Teen Carjacker Pleads Guilty

A young carjacker pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Aug. 5.

Aniq-Kai Covington, 17, was originally charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property $1000 or more, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business and possession of an unregistered firearm. The charges stem from his involvement in a carjacking and robbery that occurred on Aug. 13, 2024 on the 2700 block of 31st Street, SE.

Covington accepted a deal, pleading guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for all other charges being dropped. The prosecution also agreed not to pursue additional charges in this case.

Covington is facing a maximum sentence of 21 years for carjacking and 15 years for the possession charge. These charges typically have a mandatory minimum of seven and five years respectively, but since he is a juvenile, the minimum is not mandatory.

However, Judge Salerno still has discretion to determine what he believes is the appropriate sentence.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Witnesses Testify About a Murder Crime Scene

An Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer and forensic scientist testified about a homicide crime scene during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 6.

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.

Prosecutors called an MPD officer to testify who responded to the scene to “secure the crime scene” and “canvas for shell casings” in the grass area across the street from the apartment complex where the shooting occurred.

Prosecutors showed the officer’s body-worn camera footage to the jury illustrated the officer’s search for shell casings. In the footage, the officer is audibly surprised by the substantial amount of shell casings she found on the ground.

After the footage, the officer pointed to the area on a map to explain to the jury where she found the shell casings. Prosecutors noted that the area is right across the street from the incident address where Bradford’s body was found.

A forensic scientist from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) also testified and explained his findings from the crime scene, which included a bullet from inside the seat of a vehicle and a cartridge casing on the grass near the car. The forensic scientist said the cartridge casing he found in the car was from a “Federal 45 auto” gun, which matches the shell casings found on the ground at the scene.

The prosecution showed the jury photographs taken by the forensic scientist, including a silver Toyota car that had bullet holes.

The witness explained that the bullet was then removed and processed accordingly after they finished canvassing the scene.

Trial is set to resume Aug. 7.

document: MPD Investigating Otis Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Aug 4 in the 1300 block of Otis Place Northwest. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Cordarall Allen Horne, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy will be conducted to confirm the manner of death.

document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 61-year-old Willetta Young-Moore in connection with a shooting on Aug 3 in the 1600 block of S St, Northwest. The incident involved a domestic dispute, resulting in an adult male suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Young-Moore was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

document: MPD Investigating Northwest Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 3 in Northwest. The victim, identified as 27-year-old Akim Toure from Riverdale, MD, was found with gunshot wounds on the 400 block of New Jersey Avenue and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Prosecution Extends New Plea Offer to Suspected Teen Carjacker

The prosecution extended a new plea offer to a teen carjacking defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Aug. 4.

Aniq-Kai Covington, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property worth $1000 or more, carrying a pistol without a license, and possessing an unregistered firearm for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 2700 block of 31st Street SE.

Covington is being charged as an adult under Title 16 which gives prosecutors the option for the most serious crimes.

The prosecution latest offer to Covington requires him to plead guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for all other charges being dismissed.

The prosecution mentioned that they would oppose Covington’s sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would seal his conviction from the public after successfully completing the terms of his sentencing.

Covington’s defense attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Damayanti Desai, requested additional time to discuss the new plea offer put forth by the prosecution.

The prosecution had no objections.

Judge Salerno moved the hearing for the next day but expressed unwillingness to extend discussions past Wednesday so the court can move forward with jury selection.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 5.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northeast Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 27-year-old Devyn Cyphers in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on Jul. 31 in the 300 block of Maryland Avenue, Northeast. Cyphers allegedly attacked an adult female with a knife, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Cyphers has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Document: MPD’s Weekly Firearm Recoveries: Monday, July 21, 2025, to Sunday, July 27, 2025

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 60 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from Jul 21 to Jul 27. Arrests included individuals such as 29-year-old Izaiah Pharoah McNeil and 18-year-old Enrique Leonardo Ramos Moreno, among others, for charges related to carrying pistols without a license and possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition. The MPD continues its efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets to enhance community safety.

Victim’s Fiancee Testifies in Murder Trial Opening

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom heard opening statements and multiple witnesses testify, including the victim’s fiancee, on Aug. 5.

In opening statements, the prosecution showed surveillance footage of the victim being shot and collapsing face-first. The prosecution argued that the shooting was an act of retaliation after Bradford allegedly took a Glock 22 from Gripper and two other men. When asked by the group if he had the gun, Bradford said no and that he was going to the car. His diversion did not work and he had to flee, with the three men chasing after him and opening fire, according to the prosecutor. .

Bradford’s fiancée witnessed the shooting from the bedroom window of their shared apartment, according to the prosecutor.

The prosecution noted that the Glock 22 was never fired, and Bradford did not pose a threat to the three individuals when he was murdered.

The prosecution informed the jury that there was identification, forensic, and getaway evidence connected to Gripper. The prosecution clarified that the defendant can be guilty of the crime, even if he did not fire the fatal shot.

Gripper’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, said the person who shot the victim is not depicted on video. Falodun argued that the victim turned around and pointed a gun at Gripper. He stated that Gripper acted in self-defense, not as part of a planned conspiracy.

He also noted that Bradford had a blood alcohol level that was four times the legal limit to drive.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called Bradford’s fiancée to the stand. She testified she shared an apartment with the victim, near the site of the crime scene.

Bradford’s fiancée testified that, on the day of the incident, Bradford returned to the apartment intoxicated, but sobered up after a nap. She recalled that, when Bradford left to take out the trash, he was taking longer than usual.

The fiancee testified that when she looked out the window, she saw Bradford being followed by three men wearing big coats. She heard one of the men ask “you got that 22?” with the victim responding,“Don’t play with guns.”

She said she witnessed the men chasing after Bradford and shooting at him when he ran out of sight. She later heard one of the men say, “You killed them, bruh,” with another man responding ,“They say he was still moving.”

The prosecution presented the witness’ 911 call to the court. The witness was heard sobbing over the phone, telling emergency services that her fiancée just got shot and that he was no longer breathing.

During cross-examination, Falodun questioned the fiancée about Bradford’s possessing a gun. The witness stated she could not see Bradford holding a weapon, since it was dark outside. She admitted that she could not say that Bradford did not threaten or point a gun at anyone.

One of Bradford’s neighbors testified that he overheard gunshots coming from the back of the apartment building. He heard someone ask “Did you kill them?”

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 6.

Document: MPD Investigating V Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on Jul 30 in the 700 block of V Street, Northwest. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Simmons-Miller of Gaithersburg, Maryland, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Document: MPD Seeking Suspects in Northeast Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking suspects involved in an armed carjacking that took place on Jul. 27 in Northeast Washington, D.C. The incident occurred at the corner of Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road, where one suspect brandished a knife and took the victim’s moped keys, allowing the second suspect to flee on the moped. Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspects.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him in a proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on July 30.

Kyre Robinson, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE, on Dec. 16, 2024.

Robinson, represented by defense attorney Edwin Palacio, waived his right and the judge acknowledged his decision. Palacio did not argue for Robinson’s release, and he will remain detained until further notice pre-trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 22.

Insanity Plea Pending in Brothers’ Double-Homicide

Defense attorney Sellano Simmons told the court on Aug.1 that he is working toward an insanity defense for the suspected murderer of two brothers in a case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Ronzoni Jackson, Jr., 24, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 28-year-old Octavio Quintano and 35-year-old Osmine Quintano on Dec. 12, 2023, at a liquor store on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE. The suspect was initially identified through distinctive facial features captured on surveillance footage.

Jackson was found mentally competent to stand try in an assessment made by the DC Department of Behavioral health in March, 2024. The law requires that a defendant be mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces as well as participate in the case with his lawyer. Otherwise, he can’t stand trial.

However, Simmons argued that Jackson needs to undergo more competency testing from behavioral specialists and expressed the hope that in September he will be in a better position to present an insanity defense at trial, which is set to begin Feb 9, 2026.

Judge Edelman urged Simmons to complete competency testing by early September.

Simmons responded that he doesn’t know if that timeline will be feasible given the available experts but he will try his best.

The prosecution said they have conducted DNA testing of some pieces of evidence, while others won’t be tested.

The defense chose to waive their right to independent DNA testing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.

Defense Argues Health Issues Justify Murder Defendant’s Release

A murder defendant’s defense attorney argued for his release before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.

Juan Adams, 40, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Michael Hansley on Dec. 2, 2023, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Adams’ defense attorney, Rachel Cicurel, filed an emergency motion for Adams’ immediate release from detention. She cited that the extreme summer heat and the lack of air conditioning in the DC Jail posed serious physical health issues for Adams. Cicurel also mentioned that the recent rise in jail stabbings has caused him to fear for his life.

Cicurel explained that the defendant has a wife and newborn child to support. Adams’ wife is allegedly struggling to take care of her healthcare needs because she cannot afford childcare. Cicurel also expressed concerns that Adams’ family may lose housing due to the defendant’s name being on the lease of their apartment.

His lawyer also noted that the defendant has taken steps to better himself by completing anger management classes, learning CPR, doing career exploration, and learning construction management through jail programming.

Cicurel argued for Adams to be placed in 24-hour home confinement. She insisted that the conditions of the DC Jail have frightened him into compliance with release.

Judge Ryan, while sympathetic to the defendant’s struggles, maintained the detention. He cited that the conditions of Adams’ release don’t take his personal situation into consideration. The judge is a frequent critic of the jail and said he wished Adams could be sent somewhere else.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 21.

Murder Defendant Rejects Wired Plea Offer

A murder defendant rejected a wired plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 1.

Michael Sanders, 30, and Darnell Resper, 31, are charged with first-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki on the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW on Feb. 18, 2021. Another individual was injured.

Sanders’ defense attorney, Daniel Kovler, informed the court that Sanders intended to reject a plea deal extended by the prosecution. Since the plea was wired, Sanders’ rejection also excluded Resper from the deal. If it had been accepted, Sanders and Resper would have pled guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

According to court documents, Sanders and Resper allegedly entered the home while Zarouaki was hosting a “marijuana party” and demanded drugs and personal property from the individuals present while pointing guns at them. Sanders allegedly fired, fatally shooting Zarouaki in the neck and wounding another victim.

Additionally, the prosecution requested the trial date, which is slated to begin Oct. 21, be pushed back to 2026 due to scheduling conflicts. Judge Ryan objected to changing the date, stating “it never makes sense to continue trial unless I absolutely have to.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.

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