Judge Finds Murder Defendant Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found a murder defendant mentally competent enough to stand trial following an evaluation on Oct. 24.

Jordan Therman, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery, and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW, on Aug. 4, 2023.

He is also charged with two counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting that wounded one individual on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, on Feb. 7, 2024.

Judge Dayson said that Therman previously appeared uncooperative with his attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, prompting her to order a forensic examination. Before standing trial, a defendant must demonstrate that he understands his charges and can work with his attorney.

According to a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Therman was malingering – or exaggerating – symptoms, such as saying he experienced loud auditory hallucinations. The report said a brain scan was inconsistent with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder with delusional beliefs and intense mood swings. .

Judge Dayson added that in previous cases, evaluations resulted in the same malingering determination. Given his history and the new report, she found Therman competent to stand trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 21.

Mother, Son Co-Defendants Sentenced For Murder

Mother and son co-defendants were sentenced for the murder of a woman driving a vehicle with a baby onboard and in stabbing a man in the DC Jail during a hearing on Oct. 24. The motive for the crime was retribution after a high school fistfight.

Jaquell Jackson, 22, entered an agreement and pleaded guilty to second degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on the 1300 block of Congress Street, NE, on Sept 15, 2021.

Chakeatia Jackson, 41, also entered a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in the fatal shooting.

Jaquell also pleaded guilty as part of the plea agreement to assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the repeated stabbing of a man in the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Feb. 4.

According to the facts that the defendants acknoweldged, Jaquell knowingly shot Chappell after his mother, Chakeatia, pointed out the vehicle she was driving with the knowledge that he would harm her. This occurred after a fight among students at Anacostia High School that led to Chakeatia’s saying she would bring her son to the fight.

The prosecution welcomed 11 family members and loved ones to deliver victim impact statements to the court. All speakers explained the devastating effect Chappell’s passing is having on them and requested the maximum sentence for the defendants.

Chappell’s father passed away from prior health issues and grief as a result of his daughter’s passing. Her mother’s health continues to deteriorate as well from the grief, according to the family. Her former fiance has been unable to enter his house or car because of memories of times there.

Her family shared that Chappell was a wonderful aunt, cousin, daughter, and fiance. She always prioritized her loved ones’ health and happiness, and would drop everything to take care of her sick mother.

Chappell was the youngest sibling in her family. Her older siblings shared their impact of the baby of the family forever lost.

Chappell was born and raised in the district, attending DC Public Schools and living just blocks from where she was murdered. She went to culinary school as cooking was her passion, and became a personal chef, earning her the nickname “Chef Chic.”

The prosecution argued that Jaquell was not “simply the arm of his mother.” She explained that Jaquell was on release for a firearm possession charge, demonstrating his capacity for violent crime.

The prosecution also explained that Jaquell has not demonstrated remorse for the victim’s family. Her loved ones claimed that Jaquell verbally attacked Chappell’s family at court hearings.

The prosecution also pointed to the stabbing he committed while in the DC Jail to show his lack of remorse and rehabilitation. After writing his pre-sentence report, the interviewerer said that Jaquell “acts without regard.”

Jaquell’s lawyer, defense attorney Megan Allburn, argued that Jaquell was only 17-years-old at the time of the murder and was heavily influenced by his mother while he was a minor. She explained that Jaquell’s father was sent to federal prison when he was 13-years-old, which affected his upbringing.

Allburn claimed that Jaquell did very well in high school, completing Advance Placement (AP) courses and playing sports. He graduated from high school just months before the shooting.

Allburn also argued that Jaquell had almost no criminal record. His single possession charge was from carrying a weapon because his childhood friends had died from gun violence and possessing a gun was the only way “he knew how to protect himself.”

Allburn claimed that she was never made aware that Jaquell participated in a pre-sentence report interview. She argued that he did not know that what he said would be used in court and that this was his opportunity to express his remorse for the victim’s family and accept responsibility.

Instead, Jaquell wrote a letter to the court. Jaquell explained his regret and apologized to Chappell’s family.

“Please look at me as the man I am becoming and not the boy I was,” Jaquell said.

Allburn offered the court seven certifications Jaquell received as a result of completing various leadership and educational programs offered by the DC Jail. She argued that this demonstrated his effort towards rehabilitation.

She also argued that there is intense eviolence in the DC Jail, and that Jaquell’s stabbing case was a product of that dangerous environment.

The prosecution placed blame on Chakeatia too. She emphasized Chakeatia’s role as Jaquell’s mother and the influence she had on him.

“When teenage girls are in a fist fight, they look to adults in the room,” the prosecution said. “Instead she pointed her son to a car with four unarmed people, including a baby.”

Chakeatia’s lawyer, Kevin Irving, claimed that the fist fight at the high school involved her niece, who Chakeatia was trying to protect. Chakeatia was allegedly forced to call the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to escort her to her car because angry parents were following her.

Irving argued that Chakeatia assumed her son would “make a threatening act”, not that he would try to kill someone.

Irving explained to the court that Chakeatia has a very limited criminal history, with only one misdemeanor from ten years ago. According to Irving, she works as a Metro janitor to care for her five children.

In her statement to the court, Chakeatia expressed her remorse to the family, and explained that she now thinks through her actions because she understands things can turn deadly quickly.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced Jaquell to the maximum sentence under the plea agreement of 15 years for the murder of Chappell. He sentenced Jaquell to the maximum sentence of five years in prison for the stabbing of the victim in the DC Jail.

The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve 15 years total. Jackson was sentenced using the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Judge Ryan explained that the motivation behind his sentencing decision stemmed from the violence of the crime. The individual stabbed in DC Jail is a party in one of Judge Ryan’s cases and he is aware of the impact the stabbing has had on the life of the victim.

“The crimes are very serious,” Judge Ryan said. “He simply goes and shoots a person in a car, it’s inexplicable violence.”

Chakeatia was sentenced to three years in prison with one year suspended. Judge Ryan cited Chakeatia as the motivating force of the crime and shared the prosecution’s outrage that she pushed her young son to commit violence.

As Chakeatia was handcuffed by US Marshals, her young children were rushed out of the court room. Chakeatia begged for them to be brought back so she could say goodbye.

Irving requested that Chakeatia be given one week to arrange childcare and that she be allowed to hug her children. Judge Ryan denied both requests.

Chakeatia told her children she loved them as they cried watching their mother be escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs.

Parties are not slated to reconvene.

Judge Denies Severance for Co-Defendants, Considers Delaying Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a murder defendant’s motion to sever from his codefendant and set a new trial date on Oct. 24.

Eric Sheffield, 20, and D’Andre Montgomery, 19, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, felony murder with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr., on Dec. 16, 2023, on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE. Another individual sustained life-threatening injuries, but survived.

According to court records, Sheffield’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, motioned for continuance of the trial for paternity leave. Due to scheduling conflicts, the trial was pushed to August 2027.

Sylvia Smith, Montgomery’s defense attorney, motioned for severance, arguing that the continuance violates her client’s speedy trial rights. Smith also argued that the two defendants’ cases are different and it would be unfair to Montgomery to be tried at the same time as Sheffield.

The prosecution voiced that they want to try the defendants together for efficiency.

Judge Dayson agreed, saying that the current lack of judicial resources makes efficiency a top priority. She also said that the trial has been delayed for reasons other than the continuance, so Smith’s argument for severance is not enough.

Judge Dayson denied the severance, but kept the April 2026 date open so Smith can file another severance motion with a stronger argument.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 12.

Judge Acquits Accessory Charge For Mass Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz partially granted a motion for acquittal of an accessory charge for a woman convicted in a mass shooting on Oct. 24.

Toyia Johnson, 53, was convicted of accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence for her involvement in assisting other defendants in discarding evidence and avoiding arrest following a mass shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW, on Sept. 4, 2021.

The shooting killed Donnetta Dyson, 31, Keenan Braxton, 24, and Johnny Joyner, 37, and three others were additionally injured.

Mussay Rezene, 32, was convicted on the same charges as Johnson.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 23, were convicted of conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges for their involvement in the mass shooting.

Prosecutors argued throughout Johnson’s trial that she provided the shooters with the car that was used in the shooting, and reported it stolen when Dubose told her to.

According to court documents, Johnson’s defense attorney, David Akulian, first filed a motion for judgment of acquittal in June for both charges, prior to her conviction.

Akulian’s argument revolved around the fact that prosecutors did not have sufficient evidence to support Johnson acted as an accessory to the assault with intent to kill charge against Dubose. He also argued that there is not enough evidence that she actually assisted with the crime and tried to hinder Dubose’s arrest, trial or punishment for that charge.

In a motion hearing on Oct. 3, Judge Kravitz denied the motion for acquittal in regards to the tampering charge, but requested both parties to file briefs for their arguments relating to the accessory charge before making a ruling.

As both parties returned to the courtroom, Judge Kravitz said that he had time to review both briefs, and concluded that the defense had the better argument in regards to the accessory charge.

Judge Kravitz stated that a conversation with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer from body-worn camera footage when she first reported that the car was stolen was a significant piece of evidence from his decision. The footage captured the officer telling Johnson that the suspected black Honda was used in a “triple murder”, and was the center of Johnson’s motion of acquittal.

Judge Kravitz also said that evidence of telephone conversations between Johnson and Dubose, and MPD press releases and news stories were not sufficient beyond reasonable doubt and speculation.

“Your motion is granted in part, and denied in part,” Judge Kravitz said, as he agreed that her underlying accessory charge would be changed from assault with intent to kill to assault with a dangerous weapon.

Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 30.

Judge Sentences Gas Station Murderer to 22 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced a man convicted of murder to 22 years in prison on Oct. 24.

Damon McQuarters, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on May 30 for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Simpson, 49, that occurred on Aug. 24, 2024 on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NW, at a gas station.

A family member, who said Simpson was like a brother to her, remembered him fondly.

“If anyone needed something, they would call him first,” she said during the hearing. “That peace of mind is no longer available.”

She also recalled McQuarters’ attitude during hearings.

“He looked each one of us in the face and smirked at every hearing,” she said. “But not today.”

Simpson’s sister said she wrote a statement, but wanted to “speak from the heart” during the sentencing. She spoke about Simpson’s character and the impact his death has had on her since last year. She said she feels numb and has not been able to recover since McQuarters’ actions.

“He took my life too,” she said.

Simpson’s aunt, on whose birthday the murder occurred, said Simpson was never able to wish her a happy birthday that day. She said McQuarters is the reason she cannot celebrate her birthday in the same way again.

In a particularly emotional impact statement, Simpson’s youngest sibling spoke to the court briefly, before breaking down. Another family member stood beside her as he finished reading her written statement.

She recounted watching him dance and joking about the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders.

“I miss those silly little moments,” her statement read.

The prosecutor asked for the harshed sentence allowed by the plea deal, which was 25 years in prison. She argued that even though McQuarters accepted responsibility, the circumstances of the murder warrant a high sentence.

“It was just a blatant execution in broad daylight,” she said.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey agreed that McQuarters caused harm, but that his value as a human being justifies a lower sentence. She also said that the loss of his mother at a young age led to hyper vigilance and paranoia, which contributed to the murder.

“This was not a cold-blooded act,” Harvey said.

She recommended 21 years, the low end of the sentencing range, and that he be placed in programs and treatment to address his substance use and trauma.

McQuarters did not give a statement during his sentencing.

Judge Dayson said she was concerned about how serious the case is.

“His criminal history does show an escalating pattern of behavior,” she said.

Taking this and the fact that he took responsibility, Judge Dayson sentenced McQuarters to 22 years in prison with five years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

More Mental Competence Delays in 2019 Fatal Stabbing Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan further delayed a defendant’s trial during a hearing on Oct. 24, due to her ongoing mental competency issues.

Alisa Randall, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 59-year-old Ronald Payne on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NE, on July 15, 2019.

According to court documents, Payne died from a stab wound to his upper chest, which fractured a rib and hit his aorta.

Randall has been deemed “incompetent to stand trial”, meaning she cannot participate in a trial due her lock of understanding of the charges or how to help her lawyer. Randall was first deemed incompetent by the court in August of 2019.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan sympathized with the defense and prosecution’s perspectives–while he wanted to prioritize public safety issues, there was no way to move forward beyond reevaluation of competency to stand trial.

Judge Ryan emphasized that while it is rare for cases to “trail off”, he wanted to prioritize competency, saying “we need to be adults and lawyers about this.”

Defense attorney Dana Page informed the court that Randall is currently experiencing cognitive deficits and negative symptoms. The defendant is also not in DC and did not call into the hearing as instructed.

The prosecution suggested that the court use the first doctor to diagnose Randall that conducted an evaluation virtually to move forward with the case. Page agreed that this doctor was best suited to evaluate Randall because of his prior knowledge.

Judge Ryan asked that counsel decide how to proceed for the next hearing. He agreed that a virtual visit with her prior psychologist would be “sensible.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 17.

41 Years For Mother Convicted in Baby’s Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a homicide defendant to 41 years in prison for the death of her young daughter on Oct. 24.

Faneshia Scott, 38, was convicted of first-degree felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, and second-degree cruelty to children for her involvement in the death and assault of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields on the 5400 block of C Street, SE, on March 21, 2017.

The sentence came after an emotional hearing in which family members delivered impact statements and attorneys debated whether the punishment should exceed the mandatory minimum of 30 years. Prosecutors presented three statements from the victim’s paternal grandmother, godmother, and father. All expressed grief and forgiveness while emphasizing the life that Rhythm lost.

“Rhythm deserved to grow up with her brothers and sisters,” said her grandmother, adding tearfully, “I will never hear her call me grandma” and “I do forgive you… there’s no justice in this world to bring Rhythm back.”

She implored Scott to apologize, saying, “All we wanna hear is that you’re sorry.”

The godmother described Rhythm as “the light of our life,” and said she is “haunted by the last images of Rhythm.” She told the court, “I forgive you in my heart… you have not taken accountability,” and asked for a life sentence without parole.

Rhythm’s father also spoke, saying, “Not only did our kids lose their mom but their sister,” and, “I forgive you, I don’t hate you. Nothing’s gonna bring our daughter back.”

Prosecutors argued for a 51-year sentence—21 years above the 30-year minimum, adding an extra year for each rib the child suffered fractured. They emphasized that the case was not a typical felony murder but one involving repeated abuse toward multiple children.

The prosecution cited prior warnings to Scott from family, neighbors, and police, and described the conditions in which Rhythm was found, saying the child had been unattended and “left in a pack and play to die”.

Defense attorneys Megan Alburn and Steven Kiersh requested the minimum 30-year sentence, arguing that 51 years would effectively be a life sentence, releasing Scott at around age 80.

They noted the prosecution had previously offered a plea deal of 15 years, contending that 30 years should therefore suffice. The defense described Scott as a “God-fearing woman” who has been “a light” in her prison unit and a confidant to other women.

They said she will “grieve for the rest of her life” and asked that she be allowed to write to her surviving children, who could decide whether to have a relationship with her once they turn 18.

Scott’s parents were present in the courtroom. Before sentencing, Scott addressed the court through tears, asking for mercy and expressing her desire to maintain a relationship with her children.

Judge Park called the case “an unspeakable travesty” that everyone involved would carry with them. He noted that despite repeated warnings and offers of help from loved ones, the abuse persisted for weeks, ultimately leading to the child’s death. He acknowledged that Scott had no prior criminal history and found no evidence of intent to kill, but said the severity and duration of the abuse warranted a substantial sentence.

Judge Park said the defense’s argument regarding the earlier plea offer was not persuasive and emphasized that the sentence reflected the gravity of the evidence. The court’s stay-away order was dropped at the conclusion of the hearing, allowing Scott to reach out to the children’s grandmother, in her custody of, to decide if they can communicate with her.

The parties are not slated to reconvene.

Shooting Defendant on Release Warned Non-Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe warned a shooting defendant of the consequences he could face if he continued to ignore the conditions of his release on Oct. 27.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault while knowingly armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is alleged to be the perpetrator of a shooting at the 1400 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE on Apr. 10. One individual suffered a gunshot wound.

On Oct 27, Sydnor arrived at the court house late. Judge Pipe was moments away from calling the case without him when he entered the courtroom.

Judge Pipe, who permitted Sydnor’s release on Oct. 10, stated at the hearing that Sydnor was not fully in compliance with the release requirements.

According to Judge Pipe, he reportedly did not check in on the day he was told to, but did when he was contacted the following day. She also reported he was not testing for drugs as he was instructed.

Judge Pipe called Sydnor’s case “complicated” in regards to the community’s safety with his release, but she acknowledged no issues from Sydnor while he was on release.

Judge Pipe allowed Sydnor to remain on release, but warned him that, should he continue not drug testing as he was told, he could be held until his trial and its resolution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Judge Halts Jury Trial For Defendant Who Wants to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro paused a jury trial and ordered a mental competency hearing for an assault defendant who requested to represent himself for the remainder of the case on Oct. 21.

Christopher Samuels, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SW on Sept. 3. One individual was injured.

During the second day of trial, Samuels requested to represent himself, or proceed ‘pro se’, claiming that his defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, was not adequately representing him. In response, Judge Di Toro ordered a mental evaluation to determine if Samuels was competent enough to proceed pro se.

After evaluating Samuels, a clinical social worker testified indicated he had a “thought disorder,” meaning that Samuels could talk about the court proceedings, but his explanations didn’t make sense.

Based on these findings, the analyst recommended Samuels complete an outpatient competency evaluation administered by a psychologist and psychiatrist.

Judge Di Toro ordered Samuels to complete a competency review. Based on results, parties will determine whether the trial will resume with the same jury, which was dismissed until Oct. 27, or start an entirely new trial.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 24 to discuss the evaluation results.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled that a shooting defendant will stay in jail on Oct. 23, following his waiver of a preliminary hearing of the evidence.

Jermaine Brown, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that injured two individuals on June 9 on the 3500 block of Wheeler Rd, SE.

Defense attorney Mieko Judkins had Brown sign the waiver in court.

Judkins noted that the case will be expedited to Judge Salerno’s caldendar and that the matter is tolling–meaning the deadline clock for the proceedings is being extended.

The prosecution requested Brown remain detained due to the seriousness of the case. Judkins did not object to the detention.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 30.

Shooting Suspect’s Clean Record May Work Against His Release

Defense attorney Emma Mlyniec requested a bond review for a shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Oct. 23. However, his clear record is a concern for prosecutors

Christopher Warren, 43, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on Aug. 20, 2024.

According to court documents, the victim was a DoorDash delivery driver, who sustained a gunshot wound to the right arm.

At the hearing, Mlyniec requested Warren be released. She argued, “the prosecution’s main argument is the strength and nature of the case.”

However, she continued, “The prosecution relied on Mr. Warren’s lack of a criminal record as a reason to hold him.”

“ Mr. Warren has continued to work, has not made any attempts to flee from this case, and has kept a clean record” Mlyniec emphasized.

The prosecution explained that Warren’s lack of criminal history is what makes this a serious case. They explained, “We mentioned Mr. Warren’s lack of a criminal record because of the randomness of the case. He shot a person who was a stranger to him.”

The prosecution stated, “It is harder to know what conditions of release can be made to protect the community.”

The prosecution also mentioned that multiple firearms, in addition to the one used in the shooting, were allegedly found in Warren’s mother’s home, where he resided. Mlyniec rebutted that the firearms were passed down to Warren from his father.

Mylniec made it clear that she is not arguing against probable cause, but wants a release decision. She also stated that the defense is accepting any conditions acceptable to the court.

Judge Arthur stated he needed more time to review the arguments.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a bond review hearing on Oct. 24.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Ayers Place Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 61-year-old Matthew Lee Murphy in connection with a shooting on Oct. 27 on the 4900 block of Ayers Place, SE. The incident involved 1 surviving victim who was found with a gunshot wound and transported to a hospital. Murphy was apprehended on the 4500 block of Benning Road, NE and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) after a search of his residence revealed a loaded firearm.

Document: MPD Investigating Columbia Heights Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 25 in Northwest. Jermaine McGee-Holmes, 27, was found with gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 3200 block of Hiatt Place and later died from his injuries on Oct. 27. No suspect information is available at this time.

Carjacking Victim Testifies at Trial, Suspect’s ID Disputed

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld heard contrasting views and testimony from the victim in an armed carjacking case on Oct. 28.

Marcus Tucker, 30, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, robbery while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Tucker’s alleged involvement in the armed carjacking of a victim at the intersection of 30th and Hartford Streets, SE, on April 17.

Prosecutors allege that Tucker was one of two men who held the victim at gunpoint, robbing him of his phone, money, and car before fleeing the scene. Defense attorneys Laura Roman and Jason Tulley contend that Tucker was misidentified and had no involvement in the crime.

“Don’t move, give me that sh**,” prosecutors claimed Tucker told the victim moments before being robbed. According to the prosecution, the victim was standing outside with friends when two men approached him, one masked and one unmasked, pointed guns at his head and chest, and demanded his belongings.

The attackers allegedly took the victim’s phone, wallet, and car keys before driving off in his vehicle and another black Kia parked nearby. Investigators later identified Tucker as the owner of the Kia.

Prosecutors said that the victim used a friend’s phone to contact police and track his stolen iPhone through the “Find My iPhone” feature, which eventually led officers to Tucker. Police detained him after the victim confirmed that Tucker matched the description of the unmasked gunman—specifically noting his “all white clothing” and black jacket.

Investigators reported finding the victim’s personal items, including his Social Security card, driver’s license, and credit cards, inside Tucker’s vehicle. Prosecutors also stated that Tucker’s phone records placed him near the crime scene around the time of the incident.

The prosecution warned jurors that the defense might focus on the victim’s prior criminal cases but argued that the evidence, including cell-site data, recovered belongings, and police body-camera footage, would corroborate the victim’s account.

Defense attorneys Roman and Tulley maintained that Tucker was not involved in the carjacking or robbery, arguing that another individual had borrowed his vehicle that night. They emphasized that no forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, or surveillance footage, links Tucker to the crime.

Roman and Tulley argued that the victim’s identification of Tucker was unreliable, claiming that he had been drinking earlier that evening and had changed his description of the suspects multiple times. Initially, the victim told police both gunmen wore all black, but later said they were dressed in white, blue, grey, and black.

Roman and Tulley also presented a photo of another man whom the victim allegedly identified at one point as the assailant. This man, the defense noted, has no tattoos and different facial features from Tucker. They argued that police procedures may have influenced the victim’s identification, since he was shown only Tucker, surrounded by police, when he confirmed that Tucker was the gunman.

The defense further questioned the police investigation, noting that the lead detective had not reviewed all available video evidence and asserting that the cell-site data contradicts the prosecution’s timeline, showing Tucker’s phone connecting to a different cell tower than the one nearest the crime scene.

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on the victim to testify.

According to the victim, earlier on April 17, he was briefly detained by police for possessing an open container of tequila. Video shown to the jury depicted his arrest and subsequent release at a nearby station, where he was issued a citation. The victim said he was not charged and later met friends and relatives that evening.

The victim stated that while talking with a cousin near his parked car, two men rushed him with guns. He described one man as masked and the other, whom he identified in court as Tucker, as unmasked. According to the victim, the robbers took his wallet, keys, and phone before fleeing in two vehicles.

After the incident, the victim used his cousin’s phone to call 911, telling police that both assailants were Black, dressed in black and armed with black pistols. Police body-camera footage and subsequent recordings show the victim giving height and build estimates for the suspects.

He testified he later tracked his stolen phone using “Find My iPhone” and relayed its location to detectives. A detective contacted him with a description of Tucker, and the victim confirmed that it matched the unmasked gunman before visually seeing him. A video played in court showed the victim in a police vehicle identifying Tucker from a distance and saying he was “100% confident” in his identification.

Prosecutors noted that the victim was not wearing his glasses during the carjacking but said he did not need them to recognize the suspect.

Before beginning the jury selection process, parties discussed the suppression of cellphone evidence for a witness. Defense attorneys Tulley and Roman requested that a photo of a cellphone’s location, which was a screenshot of an iPhone’s location, be adjusted so only the exact pinpointed location was shown, and not a broader circle that accounted for location error.

“I’m not going to alter evidence at the defense’s request,” Judge Hertzfeld said.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 29.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause in a fatal shooting case on Oct 23.

Jaheim Brown, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Christopher Robinson, 28, on the 5500 block of B Street, SE, on Nov. 20, 2024.

In a hearing to determine probable cause, the prosecution claimed that it had “more than established” the that Brown shot Robinson.

According to the prosecution, there was a series of text communications between “Heim,” who they claim is the defendant’s nickname, and an eyewitness who was present during the shooting and had attempted to de-escalate the situation. These communications placed both individuals at the crime scene in the hours before the shooting. They also placed both individuals fleeing the scene immediately after the crime.

The prosecution also addressed an argument the defense made in a prior hearing, which was that the shooting was done in self-defense because Robinson had turned around to face the shooter before being shot, as shown in recovered Ring camera footage.

The prosecution argued the shooter had “pursued” Robinson, who was walking away from him, and that Robinson’s walking away would not have created the fear that would support a self-defense argument.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley argued that the prosecution had “failed to meet even the very low threshold” for probable cause. Regarding the text conversations, Mosley stated that they only placed Brown near the crime scene, but did nothing to prove that he shot Robinson.

Mosley also argued against the eyewitness testimony. He claimed that the witness had “significant credibility issues” and was “deeply compromised,” having lied during a police interview and given officers three different accounts of the incident.

He also claimed that there was no physical evidence linking Brown to the offense, such as DNA. or images of him holding a firearm, and that there was no history “suggesting hostility or conflict” between Brown and Robinson that would implicate Brown.

Mosley responded to the prosecution’s arguments against self-defense, claiming that the witness described Robinson’s behavior as “strange,” and noted that drugs had been found in Robinson’s system.

Judge Ryan claimed that the Ring camera footage from the incident “establishes a number of things.” According to Judge Ryan, the footage disproved the defense’s self-defense argument because it showed Robinson walking away before being shot. He noted that Robinson turning around is “hardly indicative of self-defense,” and that the shooter following Robinson before shooting him was “gratuitous” and without an “obvious antecedent.”

Judge Ryan said that the “real question” in the case was whether to believe the eyewitness’ statements and identification of Brown as the shooter. Judge Ryan agreed that the person “lied several times” and was a “reluctant witness.” However, he found that the court could “look at the points of independent corroboration” to decide whether to believe the witness.

According to Judge Ryan, the witness claimed Robinson was “on some junky shit” but didn’t have a gun, and also stated that Brown did have a weapon that he pointed at Robinson, which the video also corroborated.

The judge noted that the witness accurately identified Robinson, another witness, Brown, and Brown’s car, which they would have no way of knowing without knowledge of the incident.

Regarding the witness’ unreliability, Judge Ryan noted that the witness said that he would die when he went home, “presumably for making the statement.”

Judge Ryan ultimately found that the witness’ statements were “quite consistent” with the footage from the Ring camera, and that the “points of independent corroboration” were “significant.”

He found probable cause for first-degree murder, and further found that Brown went to the scene “intending to kill Mr. Robinson.”

The prosecution argued against Brown’s release, citing the nature of the charge and the defendant’s past criminal history, which included a firearm conviction, and argued that firearm convictions are often “prerequisites” and “resume points” for homicide defendants. The prosecution also noted that, despite Brown’s “great and loving family,” he still allegedly decided to kill Robinson.

Mosley requested Brown’s release on 24-hour home confinement. He showed the judge seven letters of support from Brown’s family, and noted that the family had attended multiple hearings, calling Brown “well-surrounded.” He also explained that Brown worked willingly with the police during the investigation and was not a flight risk.

Judge Ryan responded that the defendant was actually not cooperative with the police, noting that, during an interview, Brown had “suddenly” forgotten the name of his child’s mother.

Regarding his flight risk, Judge Ryan claimed that Brown has a “significant incentive” to flee now that he is facing murder charges. While he appreciated the letters of support, Judge Ryan noted that he was not locking Brown up for his character, but for his crime.

Judge Ryan found that there were no conditions he could enforce to release Brown, and that watching the video of the shooting made it very difficult to imagine that Brown is not a danger to the community.

Parties are set to return on Jan. 16.

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