D.C. Witness Report: Homicide Defendants and Pretrial Release

Judges didn’t release as many homicide defendants in 2019 as they did in 2018, data shows

According to DC Code, Washington, DC criminal defendants cannot be held in jail from an inability to pay bail. The specific DC code language states that the decision to release a defendant falls to a Superior Court judge:

A judicial officer shall order the pretrial release of a defendant subject to:

(A) Condition that the person not commit a local, state, or federal crime during the period of release; and

(B) Least restrictive further condition, or combination of conditions, that the judicial officer determines will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community.

These conditions can include maintaining or seeking employment, maintaining or beginning an educational program, or restrictions on personal associations, travel or residence among others.

Several homicide defendants are released to the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). The program monitors defendants who are determined to be high safety risks or present the appearance of a flight risk and need an increased level of supervision through:

weekly contact,
drug testing,
and/or location monitoring.

HISP can include defendants who are on:

home confinement,
in a halfway house,
in a work-release program.

Defendants who are not high risk can be released subject to other supervision programs under the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA), according to the agency’s website. Defendants who are in violation of release conditions can be stepped-back to either home confinement or jail.

Pretrial Release Data

D.C. Witness data shows a 33 percent decrease in the number of murder defendants who were granted pretrial release in 2019 compared to 2018.

Breakdown

There were 179 homicides committed in 2019 and 163 homicides in 2018, according to D.C. Witness data. The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 97 murder suspects in 2019 compared to 112 suspects in 2018.

Data shows a decrease in the number of homicide-related arrests, 15, compared to an increase in the number of homicides, 16, from 2018 to 2019.

Of the suspects arrested in 2019, judges granted pretrial release to 16 defendants. Five of the 16 defendants were released in 2020.

Judges granted pretrial release for 24 defendants who were arrested in 2018. Not all of the defendants were released in 2018. According to D.C. Witness data, eight defendants were released in 2019 and two defendants were released in 2020.

As of April 1, 11 of the released defendants arrested in 2019 do not have a trial scheduled, while two defendants are scheduled for trials in 2020.

Twelve of the released defendants arrested in 2018 are still waiting for trial, as of April 1. Three defendants trials have not been scheduled, according to DC Courts. One defendant was found guilty.

Reoffenders

Two homicide defendants, who were arrested and released before trial in 2018, reoffended while released. Both defendants were charged with sexual solicitation and one defendant was also charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Two defendants, who were arrested in 2018, were also sent back to jail because they were not compliant with the terms of their release.

No defendants, who were arrested in 2019 and granted pretrial release, reoffended.

Of the defendants who were granted pretrial release in 2018, judges dismissed four of the cases. Judges did not dismiss any of the cases that were granted pretrial release in 2019.

Pretrial cases dismissed in 2018:

Plea Agreements

According to D.C. Witness data, some defendants, who were granted pretrial release, were also offered plea agreements.

For 2019, there were a total of 16 pretrial release defendants. Out of those cases, ten homicide defendants were not extended a plea offer, three defendants accepted a plea offer, two defendants have not given a response and one defendant rejected a plea offer.

For 2018, there were 24 pretrial release defendants. Of those cases, 18 defendants are still undergoing court proceedings and six defendants’ cases have been closed.

Of the 18 defendants whose cases are still open from 2018, ten defendants were not offered a plea agreement, five defendants rejected a plea offer and three defendants accepted plea offers.

Homicide Cases

Homicide Defendant John Fenner

Judge Craig Iscoe released John Fenner under HISP on Dec. 17, 2019.

Fenner, 49, was charged on Dec. 4, 2019, with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Jonathan Hernandez on the 100 block of T Street, NE on May 18, 2019. Fenner is currently pending a felony status conference, which is scheduled to occur on June 19.

As part of the terms of Fenner’s release, he was ordered to 15-days of home confinement, followed by a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Judge Iscoe ordered that Fenner be allowed to go to work and make two shopping trips per week. He also told Fenner that he must clear all other activities with pretrial services.

Homicide Defendant Tylek Dunkins

Judge Heide L Herrmann released Tylek Dunkins on personal recognizance with PSA supervision on Oct. 25, 2019. He was arrested the day before.

Tylek Dunkins, 18, is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of 15-year-old Amoni Richardson on the 2900 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Dunkins allegedly struck Richardson while she was walking outside of a marked crosswalk from the south side of the street to the north side.

As part of Dunkins’ release conditions, he has to be tested for a number of substances including synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 5.

Homicide Defendant Jerome Myles

Judge Todd Edelman released Jerome Myles to home confinement under HISP on Sept. 6, 2019.

Myles, 21, was charged Nov. 29, 2018, with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 19-year-old Antonio Dixon on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE on Oct. 20, 2018.

D.C. Witness reported that even though Judge Edelman said that Myles had no prior convictions and was less likely to pose a threat to the community while released, he ordered that the defendant stay away from the crime scene. According to court documents, the scene was described as a “communal hallway.” It is unclear why Judge Edelman ordered the defendant to stay away from the crime scene.

The prosecution indicted Myles on Sept. 30, 2019, with three charges, including second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business.

Myles’ trial readiness hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13.

Homicide Defendant Terica Younger

Terica Younger pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault for her involvement in the death of 43-year-old Talata Williams on the 2400 block of Good Hope Road, SE in 2017. Younger, 43, was arrested on Oct. 3, 2018.

Younger was granted release under personal recognizance under the supervision of PSA. After Younger failed to appear at a pretrial show cause hearing on June 7, 2019, Judge Milton C. Lee issued a bench warrant for her arrest. Once apprehended Younger will be held without bail, according to DC Courts.

On Oct. 13, 2018, Younger was charged with a misdemeanor for attempted threats to do bodily harm. The defendant was released in the case, according to DC Courts. Younger was also charged with sexual solicitation on May 21, 2019. A cash bond of $500 was placed on another bench warrant that was issued for the defendant’s failure to appear at a June 19, 2019, status hearing.

Homicide Defendant (Juvenile)

Judge Errol Arthur released a juvenile on HISP with global position system (gps) monitoring on June 4, 2019.

The juvenile pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.

The juvenile was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for allegedly being involved in the shooting of 23-year-old Jamal Kwame Crump on the 1300 block of Monroe Avenue, NW on Feb 27, 2019.

On Oct. 11, 2019, the juvenile was sentenced to two years in prison.

Homicide Defendant Mason Binion

On March 12, 2018, Mason Binion was released to HISP by Judge Judith Bartnoff. Per the terms of his release, Binion was placed on GPS monitoring, given a curfew, and required to report for drug testing. He was charged with first-degree murder while armed after allegedly shooting Michael Francis Taylor, 21, on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW on June 22, 2008.

Binion, 33, and Taylor were allegedly friends.

On Feb. 12, a jury found Binion guilty of first-degree murder while armed.

In response to Binion’s defense attorney’s motion for emergency release to home confinement under HISP, Judge Ronna Beck granted the motion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1.

According to court documents, between June 22, 2008, when Binion shot Taylor, and Jan. 25, 2018, when Binion was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed, he was also charged for other felonies, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana in February of 2011, a bail violation in April of 2011, possession of a controlled substance in July of 2014 and a complaint for violations of obligations of tenancy or other grounds for eviction in February of 2015.

The tenant violation was dismissed in March 2015.

Binion did not incur any other charges during the time he was released to HISP while undergoing court proceedings for the murder case.

Homicide Defendant Darrise Jeffers

On April 15, 2019, Judge Iscoe released Darrise Jeffers to home confinement under HISP. He was also ordered to stay away from the Clay Terrace and Wellington Park neighborhoods as well as other defendants in the case.

Jeffers, 20, along with nine other defendants are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the shooting of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on the 300 block of 53 Street, NE on July 16, 2018. Quanisha Ramsuer, who is also charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the shooting, was also granted pretrial release in the case. According to court documents, the shooting resulted from a neighborhood rivalry.

On Oct. 16, 2019, Judge Beck told Jeffers that he violated the terms of his release. She ordered that he wait for his trial, which is scheduled to begin in 2021, at DC Jail.

According to Judge Beck, Jeffers left his house multiple times late at night. He had been released under home confinement.

She said, after he had broken the rule the first time, a social worker told him to stop leaving the house. However, he continued to violate the terms of his release.

Homicide Defendant Bobby Reginald Davis, Jr.

Bobby Reginald Davis Jr. was granted pretrial release by Judge Danya Dayson on Nov. 13, 2018. He was released under personal recognizance with PSA supervision.

Davis was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree child cruelty for his alleged involvement in the death of 6-month-old Brooklynn Zakiyaa Hill-Davis on Sept. 10, 2018. Davis was arrested on Oct. 5, 2018.

Davis’ case was dismissed in November of 2018.

Homicide Defendant Victor Carvajal

Binion’s co-defendant, Victor Carvajal, was also released under HISP on Dec. 4, 2018, by order of Judge Bartnoff. Per the terms of his release, Carvajal was also placed on GPS monitoring, given a curfew, and required to report for drug testing.

On May 7, 2019, Carvajal was taken off of HISP and his GPS monitor was removed due to interference with his work. He still had a curfew and had to report for drug testing until his jury trial.

The 33-year-old was charged with first-degree murder while armed after Joshua Massaquoi, another defendant charged in Taylor’s murder, told police that Binion shot the victim and that Carvajal hit Taylor in the head with a rock.

Carvajal was arrested on Oct. 31, 2018. His case was dismissed the day before opening statements.

Massaquoi, 32, who was not granted pretrial release, was being held at St. Elizabeth’s hospital. As of March 24, Massaquoi was placed on home confinement with gps monitoring. His defense attorney filed an emergency motion for release from custody because of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 19. Massaquoi sentencing was rescheduled from March 30 to July 7.

Homicide Defendant Gerard Derrick James

Judge Rainey Brandt placed Gerard Derrick James on personal recognizance under supervision of PSA on Dec. 27, 2018.

On Sept. 3, 2019, James, 46, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for fatally striking 61-year-old Monica Adams Carlson and 85-year-old Cora Louise Adams while they were in the crosswalk at the intersection of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on Dec. 19, 2018. He was arrested eight days later.

According to court documents, James was using his cellphone when he allegedly struck the two women.

James’ sentencing for March 19 was rescheduled to May 7, due to a change in court proceedings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This report was written by Corrine Simon and Katlyn Richardson

Edited by LaTrina Antoine

Document: Arrest Made in Fairlawn Homicide

On Mar. 26, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 19-year-old man in connection to a homicide that occurred in the Fairlawn area of Washington, DC.

According to a press release, Mequan Carthens a resident of Southeast, DC was charged, with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 36-year-old Lagioria Brinkley on the 1900 block of 16th Street, SE on Mar. 20, 2020.

Priestley, who was a resident of Southeast, DC died on scene.

This case remains under investigation. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.

Document: Arrest Made in Homicide on 14th Street, NW

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 19 year-old Khamri Perkins, a resident of Southeast, DC, on March 26.

According to a press release, Perkins is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 18-year-old Naseem Simpson on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

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Document: Homicide in Southwest Waterfront

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on March 25.

Officers responded to the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW, after hearing sounds of gunshots, according to a press release. On the scene officers found 21-year-old Marquis Osborne suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead

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

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Document: Second Homicide in Fairlawn Within a Week

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Wednesday morning.

Officers responded to the 1600 block of 19^th Street, SE after hearing sounds of gunshots, according to a press release. On the scene officers found 28-year-old Kriston Robinson suffering from a gunshot wound. She died on the scene.

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

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Document: Homicide on 16th Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday evening.

Officers responded to the 1900 block of 16^th Street, SE after hearing sounds of gunshots, according to a press release. On the scene officers found 36-year-old Lagioria Brinkley suffering from a gunshot wound. She died on the scene.

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

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Murder Defendant’s Ex-Girlfriend Reaches Out to Key Witness

A murder defendant’s ex-girlfriend admitted that she helped a murder defendant relay a message to a key witness via Instagram.

Nyekemia Everett and Malik Hewitt are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged roles in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.

One of Everett’s ex-girlfriends testified March 16 that she sent a message to another one of Everett’s ex-girlfriends, who testified during the week of March 9, through Instagram, a social media app, saying, “don’t do him like that.”

The witness testified that Everett gave her the name of the ex-girlfriend’s’ Instagram handle during a video visitation.

“I just did him a favor. I didn’t really care about the situation. I was just helping him,” she said.

A third ex-girlfriend was also called to testify about a letter she received from Everett in May of 2017.

In the letter, Everett wrote that his cousin and his friend were pulled over by the police while driving his car. The letter said that when the police stepped out of their vehicles the two men drove off. He said he was arrested because the car’s license plates were in his name.

The ex-girlfriend said she did not know until later about why Everett was really arrested, but she said she did not fully believe what he wrote in the letter because of a “gut feeling.”

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring instructed the jury not to count the testimonies of the two women towards their deliberation of Hewitt’s innocence or guilt because he was not involved in this particular case of obstruction of justice.

The prosecution said they intend on finishing their case by March 18.

On March 18, the prosecution completed arguments and the defense rested. Trial is scheduled for closing arguments on April 8.

Defense Calls Prosecution’s Witness A Liar

During a murder trial, a defense attorney called a witness a liar March 13 based on his previous testimony.

Nyekemia Everett and Malik Hewitt are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged roles in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.

Hewitt’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, said that a key witness for the prosecution, who was a former cellmate of Hewitt, lied on the stand on March 9 when he told the court that Hewitt asked him to contact another witness who was corroborating with police to ask her to stop.

Lotze tried to impeach the witness’s testimony.

“Did you not testify for this case and another case so that you could get a benefit from the government?,” said Lotze.

Lotze mentioned that the witness was currently under arrest for 2018 charges, including kidnapping, attempted armed robbery and carrying a pistol with a prior felony.

She said the witness was facing between 60 and 104 years in prison before cooperating with the prosecution because he had a high criminal history score.

She also said the witness pleaded guilty to kidnapping but was pending sentencing because the prosecution agreed to recommend a sentence based on his level of cooperation.

The witness said he was hoping to not spend a long time in prison but that ultimately he cooperated because his wife, who was not the woman he said he asked to contact another witness, asked him to do what he needed to do so he could go home to his family.

The witness said March 9 that he asked a woman, who was his girlfriend at the time, to contact the girl and then told her to tell the girl to stop talking to or cooperating with the police.

“Did you take care what I needed you to?” the cellmate asked his girlfriend over a jail call. She answered, “Yes.”

The witness said he and Hewitt knew each other before they became cellmates. He said that he and Hewitt grew up in the same area together.

Hewitt allegedly told the cellmate that at the time of Heard’s murder, he was with two people and they were trying to set up “Fat Daddy,” who is a guy that he and the cellmate grew up with. He said they were trying to set up a fake drug deal.

Hewitt told his cellmate that he used a texting app to disguise his phone number. They set up a location to meet, “Fat Daddy” struggled and the other individual that Hewitt was with allegedly shot him. Hewitt allegedly told him that it was only him, Everett and “Fat Daddy.”

Hewitt did not mention where the girl was at the time. The witness said Hewitt told him that he was standing right there when “Fat Daddy” was shot.

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring instructed the jury that the cellmate’s testimony was only against Hewitt and not Everett. She told the jury to ignore the testimony when determining whether the prosecution proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for Everett’s case.

Trial continued with testimony from Everett’s ex-girlfriends on March 16.

Murder Defendant Receives New Attorney

A murder defendant asked for a new attorney and questioned why his current attorney was not present, during a status hearing on March 13.

Jerome Alexander, 26, is charged with felony murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Richard Washington, 28, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Dec. 19, 2019.

Alexander, who is currently being represented by Public Defender Service’s Madalyn Harvey, asked DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring why Harvey was not present in court.

“She hasn’t come to see me, and she hasn’t done her job,” said Alexander.

He said that he want a new attorney that was not Harvey or anyone who is part of her team.

Judge Josey-Herring explained to Alexander that the pubic defender service is a service that uses the same resources and therefore while Harvey may be removed from the case, he will likely see the same investigators and other resources used as before.

Judge Josey-Herring also said that Harvey was not available for court and therefore the judge accommodated her.

Judge Josey-Herring said she would assign Alexander a new attorney and schedule a status date so the new attorney could get caught up instead of rescheduling his preliminary hearing at this time.

A felony status is scheduled for March 17 which could be rescheduled due to COVID-19 and DC Courts potentially rescheduling cases.

Document: Homicide in Columbia Heights

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to a press release, officers located 18-year-old Naseem Simpson on March 15. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at a local hospital.

A vehicle of interest was captured on nearby surveillance cameras.

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

Multiple Homicides Occur Across 7 DC Neighborhoods

As of March 11, 2020, there have been 31 homicides in the District.

The homicides have taken place in 23 neighborhoods throughout the District with Mount Vernon Square/Triangle, Shaw, Southwest Waterfront, Benning, Shipley Terrace, Congress Heights and Brightwood neighborhoods accounting for multiple homicides.

A map of homicides by neighborhood for 2020.

According to D.C. Witness data, the neighborhoods with two more homicides in 2019 included Fort Davis, 3; Bellevue, 3; Carver Langston, 2; LeDriot Park, 2; Greenway, 2; Washington Highlands, 2; and Northeast Boundary.

Mount Vernon Square/Triangle

There were two shootings over two separate weekends in Downtown DC. The first was of 39-year-old Anthony Ward on the Unit block of K Street, NW in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood on Jan. 4. Mount Vernon Triangle is within the Mount Vernon Square District.

On Feb. 15, 34-year-old Eugene Isaac, Jr. was killed in a shooting on the 100 block of N Street, NW, which is located outside of Mount Vernon Triangle but within the Mount Vernon Square District.

Suspects have not been apprehended in either case.

Shaw

Eighteen-year-old Malick Cisse, a resident of Northwest, DC, was found suffering from a gunshot wound on the 1300 block of 7th Street, NW on Jan. 8. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On March 1, officers located 13-year-old Malachi Lukes suffering from a gunshot wound in the Shaw neighborhood on the 600 block of S Street, NW.

Both of these homicides are still under investigation.

Southwest Waterfront

MPD officers found 26 year-old Xavier Tate, a resident of Northeast, DC, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a residence, on Jan. 5 on 1400 block of 3rd Street, SW. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On Jan. 9, MPD arrested Bratrell Hawkins, 27, in connection to the homicide. On March 10, Hawkins layer, James King, requested that another mental exam be completed after a report from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution declared him competent to stand trial. Hawkins currently awaiting a preliminary hearing.

MPD officers arrived to the Unit Block of N Street, SW on Jan. 26, and found 36-year-old Eric Delonte Barbour, a resident of Southwest, DC, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Barbour’s case remains under investigation.

Benning

In February and January a woman and a man were killed in the Benning neighborhood.

The first was Tia Carey, 21, who was fatally shot on Jan. 6 on the 3700 Block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police have arrested two suspects, 21-year-old Dejon Ford and Tierra Posey.

Posey who is charged with second-degree murder while armed and being held without bail is scheduled for a felony status conference on March 18.

Ford is charged with kidnapping and carrying a pistol. His felony status conference was vacated, and he is now scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 3.

Donelle Hodges was also killed from a shooting on Feb. 1. The homicide occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. No suspects have been apprehended in his case.

Shipley Terrace

Two men were killed in the Shipley Terrace neighborhood in January and March.

The first was Angus Houston, 44, who was found shot to death on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Jan. 27.

On March 9, 24 year-old Markiese Johnson was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

There have been no arrests in either case.

Congress Heights

On Jan. 30, officers found 30-year-old John Seegars inside a residence located on the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SE, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

On Feb. 2 MPD officers responded to the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious 26-year-old Raheem Murray suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services(DCFEMS) responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on the scene until being transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Police have not apprehended a suspect in either case. Both cases remain under investigation.

Brightwood

On Feb. 23, 17-year-old Wilfredo Torres and 16-year-old Jaime Zelaya were fatally shot on the 6000 block of 13th Street, NW.

There has been no arrests.

Multiple homicides in one neighborhood resulted from gun-related incidents.

Other neighborhoods where homicides were listed include:

Anacostia

Charles Robinson, a 60-year-old resident of Southeast, DC, was shot on the 2000 block of 19th Place, SE on Jan. 4. Police have not apprehended any suspects in the case.

U Street Corridor

Dy’Mani Priestly, 22, was fatally stabbed on the 1200 block of U Street, NW on Jan. 5. Reginald Hooks, 35, was charged with second-degree murder while armed. He is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing that is scheduled to occur on March 20.

Langdon

38 year-old Lamar Walters was the only casualty of a triple shooting on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE on Jan. 6. No arrest has been made in this case

Carver Langston

On Jan. 11, 41 year-old Tavon Cox was found with multiple gunshot wounds on the 700 block of 24th Street, NE. Cox succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 12. No suspects have been apprehended in this case.

Foggy Bottom

Kevin Chamberlain, 48, was found with stab wounds on the 2400 block of West Virginia Avenue, NW on Jan. 14.

Later that day 51 year-old Joseph Melton was arrested and charged with first degree murder while armed and assault with the intent to kill (knife) for another stabbing that took place the same day.

NOMA

On Jan. 26, 20 year-old Anthony Williams was found suffering from stab wounds on the 700 block of 1st Street, NE, near Union Station. He would later succumb to his injuries at a local hospital.

On the same day MPD officers arrested 23 year-old Angel Moses and charged him with first degree murder while armed. 29 year-old Edward Everstine was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact for his involvement in the murder.

Columbia Heights

On Jan. 26, MPD officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Sherman Avenue, NW, where they discovered 19 year-old Andy Bonilla suffering from gunshot wounds.

There has been no suspects apprehended in this case.

Kingman Park

36 year-old, Jimmy Beynum, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1600 block of F Street, NE, on Jan. 23.

On Jan. 29 MPD officers arrested 27 year-old Stanley Brown and charged him with first degree murder while armed.

Brentwood

11 month-old Makenzie Anderson suffering from injuries inflicted by blunt force trauma on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE on Feb. 10.

There has been no arrests made in this case.

Civic Betterment

On Feb. 12, MPD officers discovered 60 year-old Baron Goodwin suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE.

No suspect have been apprehended in this case.

Downtown

MPD officers were dispatched to the 700th block of 8th Street, NW where they found 29 year-old Terence Dantzler suffering from gun shot wounds.

Officers pursued the suspect onto the 700 block of 10^th Street, NW, where there was an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and the officers. The suspect was apprehended in the area of 11^th and H Streets, NW.

Officers arrested 20 year-old Jaykell Mason and charged him with first degree murder while armed, assault on a police officer while armed and carrying a pistol without a license.

Trinidad

Cordaro Pierre Chambers, 31, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on the 2100 block of I Street, NE on Feb. 17. He would later succumb to his injuries at a local hospital.

No arrests have been made in this case.

Fairlawn

On Feb. 20 MPD officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. Upon arrival they discovered 37 year-old Bryan Tate Jr. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He would later succumb to his injuries at a local hospital.

No suspects have been apprehended in this case.

Deanwood

Miguel Romero, 75, was found on the 4900 block of Nash Street, NE by MPD officers, suffering from a gunshot wound.

There have been no arrests made in this case.

Parkview

On March 2, police discovered 24 year-old Malik Brown suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 700 block of Quebec Place, NW.

No suspects have been arrested in this case.

Washington Highlands

On March 10, police found 41 year-old Alkhenala Al-Fatah suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1200 block of Barnaby Place, SE.

No arrests have been made in this case.

Could the Coronavirus Change the American Justice System?

The coronavirus is consuming virtually every sector of American life.

But, the one area that has gotten little attention is the virus’ effect on the American system of justice.

And, D.C. Witness has already gotten an inclining of what might come at DC Superior Court as city officials try to control the spread of the virus.

Our reporters have seen lawyers, judges and audience members wearing masks in courtrooms to ward off contraction of the virus.

This week a preliminary hearing for a murder case needed to be postponed because a detective, who was due to testify, did not make it to court because he was experiencing flu-like symptoms. There is no evidence, or suggestion, that the detective might have been infected, but he followed the advice to stay away.

In postponing the case, for a week, the presiding judge said he would not require the detective to come to the courthouse and risk exposing the thousands of people that frequent the building daily. Further postponements seem inevitable as caution dictates that people experiencing any type of illness stay away.

At a time when DC is suspending any activity that requires large public gatherings, it is useful to remember that more than 10,000 people visit the DC courthouse every day.

So far, the courthouse has not followed major sports leagues, mass events and schools by shutting down. But it is unclear, and there have been no announcements so far that the court is either ordered to, or will decide to, close.

Would the court move online, if so how might that work?

Would long planned trials be continued, both denying justice to victims and the accused? Could the virus suspend a defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial?

Would confined citizens, with orders for release, remain locked up? And would those newly arrested (because crime is unlikely to stop) remain incarcerated when they might otherwise have been released?

Is the jail system ready for this?

Doesn’t unnecessarily confining people increase the risk of the contagion, thereby making DC complicit should any of the inmates die from the virus?

And, how long might it take for the wheels of justice to get back up to speed?

Obviously containing and eradicating the pandemic is the national priority.

But what D.C. Witness has already seen at DC Superior Court suggests that another victim of Covid-19 will be the American justice system. And moreover, we, as a society, have yet to grasp the full implications of these extraordinary times.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

During a felony arraignment March 12, a defense attorney entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of a murder defendant.

George Anderson, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 24-year-old Devin Butler at the Tyler House Apartments complex on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW on June 13, 2019.

After the defense entered a not guilty plea, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edleman asked the prosecution when they would file evidence with the court.

The prosecutor said he would file it within the next two weeks.

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were told that someone was injured and that the injured person was dead. A witness pointed to the defendant’s bedroom where Anderson was on the floor.

The witness said that no one in the apartment had any problem with each other and that for anyone to be in the residence, they needed to have a close relationship with the occupants of the residence, the documents stated.

A loud gunshot in the residence startled the witness. The witness said Anderson was standing over Butler with a gun in his hand, the documents said.

Apparently, the defendant said, multiple times, “I’m Zeus.”

According to the documents, Anderson told the witness, who was holding him down until the police came, “I’m a killer. What? You gonna tell on me? Get off me, I’m Zeus. I’m Allah. What happened? For respect, I’m a killer.” The witness was smoking marijuana with Anderson and the victim before the shooting.

A status hearing is scheduled to occur on April 29.

This article was written by MiriYam Judd

Defendant Can’t Claim Self Defense, Prosecution Says

During a status hearing March 12, a defense attorney said all of the prosecition’s motions have been responded to except for one that says the defendant cannot claim self-defense.

Wilbert Whitaker is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Leo Hackett in April of 2016 on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE. He is also charged with possession of a firearm while armed during a crime of violence.

Mani Golzari, Whitaker’s defense attorney, said that he and his client need time to consider their options before responding to the prosecutions self defense motion.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman gave the defense until March 27 to respond to any and all motions.

According to court documents, officers were dispatched to the crime scene and discovered Hackett unconscious, unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Witnesses said that Whitaker and Hackett had an altercation and police were called, and shortly after they left witnesses heard a “pop pop.”

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for May 8. Trial is slated to begin on May 26.

This article was written by MiriYam Judd.

Judge Reschedules Trial in Murder Case

During a motion hearing on March 12, a new trial date was set for an almost six-year-old murder case.

Mark Bowser is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business and obstruction of justice for allegedly stabbing 39-year-old Tracy Womack on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE on Sept. 20, 2014.

The case was previously set to go to trial in April. But, the defense said a new trial date was necessary because Bowser’s defense attorney, Betty Ballester, would not be available.

Ballester said she will be out of town for one week at the end of March and one week in the middle of April, when the trial was set to take place.

Apparently, a witness told police that a male individual entered Womack’s house uninvited. When told that Womack was sleeping, the individual pushed his way past the the witness and into the victim’s bedroom.

Seconds later, that witness reported screaming coming from Womack’s bedroom.

The witness said Womack yelled, “he’s cutting and stabbing me.” The witness then said the individual left the building, walking south on Benning Road.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled to occur on July 10. Trial is slated to begin on July 27.

This article was written by MiriYam Judd.

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