Release Conditions Continue for Carjacking Defendant in Plea Negotiations

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a carjacking defendant’s request to moderate his release conditions while plea negotiations continue at a June 11 hearing.

Dale Benjamin, 37, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 4400 block of Bennington Road, SE, on Sept. 15, 2024.

Benjamin’s attorney, Marnitta King, argued that his current release under GPS tracking and home confinement, is preventing the defendant from maintaining employment and growing his relationship with his children who live in Maryland, while he is in DC.

King highlighted no violations for his client, and stated there’s a correctional facility that wants to hire Benjamin.

The prosecution agreed that Benjamin was maintaining compliance. However, they argued it isn’t enough to warrant a release due to the severity of the defendant’s charges.

The prosecution also cited past offenses suggesting the defendant is a danger to the community.

King argued that the defendant’s past crimes are irrelevant to this case since they occured when he was a juvenile.

Judge Hertzfeld denied Benjamin’s release, stating that he needs employment verification to lift the curfew and meanwhile the GPS box will stay on.

Parties are to resume on July 15.

Shooting Defendant Wants Release to Attend Daughter’s Graduation

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe accepted a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for a confinement exception to see his daughter’s graduation during a hearing on June 12.

Demarco Young, 32, is charged with endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Jan. 21,on the 1600 block of Galen Street, SE.

Young’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, filed a motion to end Young’s home confinement with GPS monitoring. According to Thomas, Young has been compliant with all conditions, except for a ten minute period in May.

He “wants to go to his daughter’s graduation,” said Thomas, arguing that his client should be allowed to see his daughter finish high school. The prosecution had no objection to the exception.

Judge Pipe disagreed with ending the current confinement status but did agree to make an exception to allow Young to attend the graduation.

According to the parties, they’re in the final stages of plea negotiations.

They are set to reconvene June 16.

Domestic Stabbing Defendant Denied Release, Waives Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release in a hearing on June 9, following the defendant’s waiving a preliminary hearing.

Manuel Yeager, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on June 3 on the 2000 block of Q Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim was Yeager’s brother, with whom the defendant lived. The two brothers allegedly engaged in a heated argument, leading Yeager to attack the victim with a knife.

Darryl Daniels, Yeager’s attorney, alerted Judge Herrmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and argued in favor of Yeager’s release, citing his lack of criminal history in the last seven years and the complicated domestic nature of the incident.

The prosecution was opposed, focusing on the seriousness of the victim’s injuries and the defendant’s history of altercations with the victim. The prosecution also provided images of the victim’s injuries showing excessive bleeding and detailed how emergency responders used an oxygen mask and tournaquet to save the victim’s life.

Citing the seriousness of the victim’s injuries, Judge Herrmann denied Yeager release.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 2.

GPS Tracking Lifted for Murder Suspect, Bench Warrant For Missing Co-Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the defense’s request on June 12 to lift GPS tracking of one co-defendant, while the other remains subject to a bench warrant.

Jahi Rapp, 21, and Amarii Fontanelle, 22, are charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Davonte Berkley, 19, and Reginald Cooper, Jr., 19, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022.

According to court documents, surveillance footage displays shots being fired from an individual identified as Fontanelle, who then fled the scene. Four other individuals, including one identified as Rapp, are seen fleeing the apartment building. All five allegedly fled in the suspect vehicle.

Jesse Winograd, Rapp’s attorney, requested that his requirement for GPS tracking be lifted, stating that Rapp has been compliant for more than a year. The prosecution raised objections.

However, after testimony from a pretrial supervisor indicated Rapp’s compliance, Judge Ryan agreed to lift the GPS tracking monitor.

Fontanelle failed to appears and is being sought under a bench warrant.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 19.

Carjacker Accepts Plea Deal, Held For Sentencing

A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on June 9.

Vincent Atchison, 58, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking for his involvement for an incident that occurred on Feb. 3 on the 3800 block of Davis Place, NW.

During his hearing, Atchison’s attorney, Howard McEachern, alerted Judge Israel he intended to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution, which required Atchison to plead guilty to robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to the bottom of the sentencing guidelines based on his criminal history.

McEachern requested Atchison be released pending sentencing with mandatory weekly drug testing. He argued that Atchison’s last conviction was 18 years ago and was largely fueled by substance abuse. Further, McEachern mentioned that Atchison’s mother had health issues that Atchison’s could support if released.

The prosecution objected and argued that Atchison approached the victim from behind, throwing her to the ground before taking her keys and taking off with her vehicle. The prosecution emphasized that the elderly victim was especially vulnerable and such force is extremely dangerous for an elderly person.

When McEachern provided the address where Atchison would live the prosecution alerted Judge Israel that it was extremely close to the victim.

Judge Israel ultimately stated that she did not believe Atchison was a flight risk but that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Atchison was not a risk to the community, subsequently denying McEachern’s request for release.

Parties are set to reconvene on August 22.

Medical Examiner Confirms Stabbing Homicide

A medical examiner testified about the extent of a homicide victim’s injuries before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 11.

Daniel Chapman, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 43-year-old Antoine Ealey. The incident occurred on July 22, 2023, on the 2300 Block of L’Enfant Square, SE.

The prosecution called on the medical examiner who said Ealey sustained five external injuries, including a two inch deep, three inch wide gaping stab wound on the left shoulder.

The witness detailed that the shoulder wound had cut through several blood vessels and punctured the top of the left lung, ultimately causing the victim’s death. The autopsy located blood in the chest cavity ultiamtely determining manner of death was homicide.

A toxicologist toxicology report found PCP and K2, a synthetic cannabinoid, was in Ealey’s blood and that PCP could distort reality in a way that might cause violence but not necessarily from taking it.

Another witness who reviewed Ealy’s autopsy. testified that the second rib on Ealy’s left side was fractured due to sharp force trauma.

The witness also stated that the knife used in the stabbing would not have had serrated edges due to the lack of chipping and marks on the rib bone. The prosecution showed the knife that was allegedly used during the incident and asked the witness if a knife like this could have been used in this scenario. The witness stated that he could not rule it out.

The prosecution also showed the CCTV surveillance footage of the incident. In the video, provided by a witness from the United States Attorney’s office, an individual in a red shirt walking down an alleyway was visible. Shortly after, a group of four individuals was seen exiting an apartment building on Pennsylvania Avenue, and walking down the same alley in the same direction as the man in a red shirt. The group of individuals eventually stop at the end of the alley near a back parking lot of a car wash.

The man in red, who was also at the end of the alley, sees the group of four individuals and begins to interact with them. Eventually, the man in red comes closer to the group and an individual in a polka dot shirt begins to interact with the man in red.

After a couple of seconds of face- to-face interaction, both individuals briefly begin to kick each other’s legs. After, the man in the red walks away toward the end of the alley, the man in the polka dot shirt follows him and they both begin to fight. After a couple of seconds, the man in red runs away and out of line of the camera view.

The participants shown in the melee were not immediately identified.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 16.

Shooting Defendant Released Despite Rearrest

DC Superior Court ChiefJudge Milton Lee allowed a shooting defendant to continue probation on June 12, despite facing another charge.

Dakia Thomas, 44, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. She was originally charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These counts. stemmed from her involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Dec. 16, 2021, on the 33500 block of Albert Irvin Cassell Place NE. No injuries were reported.

Dakia is on a five year probation as a part of her plea deal, and, according to her parole officer, was complying with everything asked of her by the court. However, she was rearrested for simple assault for allegedly sending multiple threatening text messages.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked to keep her in jail stating that she broke her probation agreement. In an April proceeding, DC Superior Court Judge Pipe stated that she was not inclined to release Thomas, and that her two previous charges are cause for concern. When the hearing concluded, Thomas shouted, “This is bulls**t.”

However, Judge Lee stated that the two cases are unrelated and granted her release, under the condition she reports to her parole officer on June 13 and arrives at her court date for the misdemeanor.

Judge Considers Extending Probation Following Re-Arrest

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson postponed deciding on a prosecutor’s request to extend probation on June 6 after a woman convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence was re-arrested for allegedly driving without a permit.

Brianca Phillips, 28, was charged in 2022 with conspiracy, first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the 2021 shooting of Terrance Allen, according to court records. In 2024, Phillips entered a deal where she pleaded guilty to conspiracy in exchange for the other charges being dropped.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced Phillips to 12 months probation in February 2025 under the Youth Rehabilitation Act of 1985 (YRA).

The YRA is a DC law that allows defendants who were 24 years old or younger at the time of committing a crime to have their conviction taken off from their criminal record if they comply with court orders and participate in rehabilitative programs.

After Phillips was re-arrested on charges of driving without a permit, a urine test indicated she had consumed alcohol within the past 48 hours.

Phillips’ defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, questioned the relevance of this test result, as alcohol consumption is legal. However, alcohol use violates Phillips’ probation, according to court records.

A community supervision officer (CSO) from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) told the court that, apart from this rearrest, Phillips has been compliant and involved in rehabilitation and community programs.

However, the CSO said she was standing in and could not speak for Phillips’ current CSO.

Judge Dayson remarked that extending Phillips’ probationary term may not make sense, since it ends in February 2026. She said she wants to hear the opinion of Phillips’ current CSO regarding the status of her probation before making a decision.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11.

Metro Bus Stabbing Defendant Denied Release, Waives Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release following his waiving a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him on June 9.

Daniel Williams, 42, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 27 at the Minnesota Avenue Metro bus station on the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Williams and the victim exchanged heated words on board the bus prior to the incident.

Darryl Daniels, Williams’ attorney, alerted Judge Herrmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and presented arguments for Williams’ release. According to Daniels, Williams has stable housing and a job, lack of criminal history, and is the sole provider for his two children. The defense also mentioned that the victim had been “disrespectful” to the driver of the bus, which offended Williams.

The prosecution provided arguments for holding Williams, mentioning the unprovoked nature of the attack and the seriousness of the victim’s injuries, which included a punctured lung.

Citing the seriousness of the offense, Judge Herrmenn denied Williams release.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 2.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Metro bus Stabbing

A defendant in a stabbing case accepted a plea deal while DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied him release on June 11.

Ankintola Olowofoyeku, 43, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on a DC Metro bus at the intersection of the 5400 Block of Georgia Avenue, NW and Jefferson Street, NW on July 21, 2024. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney, Santia McLaurin, alerted Judge Hertzfeld of his intent to accept a deal extended by prosecutors. The agreement required Olowofoyeku to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the parties agreed to a sentencing within the guidelines in keeping with the defendant’s criminal history score which takes into account past offenses.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant struck the victim in the thigh, arm, and hand, resulting in injuries requiring stitches. The victim and defendant were strangers before the altercation.

Following his guilty plea, McLaurin asked Judge Hertzfeld to consider release or transfer to the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) to help Olowofoyeku’s declining health.

McLaurin claimed that Olowofoyeku had pain in his mouth that was causing sinus issues and that he had vertigo, which had caused dizziness and lightheadedness. Additionally, he is recovering from substance abuse, and the jail has not treatment program.

The defense also brought up Olowofoyeku’s parents’ declining health and his responsibility to take care of them.

However, the prosecution disagreed, stating that the “evidence of the defendant’s dangerousness is clear,” given the severity of the defendant’s current charges.

With the prosecution citing previous misdemeanors in which the defendant had acted violently and aggressively, the judge ultimately denied release and said she would consider the jail transfer.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 4.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Denies Release in Near Fatal Shooting

After hearing arguments and evidence in the case against a man accused of shooting his roommate, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, who was standing in for Judge Todd Edelman, found probable cause to move forward with the case and detain the defendant pre-trial on June 6.

Ke’Shaun Farmer, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting and paralyzing his friend after an altercation in their apartment on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE, on Feb. 18, 2025.

Defense attorney Bernadette Armand called an investigator who works for her to the witness stand, who testified to speaking with another investigator who interviewed the victim in the hospital after the incident. He said he was told the victim was lucid, playing a video game, and in a good mood during the interview.

According to the witness, the victim told the other investigator that the shooting occurred after Farmer and the victim got in an argument over an accusation by Farmer’s girlfriend that the victim stole marijuana from Farmer.

After an alleged “tussle,” the witness said, Farmer walked a few feet to the couch and produced a handgun.

“You’re not doing anything with that,” the victim reported saying to Farmer, before Farmer allegedly shot him.

Farmer and his girlfriend then allegedly fled the scene, the witness said he was told by the other investigator.

Armand argued Farmer acted in self-defense and cited the victim’s 2024 guilty plea to second-degree assault in Maryland. Armand showed the witness the statement of facts from that conviction, which said the victim had been drinking before the assault.

During cross-examination, the prosecutor questioned the witness’ connection to the other investigator and knowledge of his interviewing practices. The witness testified that he previously had a phone conversation with the other investigator for networking but did not know much else about how he operated.

The prosecutor noted that neither the witness nor the court had a signed or verified copy of the victim’s statement to the other investigator. The witness’ testimony was based only on his conversation with the other investigator.

The prosecutor confirmed with the witness that he did not know certain details, such as how far the couch was from the men at the time of the argument, or whether or not the victim lunged at the defendant prior to being shot.

The prosecutor also asked the witness if he knew whether or not the victim was on any medication that could alter his state of mind during the interview, to which the witness responded that he did not know for certain. He reiterated that the other investigator told him the victim seemed lucid at the time.

The prosecution argued that there was no basis for a claim of self-defense. He said Farmer showed intent to kill by walking to get the gun and shooting the victim in the chest.

“There are clear gaps you could drive a truck through in a case that is very important,” the prosecutor said. He characterized the shooting as an “unfortunate byproduct” of poor decision-making by Farmer.

Armand rebutted these claims by showing video from Farmer’s police interview. While on camera, Farmer had a nine-minute phone call with the victim, who said he would support Farmer despite the shooting. Other video footage from the interview room showed Farmer cooperating with police to locate the gun.

Armand argued that Farmer felt remorse afterward for having used force against his friend, but at the time of the shooting, the victim was angry and Farmer felt threatened.

The prosecutor introduced into evidence several photos of Farmer with firearms, including the one allegedly used in the shooting. Some of the photos depicted handguns with extended magazines, which are illegal in the District of Columbia.

The prosecutor argued that Farmer’s possession of illegal firearms and his casual way of handling them in the photos contradicted his previous statements that he owned those guns for protection.

Armand argued that the photos in question were taken from a music video and the guns were props.

Judge Dayson ruled that the prosecution presented clear and convincing evidence that Farmer had intent to kill when he shot the victim. She based her ruling on the placement of the shot and the lack of evidence for a theory of self-defense.

Armand requested Farmer be released to home confinement, citing his compliance with orders to appear in court.

Judge Dayson denied the request, saying the prosecution’s evidence showed Farmer would be a danger to the community if released.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22 in front of Judge Edelman.

Judge Allows Murder Defendant to Work

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson modified release conditions for Alfred Paulino-Del Rosario in a June 6 hearing, granting him the ability to work.

Paulino-Del Rosario, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting death of 21-year-old Jhonatan Guzman Hernandez on the 2400 block of 15th Street, NW, on Dec. 30, 2022.

According to court records, Paulino-Del Rosario was granted supervised release on January 22, 2025, meaning he was placed on 24-hour home confinement with electronic monitoring.

Defense attorney Molly Bunke requested that the court modify the conditions of his release to allow him to work as long as he returns home under a curfew. She argued that Paulino-Del Rosario has been compliant in the two years since the incident and therefore is not a danger to the community if released from strict home confinement.

Judge Dayson partially granted the request, giving Paulino-Del Rosario permission to work after he provides a verified work schedule. She declined to set a regular curfew.

Meanwhile, the prosecution told the court they are in communication with several labs about testing DNA evidence but are facing difficulty completing the testing in time for the Oct. 5 deadline to indict Paulino-Del Rosario.

Bunke asked for more time to speak with her client and forensic team regarding DNA evidence, saying that she was not prepared to discuss the matter since she did not know it would be part of the hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 19.

Murder Defendant Won’t Be Retried, Released After Acquittal

The prosecution in a homicide announced they would not be pursuing a retrial and formally moved to dismiss the case against acquitted defendant Myrol Hickson before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 11.

Hickson, 36, was originally charged with 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 fatal shooting of 38-year-old Maurice Frazier on Oct. 28, 2022. The incident occurred in an apartment building on the 900 block of Bellevue Street, SE.

On June 10, the jury returned a not guilty verdict for the first-degree murder charge, and the lesser charge of second-degree murder. However, Judge Brandt ordered a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict for other charges.

At the latest hearing, Judge Brandt granted the prosecution’s request to dismiss the remaining charges, and said she would sign a release order, ordering Hickson be released from the DC Jail as soon as possible.

Moments after the case was dismissed, Hickson grew visibly emotional, embracing his attorneys, Matthew Besman and Dana Page. Judge Brandt concluded the proceedings with a farewell, wishing Hickson good luck as he steps into the next chapter of his life.

No further dates were set.

Judge Won’t Remove GPS Monitor After Stabbing Suspect Fails Drug Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a request to remove electronic monitoring for Starleash Clyburn on June 5 after she reportedly failed another drug test.

Clyburn was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing that occurred on Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 10:10 AM on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE,

Defense Attorney Karen L. Minor argued to modify Clyburn’s probation to reduce constant monitoring. The prosecution disagreed claiming that Clyburn had failed drug testing conducted during her probation.

Clyburn previously received multiple notices of probabtion non-compliance. The prosecution said she was purposely avoiding drug testing.

The defense said Clyburn is now complying with drug tests. However, multiple controlled substances were reportedly found present in Clyburn’s system after testing including amphetamines and synthetic drugs including K2, a lab-made marijuana.

After review, Judge Di Toro rejected the motion to take minor off of electronic monitoring. Her concerns about Clyburn’s failed drug tests were a determining factor. She suggested that rehabilitation may be a better next step, in light of the circumstances.

Clyburn is set for another hearing on June 30, where she will be able to make another appeal.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A defendant in a shooting case waived his right to independent DNA evidence testing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 11.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These charges stem from Shelton’s alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one person and took place on Nov. 9, 2020 on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Shelton waived his rights under the Innocence Protection Act after the prosecution put into the record that they had performed DNA testing on physical evidence, including a black face covering, found at the incident location.

Both parties will meet next week under a different judge for an evidentiary hearing to review the defense’s motion that body cam footage was allegedly mishandled by the prosecution.

The case is set to start trial on June 23, but will be certified to a different judge due to a scheduling conflict with Judge Park.

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