Key Witness Admits to Lying

During a murder trial on Feb. 3, a witness said he lied to the jury because he was too scared to tell the truth.

Mason Binion, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed after allegedly shooting Michael Francis Taylor, 21, on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW on June 22, 2008. Apparently, Binion and Taylor were friends. Binion’s co-defendant, Victor Carvajal’s case was dismissed the day before opening statements. Carvajal was also charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Joshua Massaquoi, who was Binion’s co-defendant and present during Taylor’s murder, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, carrying a pistol during a crime of violence and accessory to second-degree murder.

During the morning on Feb. 3, Massaquoi told the jury that he couldn’t remember if Binion was with him, Carvajal and another person during the homicide or not.

However, Massaquoi, who returned to the stand in the afternoon, said that everything he said during the morning was a lie.

He said he recalled that not only was Binion in the car with him, Carvajal and another person but that Taylor said, “No, Mason, don’t,” right before he heard gunshots and saw sparks from a gun.

Massaquoi said Binion asked him to get a gun after he heard that a drug deal went wrong.

According to Massaquoi, he and Binion drove to Massaquoi’s sister’s house, where he retrieved and .22 caliber Luger.

He said that he and Binion then drove back to Binion’s house when Carvajal arrived.

Massaquoi said he drove the men to a community center in Maryland where they picked up Taylor.

According to Massaquoi, he was driving, Binion was in the front, Carvajal was behind Binion and the other man was behind Carvajal. Taylor was in the middle of Carvajal and the other man. A fourth person was not arrested in connection to the homicide.

Massaquoi said he drove onto Emerson Street, NW, where Binion, Carvajal, Taylor and the other man got out of the car while he remained in the driver seat.

He said he didn’t hear much talking but saw Taylor go from a standing position to falling on the ground.

Massaquoi said Carvajal and Binion were standing over Taylor. Massaquoi said he was unsure of the other man’s position.

Massaquoi also said he did not see Binion shoot Taylor. However, Massaquoi said Binion was the last person with the gun, so he thinks that Binion was the shooter.

After Taylor was shot, Massaquoi said he drove everyone back to Binion’s house. He said Carvajal left Taylor’s truck in an apartment complex in Hyattsville, Md.

According to Massaquoi, he hid the gun in the woods near his sister’s house. He said that when he went back to retrieve the gun, it was not there.

However, Massaquoi said, during his testimony on Feb. 4, that he eventually found the gun and turned it over to the Metropolitan Police Department in 2015. But, the prosecutor on the case told D.C. Witness that Massaquoi never turned in the gun.

Closing statements are expected to occur on Feb. 6.

Jaylin Hawkins wrote this article.

Forensic Scientist Describes Nature of Fatal Wound During Murder Trial

During trial on Jan. 30, the medical examiner that performed an autopsy on the victim said a shot to the back of the head was fatal.

Mason Binion, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Michael Francis Taylor, 21, on June 22, 2008, on the 600 block of Farragut St., NW. Binion is released on personal recognizance.

The forensic scientist evaluated what she established as the fatal gunshot wound, which was located on the victim’s head.

She said there was another shot graze on his finger. She established both wounds were inflicted within seconds of one-another, and that later the victims’ body was left face down for six to 12 hours.

The second expert established that both bullets had come from the same gun. Binion’s defense attorney, Kristin McGough, questioned the fact that the expert conducted the tests manually, rather than using a machine, saying the expert’s analysis could not be accepted as reliable.

McGough also questioned statements from co-conspirators. McGough said the statements were hearsay, expressing fears that the co-conspirators would give unfactual identifications which would incriminate the defense.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck told the parties to jointly come to a decision over which co-conspirators they would use during trial.

Joshua Massaquoi, the man who reported Binion and others to authorities years after the murder, was scheduled to testify. However, because a juror got sick, his testimony has been delayed.

Massaquoi was initially Binion’s co-defendant but, because he agreed to cooperate, the case was severed.

Court is scheduled to continue on Feb. 3.

This article was written by Lea Gianasso and Miriyam Judd

Murder Defendants Reject Plea Deals

On Jan 31, during a felony arraignment, four murder defendants rejected their plea deals.

Steven Robin, Sean “Antonio” McKenize, Charles Young and Edward Brown are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in shooting 29-year-old Kenneth Poindexter on the 4700 block of Benning Rd., SE on Jan. 1, 2018. Robin and Young are also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The prosecutor said the plea deal included a potential sentence of 5-8 years for each of the four defendants, but they all declined to plead guilty on the record.

The defense attorney for Young, Ronald Resetarits, also reminded Judge Todd Edelman about the defendant’s right to a speedy trial.

Judge Edelman set a date for a hearing where the defendants will decide if they want to conduct independent DNA testing on March 17.

This article was written by Naysha Carrasquillo

Psychiatrists Fail to Show at Court

On Feb. 3, expert witnesses failed to acknowledge a defense attorney’s subpoena to testify in a murder case.

Faneshia Scott is charged with first-degree murder for a heinous crime where the victim was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infimity and first-degree cruelty to children for her alleged involvement in one-year-old Rhythm Fields death on the 5400 block of C Street, SE in 2017. According to court documents, Fields died from blunt force trauma. Scott, 33, is currently released from jail on personal recognizance with a few stipulations under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).

According to Scott’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, he had been contacting two psychiatrists for a while. Both failed to comply with his requests.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said that if the defense was unable to subpoena the psychiatrists the prosecution would help. The judge said that if counsel was unable to get in contact, then they should notify the Metropolitan Police Department.

Kiersh, and the prosecutor told Judge Dayson that they needed more time to gather more witnesses and to have a motion hearing. Kiersh also said he had an issue receiving body camera footage.

Kiersh said he is expecting the trial to last at least four weeks.

Judge Dayson granted more time to both the prosecution and the defense and set a trial date for Feb. 8, 2021.

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo

Judge Orders Counsel To Finalize Plea Negotiations

During a status hearing on Feb. 2, a DC Superior Court judge ordered counsel to finalize plea deal negotiations.

Elijah Jarmon, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Taquan Pinkney, 18, on Sept. 9, 2018, on the 2800 block of Stanton Road., SE. Jarmon was 17 at the time of his arrest, and is being charged as an adult.

Jarmon’s defense attorney, James King, was unable to attend court. Defense attorney Dinah Manning stood in for him. Manning said she believes a plea offer was given but likely rejected. However, she said she needed to check in with King to verify.

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring told counsel to determine if the plea deal was rejected or not.

Defense counsel also requested a continuance for the possibility of having DNA independently tested. Manning said she believed King wanted to test the DNA but was not sure.

Judge Josey-Herring told Manning to find out if King wants to request a hearing to test DNA.

Jarmon is scheduled for a status hearing on Feb. 14.

This article was written by Lea Gianasso.

Document: Homicide on Minnesota Avenue, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to a press release, officers found 24-year-old Donelle Hodges suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on Feb. 1. He died at a local hospital.

The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6809927-2-1-20-Correction-Homicide-3800-Block-of.html” responsive=true]

Document: Homicide on 3rd Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE on Feb. 23

According to a press release, officers found 26-year-old Raheem Murray suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died on the scene.

The department is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6809914-2-3-20-Homicide-4300-Block-of-3rd-Street-Southeast.html” responsive=true]

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Requests New Counsel

A murder defendant originally accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder, then requested more time to make up his mind. He finally rejected the offer and requested new counsel.

Demetrius Pierce, also known as Orlando Little, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen for allegedly shooting Nazir Ahmad, 68, on Nov. 3, 2018, on the 900 block of Brentwood Road., NW. The victim was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity firearm.

Pierce is also charged possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree burglary of a senior citizen, robbery of a senior citizen while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

If Pierce pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, he would serve between 16-20 years in prison, with the prosecution dropping all other charges. It also included supervised release of five years after his sentence was served.

His defense attorney, Jeffrey Stein, asked that the plea offer remain on the table, and for Pierce to evaluate it with his new defense.

The prosecution refused, saying it was now closed. The prosecutor said she would consider a potential new plea deal and discuss it with Pierce’s future counsel.

Without the plea deal, Pierce would be susceptible to the maximum penalty, which is a potential life sentence, according to DC Superior Court Judge Todd. E Edelman.

Judge Eldeman scheduled an ascertainment of counsel for Pierce on Feb. 26.

This article was written by Lea Gianasso.

Judge Sets New Trial Date

On Jan. 31, a DC Superior Court judge set a new trial date for a homicide case.

Jessie Taylor, 41, is charged with for second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Bernadette King, 49, a resident of Southeast, DC, on Jan. 26, 2018. King was found inside of a residence on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE.

The prosecution decided to withdraw their Winfield motion, which would address whether or not evidence raised by the defendant should be admissible in court.

DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz scheduled a status hearing on March 6, which is then scheduled to be followed by a trial on April 19, 2021. The trial was originally scheduled for June 8, 2020.

Noa Donvan wrote this article.

Judge Fails to Find Probable Cause

A DC Superior Court judge was concerned for the prosecution’s case of finding probable cause for a murder defendant.

Jahamar Thaxter, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 26-year-old Victor Bolden, a resident of Northeast, DC, on Dec. 8, 2016, on the 600 block of Nicholson Street, NE.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck said she was concerned that since there was no evidence.

There would be an issue with finding probable cause for the case, the judge said.

Judge Beck requested that the prosecution bring an opening statement for the next hearing, which would allow her to review the prosecution’s argument.

Thaxter was not present for the preliminary hearing due to a scheduling issue between counsel.

He is also serving a ten-year sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon.

Thaxter is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 5.

Corrine Simon wrote this story.

Judge Reschedules Trial Readiness Hearing

Editors Note: The defendant in this case has since been acquitted on all counts.

During a murder defendant’s trial readiness hearing Jan. 31, DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck continued the proceeding for a fifth time.

Dewayne Shorter Jr., 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm, assault with the intent to kill while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Daniel Parker on the 2000 block of Fairlawn Ave. SE in 2017.

While the defense’s DNA results are expected to be ready for trial, counsel was concerned about getting the results to the prosecution on time.

The prosecutor also told the judge that he received an email from a firearm examiner for the case.

The email said that ballistics evidence would be ready within the next week.

The dates for the previous trial readiness hearings were supposed to occur on Aug. 8, Aug. 5, and Jan. 31. The new hearing date is scheduled to occur on Feb. 6.

Corrine Simon wrote this story.

Good Chance Defense Will Test DNA, Attorneys Say

During a status hearing, Jan. 31, counsel said the defense plans to independently test the evidence with their own experts.

Antonio Upshaw, 31, and co-defendant Gabriel Brown, 33, are both charged with first-degree murder while armed for their allegeled involvement in the murder of Tyrone Johnson, 24. The incident occured on March 10, 2017, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

However, before a decision can be made, defense attorneys Kevin Irving and Ronald Resetarits said they needed more time to go through evidence.

The defense also raised concern over grand jury material being too heavily redacted, saying that it won’t be of any use.

The prosecution sent the defense results, notes and data in January.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd. E Edelman told both parties to come to an agreement over what information they wish to have unredacted.

Judge Eldeman scheduled a status hearing on Feb. 25.

This article was written by Lea Gianasso.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Suitland Parkway Hit and Run

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) seek the public’s assistance in identifying a vehicle of interest sought in a traffic fatality involving a pedestrian that occurred on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, on Suitland Parkway (inbound) near the Irving Street (outbound ramp), SE.

Cheryln Ninette Bell, 49, was crossing from the south side of Suitland Parkway, heading towards Irving Street, SE, when she was struck by an unknown vehicle.

Police are currently looking for the vehicle (pictured below), is described as a black in color Nissan. The vehicle may have damage to the front bumper/grill area and to the front windshield.

Vehicle of interest sought in hit and run.

Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. Crime Solvers of Washington, DC currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.

[documentcloud url=”http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6746566-1-30-20-Vehicle-of-Interest-Sought-in-a-Traffic.html” responsive=true]

‘I didn’t shoot and kill Orlando,’ Defendant Says

The defendant said he did not shoot and kill the victim during the seventh day of a murder trial.

Marquette Tibbs is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, robbery while armed with a firearm and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting Orlando Silver III, 37, on the 1300 block of Howard Road, SE, in 2016.

“It’s messed up,” Tibbs said. “He (Silver) doesn’t deserve it.”

Tibbs was the defense team’s fifth witness on Jan. 30. He spoke about the timeline leading up to the shooting.

Tibbs said he met Silver four months prior to the incident. The men met outside of a store where Tibbs sold marijuana. He said the two became business associates — Silver supplied Tibbs with marijuana.

Tibbs also had a friend, who he referred to as “Black,” which is Cinquan Cartledge’s nickname.

Cartledge, 25, whose case was severed from Tibbs, is also charged in the homicide with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

On the day of the incident, Cartledge drove Tibbs to a location where an alleged gun exchange was going to take place. Tibbs said he was going to trade his Smith and Wesson gun with an associate of Silver. Tibbs said he was under the impression that the gun was a Beretta gun, which was worth more value than his Smith and Wesson.

During the exchange, Tibbs said he didn’t see Cartledge. Tibbs said the only people there were Silver, Silver’s associate and himself. Tibbs and Silver’s associate exchanged guns but after examining the Beretta, Tibbs said he decided he did not want to trade.

Tibbs looked at the gun and thought it was a “table gun”.

Table guns are displayed on tables at gun shows and cannot be used due to a piece inside of it blocking the chamber. Therefore, Tibbs decided he wanted his gun back.

But, the associate pointed a gun at Tibbs.

“As soon as I seen the gun raised at me, I grabbed his wrist.” Tibbs told the jury.

Tibbs said he feared for his life. He said he and the associate had a physical altercation over the gun. The gun then fired a shot. Tibbs said he was paranoid and fled the scene.

“I did not touch the gun. I didn’t shoot and kill Orlando.” Tibbs said.

Tibbs said it was the associate who fired the shot that hit Silver in the back.

The prosecuting attorney cross-examined Tibbs on his lack of communication with Silver in regards to checking up on him after he heard the shot.

Tibbs said he said he ran because he needed to get away from the scene before the police came. He said he was scared about the police finding him with an illegal weapon.

“I was just discombobulated,” Tibbs said. “I was trying to figure out what had just happened.”

The trial is scheduled to continue with the defense’s last witness on Feb. 3.

Corrine Simon and Arielle Frank wrote this story.

Judge Allows Character-Building Evidence

A DC Superior Court judge allowed the prosecution to present evidence would provide detail to interactions a murder defendant’s had before a man was stabbed. However, defense counsel voiced concern that it would be unfair.

39-year-old Keith Archie is charged with murder in the second-degree while armed. He allegedly stabbed Demond Marcel Rush on the 3600 block of 22nd St., SE in 2017.

Apparently, Archie allegedly had a profane interaction with his ex-wife and daughter on the night of Rush’s stabbing. During the hearing, Archie’s defense attorneys, Jason Tulley and Sylvia Smith, said that the evidence may wrongfully bias a jury against the defendant.

On Jan. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ruled that the prosecution would be allowed to present the evidence at trial, citing its importance in establishing Archie’s state of mind during the time period.

Opening statements for the trial are set to occur on Feb. 3.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

Search