Prosecution Paints Picture of Murder with Photos of Victim and Crime Scene

During the second day of a murder trial Jan. 29, along with photos of the body, the prosecution presented ballistic diagrams of bullets found on the crime scene.

Mason Binion, 32, is being charged with first-degree murder while armed after allegedly shooting Michael Francis Taylor, 21, on the 600 block of Farragut 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.

According to the prosecutor, any person would be concerned about how a friend of theirs was killed and in what position they would be found in, the prosecution explained. Alluding to the fact that Taylor was found face down in the grass of an alleyway.

The photos showed that Binion and his co-conspiritors were careless with the murder of Taylor, according to the prosecution. The prosecutor said that because Taylor was found face down in an alleyway, the crime was done fast and without warning. The prosecutor also pointed out the various bullets and cartridges found on the scene.

Taylor had seen his alleged killers as his friends, one of the witnesses, who was Taylor’s friend, told the jury. “Taylor thought everything would be okay, he told me that him and Mason were friends.”

A witness of the murder said she heard a “Pop” then an “Ow” then another “Pop”, and shortly after saw what she thought was a blue SUV speed off. The prosecutor said the car the witness referred to was the car Binion was driving that night.

Binion’s defense attorney, Kristin McGough, stated there were multiple cartridges found at the crime scene, including one that did not match the same type of firearm as the others. She said that not all of the bullets found at the crime scene were connected to the case.

McGough also said that, due to the angle of the witnesses home and the darkness of the alleyway at night, she said she found it hard to believe that the witness would be able to see the car speed off.

Joshua Ellis Massaquoi, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, is also charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital and scheduled for a status hearing on Feb. 5. His case was also separated from the other two defendants.

Massaquoi, 32, is scheduled to testify in Binion’s trial on Jan. 30.

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in F Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a man they believe is connected to the fatal shooting of another man in Northeast, DC.

According to a press release, officers charged 27-year-old Stanley Brown with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 36-year-old Jimmy Beynum on the 1600 block of F Street, NE on Jan. 23.

Beynum, who was taken to a local hospital, succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 29.

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Prosecutor Tries to Pin Third Charge on Murder Suspect

On Jan. 29, a prosecutor tried to connect a murder defendant to an additional crime that took place around the same time he allegedly committed a murder.

Joseph Melton, 51, a resident of Southeast DC, was charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Kevin Chamberlain, 48, on the 2400 block of Virginia Avenue, NW on Jan. 14. According to a press release, he was also charged with assault with the intent to kill with a knife for another incident that occurred earlier that same day.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that Melton committed the murder and the assault because of a description that a witness gave of the defendant to 9-1-1.

Judge Dayson did not find probable cause for a third assault the prosecution tried to charge Melton with, which occurred in the same area, on the same day within the same time frame.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecutor showed a video recording of a person, who is believed to be the defendant, attacking one of the victims. The prosecutor also showed a picture of the weapon that was allegedly used to attack the victim.

Melton’s defense attorney, Joseph Wong, requested that the prosecutor turn in the body camera footage that had content in regards to Melton’s case. Wong said he believed the person identified on the video looked different from the physical description of Melton.

Judge Dayson scheduled a felony status conference for May 1 to discuss footage’s content.

This article was written by Naysha Carrasquillo

‘We can’t blame whoever is most convenient,’ Defense Attorney Says

During opening statements the prosecution and defense showed both the suspect and the victim as young men with a lot of life ahead.

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

The prosecutor said Taylor was only 21 and was planning on continuing his degree in criminal justice with hopes of working for the government.

According to multiple witnesses, Taylor was a joyful and fun person to be around.

But, Binion’s defense attorney, Kristin McGough, spoke about the events of that morning. She said that the prosecution was doing a poor job of painting a full picture of Taylors’ day. More happened that day the prosecution did not want the jury to know about, said the defense.

According to a witness, there was an altercation in the neighborhood on the day of the shooting. Apparently, Taylor pulled out a gun and shot into the air.

McGough said that if he was willing and able to shoot a gun into the air, then he is not completely innocent.

“We can’t blame whoever is most convenient,” McGough said.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 29.

Victor Carvajal’s case was dismissed the day before opening statements. Carvajal was also charged with first-degree murder while armed. Joshua Ellis Massaquoi, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, is also charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo.

Judge Declares Mistrial in Murder Case

During a status hearing on Jan. 28, a judge declared a mistrial and ordered a new trial date for a murder defendant.

Kimberly Thompson was convicted of first-degree murder in March of 2019 for shooting Charles Mayo, 53, on the 1900 block of Bennett Place, NE.

Thompson’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, said the prosecution failed to turn over documents that could exonerate Thompson. As a result, DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee declared a mistrial.

“There is only one witness that implicated Thompson, and that witness has a family connection to the victim,” said Mosley.

The specifics of the evidence were not discussed.

Judge Lee asked the prosecution to explain why the evidence wasn’t turned over when it was first received.

“It was just negligence on our part,” said the prosecutor. The prosecution reiterated that there was no ulterior motive for not turning over the evidence.

Judge Lee agreed and said that he believed it was just negligence on the part of the prosecution.

He set a new trial date for Feb. 6.

This article was written by MiriYam Judd

Data Shows Christmas As Only Homicide-free Holiday in DC

D.C. Witness data uncovered a bit of Christmas cheer within a dark trend throughout the city. According to D.C. Witness data, there has been at least two homicides on major holidays, except the religious holiday.

From 2015-2019 homicides have occurred on all major American holidays, including Thanksgiving, Halloween, Fourth of July, Labor Day, New Years Eve, New Years Day and Easter.

Most of the homicides recorded on a major holidays occurred on Independence Day, July 4. Independence Day has had more homicides than all other holidays with five occurring since 2015.

Halloween is the second holiday with the highest murder toll in DC with four murders since 2015.

There have been four homicides on Thanksgiving since 2015, including two homicides that occurred in 2019.

The graph shows the number of homicides in Washington, DC per each holiday from 2015-2019.

D.C. Witness reported that Tyree Pugh, who was a 25-year-old man, was fatally shot on Nov. 28, 2019, on the 1700 block of Trenton Place, SE. Police have not arrested any suspects in Pugh’s case.

Michael Andre Francis was fatally shot earlier that day on the Unit block of Danbury Street, SW. The incidents were unrelated.

Police arrested Michael Fahnbulleh, a resident from Gaithersburg, Md., for allegedly shooting the 28-year-old man.. Fahnbulleh, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 7.

New Year’s Day and Easter holidays have had three homicides, each since 2015.

Labor day has recorded only two murders within the same timespan.

However, there has not been any instances of homicides on Christmas day.

Dec. 25 remains the one major holiday in which no homicide has been recorded.

D.C. Witness has covered nearly 800 homicides in DC since 2015.

Ellery Groth contributed to this article.

Murder Defendant Chooses Trial Over Manslaughter Plea

During a status hearing Jan. 28, a murder defendant rejected a plea offer.

Dajuan Jones, 17, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Cheyenne Washington on the 4400 block of E Street, SE on July 18. Jones is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Apparently there was a transportation issue with Jones, so the hearing was rescheduled to the afternoon. The issue was not revealed in open court.

The prosecution extended a plea offer of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Jones said he decided to reject the offer. Instead, he requested to go to trial.

The prosecution said that if Jones were to accept the offer, he would be eligible for the Youth Rehabilitation Act. The Youth Act would not be available if Jones goes to trial.

According to DC Courts, Jones’ trial is set to begin on Feb. 24. Counsel for the prosecution told DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman that they expect to call around 10-12 witnesses.

Jones is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 7, 2020.

Corrine Simon wrote this article.

Document: Traffic Fatality Suitland Parkway (Inbound) Near Irving Street, SE

On Jan. 28, a pedestrian was killed in a traffic accident on Suitland Parkway (Inbound) near the Irving Street, SE exit ramp.

According to a MPD press release, officers responded to Suitland Parkway, where they observed an unconscious individual laying in the inbound lanes of travel just prior to the Irving Street, SE exit ramp.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and determined that there were no signs of life.

The decedent has been identified as a 49 year-old Cheryln Ninette Bell, of Southeast, DC.

A preliminary investigation of the traffic crash revealed Bell was crossing from the south side of Suitland Parkway, heading towards Irving Street, SE, when she was struck by an unknown vehicle.

This case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099.

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Judge Releases Juvenile Murder Defendant

During a felony status conference Jan. 28, a judge agreed to release a murder suspect on the condition that he continues to wear a GPS ankle monitoring device.

J’Whan Simpson is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Domonique Franklin, 16, on the 200 block of M Street., SW, on Aug. 30, 2019. Simpson is being tried as an adult.

She also said that if he failed to comply with his release conditions, which also include keeping the battery charged on his monitor, he would be sent back to jail.

Simpson’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, asked DC Superior Court Judge Juliet J. McKenna to allow Simpson, 17, to be released from jail after his return from Virginia. She pointed out that Simpson has complied with the rules regarding his current home arrest.

“He hasn’t left the house when he wasn’t supposed to; he keeps it fully charged,” she said.

Simpson is also wanted on larceny charges in Virginia. He is being transported there on Jan. 30.

His attorney said she believes that because his charges in Virginia were not violent in nature, his pending murder charge in DC will take priority and he will be transported back to the district.

The prosecution argued that Simpson’s charges make him a danger to society and also a flight risk.

Another felony status conference is scheduled to occur on Jan. 31.

This article was written by MiriYam Judd

Judge Grants Continuance in Light of New Evidence

During the trial readiness hearing on Jan. 24, the defense requested a continuance after receiving videos hours before the hearing that were used in a sentencing for another court case.

Herman Lee Cook, 40, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Donald Stephan Johnson Jr, 45, on Aug. 8, 2016.

Herman’s defence attorney, William R. Buie III, said he received videos earlier that morning regarding two pending cases the prosecution relied on for the sentencing referendum. The prosecution is to give additional disclosure to the defense but under the terms of a protective order.

Buie said the new material is necessary in order to give a full picture, particularly regarding a third undisclosed allegation brought against Cook in Maryland.

The prosecution made representations at the bench in regards to what exactly was in the videos and how they could be tied into the case. The prosecutor also said all necessary evidence in regards to the videos and surrounding circumstances would be turned over.

District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna held that if the prosecution is aware of any prior physical altercations between the suspect and victim, or of any prior arrests of the victim, that this be disclosed with the defense.

A status hearing is scheduled to occur on Feb. 10 to enable both parties to be prepared for trial. Trial is slated to occur on Feb. 12.

This article was written by Lea Gianasso.

Fatal Stabbing Case Goes to Trial in June

During a status hearing Jan. 28, counsel said they were ready for a case to be retried.

Leonard Smith, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbed Leonte Butler, 26, on March 11, 2017, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

One of Butler’s defense attorneys, Anthony Matthews, said that a lot was resolved during the trial and nothing new has arisen since.

“I don’t anticipate the government filing any additional motions,” said the prosecutor.

In December of 2019, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson declared a mistrial.

Smith is currently living in a halfway house and has been granted a work release.

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring set a trial readiness hearing for June 12, 2020.

Trial is set to begin on June 29, 2020.

This article was written by MiriYam Judd

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter

During a felony arraignment on Jan. 21, a murder defendant pleaded guilty to an involuntary manslaughter.

Adrian Vinson 19, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the shooting of 19 year-old Tahill Byrd on Sep. 29, 2019, on the 600 block of S Street NW.

The first-degree murder charge and unlawful possession of a firearm charge were dropped in the plea deal.

Counsel agreed that Vinson would be subject to serve from three to five years in prison.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck accepted Vinson’s plea.

According to court documents, investigators retrieved video from a surveillance camera located at 1730 7th Street, NW.

The footage shows Byrd riding a moped in the 1700 block of 7th Street, NW passing S Street, NW. A few seconds later Vinson is seen in the 600 block of S Street, NW on the north sidewalk.

Vinson is seen shooting across the street in the direction of Byrd.

Byrd appears to make an attempt to retreat by turning the scooter and he was shot immediately and fell to the ground.

Vinson’s sentencing is scheduled to occur on April 3.

Document: Homicide at Union Station

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 700 Block of 1st Street, NE.

According to a press release, during the morning rush hour officers found 20 year-old Anthony Williams suffering from a stab wound. The investigation at the scene revealed the offense occurred on the Metro platform at Union Station.

Later that day, officers arrested 23 year-old Angel Moses, charging the suspect with second-degree murder while armed. Twenty-nine-year-old Edward Everstine was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact.

The investigation revealed that the homicide occurred from a dispute between the three individuals.

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2nd Degree Stabbing Moves to Trial

Instead of selecting a jury Jan. 27, counsel used the first day slated for a murder trial to dispute evidence.

Keith Archie, 39, 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.

The prosecutor filed a notice listing evidence, including notes from police officers who were on the scene after the stabbing as well as body cam footage. One of the two prosecutors told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that source documents from potential witnesses and from every police officer and the detective involved were also turned over to the defense.

Archie’s defense attorneys, Sylvia Smith and Jason Tulley, said they needed source documents from one more detective involved in the case. This detective is currently under investigation and has been removed from homicide branch. He is currently a patrol officer.

The defense said that because the officer was transferred against his will, he would be more inclined to testify in favor of the prosecution’s theory, so he could get his old job back.

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz instructed the prosecution to get documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that explained the officer’s transfer.

Smith and Tulley also asked the prosecution to inform them of specific text messages between the defendant and his mom that they intended to use during trial. The counselors said the 250 pages of documents were too many to go through.

However, the prosecutors argued that specifying messages would place them in a“pigeon hole”. The prosecutors said the text messages would restrict their case to the messages that were handed over.

Judge Kravitz said he was “not aware of any discovery rule which requires the prosecution tell the defense in advance with items it will use.” But, Judge Kravitz said that he thought 250 pages is too much for the defense to sift through.

The prosecution agreed to identify certain text messages they would use during trial.

Jury selection is slated to begin on Jan. 29.

Opening statements for the trial are set for Feb. 3.

Written by MiriYam Judd and Wyatt Mullins

Counsel Needs to Agree on Jail Calls Before Proceeding, Judge Says

A judge continued a trial readiness hearing to allow parties to agree on which jail calls to use during trial. Together, the calls span more than four hours.

Raymond Avent, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE.

During the hearing on Jan. 27, the defense and prosecution agreed to identify portions of the calls that were relevant to their respective cases. A substantial number of calls were disputed. A prosecutor on the case said she wants to play the full four and half hours for the jury.

She said it would be necessary in painting a picture for the jurors.

Defense attorney, Leonard L. Long Jr., said he was unwilling to allow the prosecution to play all of the recordings because the entire span of calls were not relevant.

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring said that it would be easier for the parties to come back once their issues were resolved.

Another felony status conference is scheduled to occur on Jan.31.

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo and Lea Gianasso.

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