage. Coney allegedly harassed the officers as they asked him to leave the train, pulling a knife on Lagui once they exited the train.

A bench warrant has been issued for Coney.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman released Coney to home confinement on April 1 due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Counselors Work to Create Discharge Plan for Defendant

During a hearing on April 23, counselors decided to continue the case of a defendant in violation of his civil protection order.

Kenneth Currie is charged with violation of CPO (civil protection order) and contempt of his condition of release violation.

After being deemed mentally incompetent and sent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution, the defense and prosecution have agreed to continue the case to determine if a discharge plan can be set up for the defendant upon release.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan scheduled a bond review hearing for Currie on April 27.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

Burglary Defendant Still in Hospital

During an April 23 presentment, a burglary defendant did not appear in court because he is still in the hospital.

Kennyatta Williams, 41, was charged April 14 with burglary two for allegedly forcibly entering an establishment at 2300 block of Good Hope Road, SE and stealing property, including a cash drawer on April 8.

The reason why Williams’ is still in the hospital is not known. He has been in the hospital since April 15, according to DC Courts.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to Marbury Plaza Apartments in regards to a burglary of a convenience store located in the basement of the apartment building. Officers found a large hole in the drywall with a view inside the store, as well as missing ceiling tile in the hallway, which was found on the floor near the hole.

Video surveillance captured two men, Xavier Jones and Williams, walking through the interior apartment breezeway.

A felony status conference is scheduled for July 23.

Assault Defendant’s Release Status Held in Abeyance

During a hearing on April 23, an assault defendant’s release status was held in abeyance.

Eric Anderson, 53, is charged with unlawful entry of private property, threats to do bodily harm, two counts of simple assault, contempt of release violation, and attempted threats to do bodily harm for his alleged roll in an incident that occurred on the 6700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on Feb. 10. Anderson was allegedly demanding a free room at a local Hotel 6 when officers arrived.

Anderson’s motion for release is being held until May 8, when findings from a mental health civil commitment hearing are supposed to be available.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan scheduled a bond review hearing for May 8 as well.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

Parties Agree to Continue Hearing for Assault Defendant

During an April 23 hearing, parties agreed to continue a bond review hearing to determine if a discharge plan can be put into place upon the defendant’s release.

Allen Brown, 30, is charged with a misdemeanor for bail violation, unlawful entry of private property, and assault with a dangerous weapon (crowbar). Having been previously released, Brown willfully failed to appear before the court on November 21, 2019.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan presided as parties agreed to continue the hearing to determine if a discharge plan could be put into place following Brown’s release from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital.

Brown’s bond review hearing is to be continued on April 27.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

Assault Defendant Stays at Mental Hospital

During a hearing on April 23, a judge decided to keep a defendant at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution.

Wade Westmoreland is charged with simple assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm, possession of a prohibited weapon, and bail violation.

Westmoreland’s bond review hearing will continue on May 1 to allow the prosecution to file for civil commitment.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

DC Judge Vacates Hearing

A judge vacated a defendant’s bond review hearing on April 23.

Roscoe Jones is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed with a sharp object, two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon or sharp object, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and destruction of property less than $1,000.

Judge Danya Dayson did not reschedule the hearing.

A status hearing is scheduled for June 18.

Judge Sets Bail for Defendant

A judge set a bail amount for a defendant on April 23.

Terri Seabrook, 34, is charged with second-degree theft and unlawful entry on private property.

The court set a cash bond at $10.00 for Seabrook.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson appeared for the hearing by phone. Seabrook’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, and the prosecutor were also present via phone.

On April 7, Kopecki filed a motion for release because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seabrook has a mental observation hearing scheduled for June 18 that remains unchanged.

A status hearing is scheduled on July 9.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release

A murder defendant’s motion for release was denied on April 23.

Samuel Davis, 61, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for allegedly strangling Mawuli Kocuvie on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. Kocuvie, 53, was killed on Oct. 28, 2017.

At a previous bond hearing on April 13, both parties made arguments about the defendant’s release. The case was to be continued due to Davis’ absence on behalf of a medical situation.

On April 23, the hearing was continued and DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied Davis’ motion for release. Judge Dayson, defense attorney Roderick Thompson, and the prosecutors appeared via phone.

A status hearing is scheduled for May 8.

Judge Sets New Sentencing Date

On April 23, a judge set a new sentencing date for a defendant.

Monroe Holloway, 58, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

On April 22, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson vacated the previous sentencing date. The hearing was continued to April 23. Defense counsel and a prosecutor appeared via phone. A new sentencing date for Holloway.

Holoway was released to a halfway house on Nov. 21, 2019. He is currently being held there. Judge Dayson denied Holloway’s motion for release on April 23 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The motion was filed on March 22.

A sentencing date is scheduled for April 28.

Murder Defendant Living in ‘Disturbing’ Conditions, Attorney Says

A murder defendant had a bond review hearing scheduled as he awaits a ruling on an emergency motion for release due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Romiel Hightower, 29, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting of 27-year-old Jamal Bandy on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE, on July 21, 2019.

Hightower’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, filed an emergency motion for release on March 23 citing the COVID-19 pandemic. He also filed a motion on April 15, noting that Hightower’s cellmate had tested positive for the virus. Tulley also said the jail staff forced Hightower to remove his cellmate’s items from the cell. The cell had not been cleaned since his cellmate moved out.

Hightower awaits a ruling on the motion. He is also scheduled for a felony status conference on July 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

Murder Defendant At Disadvantage When Jail Visits Prohibited, Attorney Says

A defense attorney shared concerns regarding discovery with a judge on April 23.

Denzel Grandson, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting Simwone Milstead, 36, on May 17, 2014, on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE.

Defense counsel was concerned about not being able to review discovery material with Grandson due to jail visits being prohibited. The prohibited visits are a part of the DC Department of Corrections response to help keep inmates safe from COVID-19.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson presided over the status hearing by phone. Grandson’s defense attorneys, Frances D’Antuono and Charles Murdter, and a prosecutor were also present via phone.

The case’s trial date has not been rescheduled. Jury trial is set to begin in August.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled to occur on May 29.

Judge sends Defendant to Mental Hospital

A defendant was sent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution on April 23.

Tanisha Stevens is charged with simple assault, destruction of property less than $1000, and failure to appear in court.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sent Stevens to St. Elizabeth’s while waiting on the prosecution to file to have Stevens involuntarily committed.

Judge Ryan scheduled a status hearing on May 1.

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