There Won’t Be Time to Find Expert Witness, Defense Says

During a motion hearing on Feb. 18, the defense argued that there would not be enough time to find an expert witness to testify in a murder case.

Robert Wilson Dean Jr., 61, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with a screwdriver for allegdely stabbing Tamiya White, 38, on March 31, 2018, on the 1000 block of Mount Olivet Road., NE.

John Armstrong, one of Dean’s two defense attorneys, argued that the prosecution did not give the defense sufficient notification about evidence. He said there was not enough time to review the evidence and prepare for trial. Armstrong told the judge that the prosecution’s failure to provide notification is grounds to dismiss the case.

More information about the evidence was not mentioned.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck denied the motion to dismiss the case, saying the prosecution had given over evidence in enough time for the defense to prepare. She also denied a motion to suppress electronic data and a motion to suppress testimony from a detective who investigated the case.

Armstrong asked the judge for a continuance in order to find an expert.

All parties will report back to court on Feb. 19 to figure out how the case will proceed. As of Feb. 18, a trial date has not been set.

New Counsel Set to Argue for Murder Defendant

A defense attorney appeared as retained counsel, or counsel a murder defendant already hired for legal matters, in a case regarding a structure fire that resulted in two deaths.

James Walker, 61, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the deaths of 40-year-old Fitsum Getachew Kebede and nine-year-old Yafet Solomen at the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW. Solomen and Kebede were transported to the area hospital with life threatening injuries on Aug. 18, 2019. Kebede succumbed to his injuries on the same day, and Solomen on Aug. 20, 2019.

On Feb. 18, Grandison Hill appeared as Walker’s retained counsel. Walker’s previous attorney, Kristin McGough, withdrew from the case.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Lee Beck granted a motion for the prosecutor to join with another attorney. However, D.C. Witness is not able to confirm who the attorney was. There was no objection from the defense.

The prosecutor said all evidence would be turned over to the defense within the next 30 days. Hill requested more time to review the evidence and consider possible plea offers before the next hearing.

A status hearing is scheduled to occur on May 1.

Judge Orders Release of Murder Defendant

During a felony status conference on Feb. 18, a judge ordered the release of a murder defenedant.

J’Whan Devontae Simpson, 17, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Domonique Franklin on the 200 block of M Street, SW, on Aug. 30, 2019. Simpson is being tried as an adult, and is also being tried for larceny in Virginia.

Simpson’s defense attorney, Rachel Cicurel, filed a motion requesting Simpson’s release to the high intensity supervision program (HISP), where Simpson would live with his grandmother. Cicurel argued for release on the grounds of consistently good behavior and a track record of full compliance with previous orders. The prosecution did not object.

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet Mckenna ordered that Simpson be released to under HISP on the condition of a 21-day home confinement period. During the period, Simpson is to remain at his grandmother’s home except for reporting to court, and traveling to and from school. Simpson is required to wear a GPS tracking device.

In the event that Simpson is in full compliance with the terms of the 21-day confinement period, the defense would request to lessen the defendant’s curfew constraints.

A felony status conference is slated to occur on March 13.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

‘I’m willing to take a risk,’ Judge Says

During a felony status conference on Feb. 14, a judge granted the defense’s request for release.

Terrance Barnes, also known as Michael Barnes, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Barry Holmes, 57, on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue., SE, on April. 17, 2019.

Previously, during a felony arraignment on Feb. 7, Barnes was assessed for drug treatment and found eligible for short term residential treatment.

Barnes’s defense attorney, Jeffrey D. Stein, requested that he be released. Stein said Barnes had no priors, a spotless record, and was found eligible for drug treatment, he should be placed in an in-patient drug treatment program and then released to home-stay with 24-hour supervision.

Stein also told DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz that Barnes’s former employer was present and willing to testify that he was a model employee and a good person.

Barnes’s alleged crime was not a random act of violence, and therefore he would not be a danger to the community, Stein said.

Witness statements showed that Holmes had insulted Barnes’s religion and that it was an act of retaliation.

The prosecution opposed the release, saying it was a random act of violence, making him dangerous and unpredictable.

He also said Barnes should not be released because, due to his drug abuse and potential mental health problems, he could fall back into his pattern and be a danger to the community.

“I’m willing to take a risk with Barnes”, said Judge Kravitz.

Judge Kravitz ordered Barnes be released to the high intensity supervision program (HISP), with a 24-hour home confinement and a GPS tracking device. Barnes is not allowed to leave his home for any reason other than to go see his pretrial officer.

He also ordered that Barmes receive a 30-day drug treatment at a facility.

Barnes is scheduled for a felony status hearing on April 3.

This article was written by Lea Giasnasso.

Murder Defendant’s Attorney Requests to Withdraw

During a status hearing, a lawyer requested a motion to withdraw because of scheduling issues.

Marquette Jordan is charged with first-degree murder while armed with a knife, robbery while armed with knife and threat to kill or injure a person. On April 30 2018, Jordan allegedly stabbed Ivan Lynch on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE.

Jordan’s attorney Howard McEachern requested a withdrawal because he will not have enough time to prepare for trial. Mceachern said he has a number of trials coming up in the next few months and wouldn’t be available until February 2021.

McEachern also said that each trial would take at least two months.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson and Jordan agreed with Mceachern on an earlier trial date. McEachern’s request to withdraw from the case was approved

Jordan now has a new defense attorney, Elliot Queen. Jordan’s trial is now set to begin on Aug. 3.

His next status hearing is scheduled to occur on March 5.

Upon arrival officers located Lynch on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood suffering from multiple stab wounds, according to court documents.

Document: Homicide in Mount Vernon Square

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 100 block of N Street, NW.

According to a press release, officers found 34-year-old Eugene Isaac Jr., inside a residence, suffering from gunshot wounds on Feb. 15 . He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The department is currently 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 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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Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to Confinement

A murder defendant is sentenced Feb. 14 to more than 19-years in prison for a homicide by stabbing.

Darius Murphy is sentenced to prison for second-degree murder while armed for stabbing Jason Wood on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE, on Feb. 22, 2019. Apparently, Murphy, 24, and Wood, 39, engaged in a physical altercation before Wood left the scene. Murphy stabbed Wood ten minutes later.

Murphy pleaded guilty at a hearing on Sept. 13, 2019.

In addition to his confinement terms, Murphy will also serve five years on supervised release and is ordered to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act.

This article was written by Noa Donvan

Judge Orders Mental Observation Exam

During a mental observation hearing on Feb. 14, a judge ordered a mental observation exam, while the defense requested release for a murder defendant.

Daryl Thompson, also known as Darryl Tompkins, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, obstructing justice and threat to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in the deaths of Edward Roberts Jr. and Tyler McEachern. Roberts, 29, was killed on the 3500 block of 14th Street., NW on July 30, 2016. McEarchern, 23, was killed on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE on Aug. 29, 2016.

D.C Witness previously reported that Thompson repeatedly refused to undergo a medical evaluation. He also refused a judge’s order to complete a mental competency exam on Dec. 16.

Thompson’s defense attorney, Dana Page, told DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz that Thompson is not mentally ill, and therefore does not want to complete a medical evaluation exam or take medication.

Page also requested that Thompson be released.

The prosecution said there was enough grounds for the court to order a medical evaluation. He also said that the evaluation did not mean that Thompson would need to take medication, but would help him make his point that he is competent and ready for trial.

The prosecution disagreed on the release request, saying that Thompson was found to have substantial probability in the charge. Thompson should stay in custody, the prosecutor said.

“I can’t think of a good reason why I wouldn’t order him to comply and submit to an evaluation,” said Judge Kravitz.

Judge Kravitz ordered a mental competency exam.

Judge Kravitz also denied the defense’s oral request for release. He told the defense to submit a written request for release for him to consider.

Thompson is scheduled for a mental observation hearing on March. 20.

This article was written by Lea Giasnasso.

Mistake Results in Murder Defendant Not Being Present During Hearing

A murder defendant was not present during a status hearing on Feb. 14.

Cinquan Cartledge is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. He is charged for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Orlando Silver III, 37, on the 1300 block of Howard Road, SE, in 2016.

Cartledge was present at the court in the morning. However, due to a mistake, he was brought back to DC Jail and not present during his afternoon hearing.

The status hearing was rescheduled to Feb. 28.

Marquette Tibbs was also charged for his alleged involvement in the shooting, however he was found not guilty of the murder by a jury.

19-year-old Pleads Guilty to Murder

A defendant pleaded guilty Feb. 14 and is awaiting sentencing.

Elijah Jarmon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for shooting Taquan Pinkney on the 2800 block of Stanton Road, SE on Sept. 9, 2018. Jarmon, 19, had gotten into an altercation with Pinkney, 18, and followed him and his friends while carrying a firearm, shooting Pinkney in the back.

During a thorough breakdown of the court procedures given by District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring, Jarmon admitted to his involvement in the homicide, waived his rights to a trial and DNA testing, and is awaiting a sentencing that is scheduled to take place on July 10.

In what is typically a 40-year to lifetime prison sentence, Judge Anita Josey-Herring predicts that Jarmon will serve 12 years in prison with a minimum of five years on supervised release and pay a fine of at least $100.

The prosecution also asked to schedule another status hearing on March 5 to give the defense the opportunity to go over information in regards to the District of Columbia’s Youth Rehabilitation Act, a rehabilitation program, and to execute a pre-sentence investigation report.

This article was written by Noa Donvan

Judge Reverses A Murder Defendant’s Release Order

A judge decided to detain a murder defendant despite the fact that another judge ordered his release.

Javon Gunter, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 15-year-old Thomas Johnson on Oct. 9, 2019, on the 1300 Block of Half Street, SW.

Despite being released to a halfway house by DC Superior Court Judge Gerald Fischer on Jan. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found substantial probability based on the arrest affidavit and ruled in favor of detaining Gunter Feb. 14.

After the case was transferred to Judge Dayson the prosecution requested the judge to not release Gunter, despite Judge Fischer’s prior ruling.

“This was a targeted assassination,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor also said that no conditions would ensure the safety of the community.

Gunter waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

A felony status conference is scheduled to occur on April 17.

Document: Homicide and Police Involved Shooting in Downtown DC

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide and police involved shooting that occurred on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW.

According to a press release, uniformed members were on patrol in the area and heard the sounds of gunshots. They located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and observed a suspect fleeing the scene.

Officers pursued the suspect into the 700 block of 10^th Street, Northwest, 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, Northwest.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported the suspect and victim to local hospitals for treatment. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead. The suspect was treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

The decedent has been identified as 29 year-old Terence Dantzler, of no fixed address.

A handgun was recovered on the scene and is pictured below:

20 year-old Jaykell Mason, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed, Assault on a Police Officer while Armed and Carrying a Pistol Without a License.

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, pursuant to MPD policy. Responding officers activated their body worn cameras. That footage is currently under review.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099.

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Jury Selection for Parking Lot Murder Includes Questions About Police Involvement

During jury selection on Feb. 12, a DC Superior Court judge interviewed potential jurors on a case where a man was shot and killed in a community center parking lot.

Herman Lee Cook, Jr., 49 , is charged with with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges are in connection with the alleged shooting of Donald Johnson Jr., 45, on the 5700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

During jury selection, questions were asked pertaining to the jury’s view of police enforcement due to the prosecution’s use of law enforcement within the case.

On several occasions jurors were dismissed if they showed any signs of police enforcement mistrust.

Once all of the jurors were selected there were a total of 14. Six men and eight women.

Additional questions included: “what is your current job or profession?” “How long have you lived in DC,” and “Do you practice at all in criminal law?”.

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo.

Prosecutor Asks Jury to Hold Murder Defendant Accountable

During the first day of a jury trial., a prosecutor asked the jury to “hold this man responsible for taking a human life.”

Herman Lee Cook, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Donald Stephan Johnson Jr., 45, on Aug. 8, 2016, on the 5700 block of Georgia Ave., NW. He is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm.

While delivering opening statements on Feb. 12, the prosecutor pointed to Cook and explained to the jury that, “this man murdered Donald Stephen Johnson in cold blood.” The prosecutor then asked the jury to “hold this man responsible for taking a human life.”

The prosecutor showed surveillance video from a recreation center parking lot that depicted what appeared to be Cook shooting Johnson. He then played the video for the jury and explained, in detail, what happened at each moment.

“You can see it right here on video,” he said, “Herman Lee Cook shot Donald Johnson and killed him.”

Cook’s defense attorney, William Buie, then proceeded with his opening statements. He asked the jury to proceed through the trial with “a clean sheet of paper and an open mind.”

D.C Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna is presiding over the trial.

This article was written by Naysha Carrasquillo and MiriYam Judd

Defense Wants to Exclude Expert’s Opinion in Murder Case

During a trial readiness hearing on Feb. 13, the defense argued that an expert’s opinion should be excluded in a murder case.

Dajuan Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the alleged shooting of Cheyenne Washington on the 4400 block of E Street, SE in July of 2018. Jones is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license with prior felony, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Jones’ defense attorney, David Knight, asked to exclude the expert opinion of a witness that would be called by the prosecution. The witness would give an opinion on Instagram photos of the defendant with an unidentified firearm.

The opinion states the firearm seen in the Instagram photos could be consistent with .308 caliber shells fired at the crime scene.

Knight said the photos should be censored in instances where the defendant is scene pointing the gun toward the camera. The censorship would be for the purpose of minimizing potential jury bias.

“It shows the possession by the defendant of what could be reasonably assumed to be the murder weapon,” DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz said.

The Knight said he is considering calling an expert witness to argue that the firearm depicted in the photo could fire either .308 caliber or 9 millimeter ammunition.

The defense must file motions to introduce expert witnesses by Feb. 19. The prosecution has to respond by Feb. 24.

A trial readiness hearing is slated to occur on Feb. 20.

Written by Wyatt Mullins

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