Search Continues for Murder Defendant Charged in 10 Year Old’s Death

A judge said police were still looking for a murder defendant who is connected to a drive-by shooting that killed a 10-year-old girl.

Isaiah Murchison is charged with first-degree murder while armed; conspiracy; first-degree murder by drive-by or random shooting of a victim who was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity while armed; possession of a firearm during a crime of violence; criminal street gang affiliation, felony or violent misdemeanor; and assault with the intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on the 300 block of 53 Street, NE on July 16, 2018.

Murchison is one of ten other co-defendants, including Saquan Williams, Quincy Garvin, Mark Tee Price, Darrise Jeffers, Antonio Murchison, Gregory Taylor, Marquell Cobbs, Qujuan Thomas, and Quentin Michals. Quanisha Ramsuer is charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the shooting.

During a felony arraignment on Dec 2, DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Lee Beck told the defense that a bench warrant has been out for Isaiah since August.

She said she will continue with court proceedings with the hopes that Isaiah is brought in soon.

Taylor’s defense counsel also told Judge Beck that he intended to conduct independent DNA testing on a glove found on the scene. According to the prosecution, Taylor’s fingerprints are on the glove.

The other defendants, except for Isaiah, waived their rights to independent testing.

A status hearing is scheduled on Feb. 21 2020, for all of the defendants.

Ellery Groth wrote this article.

Prosecutor Says He Tried to Obtain Missing Footage

After a defense team filed a motion to dismiss a murder case, the prosecution tried to prove that counsel did everything possible to obtain all of the potential evidence.

Deon Crowell, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Joni Rockingham, 53, on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE on Dec. 12, 2017.

D.C. Witness previously reported that the defense team, Rachel McCoy and Elizabeth Weller, would be filing a motion to dismiss the case because of the prosecutions inability to preserve evidence.

The prosecution called several witnesses who were all police officers. Apparently, the officers searched for Rockingham when she went missing in Nov. 2017. The motions hearing, which began on Oct. 16, continued on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27.

The prosecutor also said he found some of the footage that was believed to be missing and disclosed it to the defense team. However, there was still a large amount missing which was why the hearing had to be held.

All of the officers wore body cameras and were recording while canvasing DC for the whereabouts of Rockingham. But, all the officers that testified had their footage erased due to the retention time on body cam footage with the specific tag of “incident no arrest.”

There have been 14 total officers who have testified thus far, who were almost all police recruits when Rockingham disappeared and was found murdered.

The prosecutor said he plans to call more police officers at the next hearing most of whom have also had their police footage erased from that time period.

The motions hearing is set to continue on Jan. 15, 2020.

Jaylin Hawkins wrote this article.

Document : Arrest Made in Homicide on 30th Street, SE

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man in connection to a homicide that occurred the day after the Thanksgiving holiday.

According to a press release, Devin Hill, a resident of Southeast, DC, was charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting 28-year-old Michael Cunningham.

Cunningham, who was a resident of Northeast, DC, was located at a nearby fire station. He died on the scene.

Not far from where authorities located Cunningham, an adult male and female were found on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. The victims were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to the release.

Apparently, the shooting occurred on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE.

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Document: Homicide on Shipley Terrace, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 2800 block of Shipley Terrace, SE on Nov. 30.

According to a press release, officers found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Twenty-two year old DeAngelo Ross was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The police department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should 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 30th Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE on Nov. 29.

According to a press release, officers found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. The were treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

A short time later, 28 year-old Michael Cunningham was located at a fire station in the area. He was also suffering from gunshot wounds.

Cunningham did not show any signs of life, according to the press release. He was pronounced dead at the fire station.

The police department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information should 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: Two Men Killed on Thanksgiving Holiday

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating to separate homicides that occurred on Thanksgiving. Both men were fatally shot.

According to a press release, officers located 25 year-old Tyree Pugh suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1700 block of Trenton Place, SE around 8:15 p.m. Pugh was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

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In a separate incident, officers found 28 year-old Michael Andre Francis suffering from gunshot wounds on the Unit block of Danbury Street, SW a little before noon.

The man was also pronounced dead at an area hospital. His name is being withheld until police can notify his next of kin.

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The shootings that occurred on Nov. 28 were not related.

The police department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information on any homicide that has occurred in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information can also be sent via the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal during his preliminary hearing on Nov. 26.

Keith Jenkins, 20, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for allegedly shooting 19-year-old Alvin Barnes on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Barnes died of a fatal shot to the head.

Jenkins decided to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and entered a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter while armed. He was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed.

If DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman accepts the sentencing term, which was agreed to by both parties, Jenkins could face 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release.

The charge holds a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison with 5 years of unsupervised release.

Jenkins’ defense attorney, Dorsey Jones, motioned for Jenkins to be released to a high intensity supervision program until his sentencing hearing because he willingly turned himself in when he found out the police were looking for him. Jenkins first appeared in DC Superior Court on Oct. 28.

Judge Edelman denied the request because Jenkins has an accessory to theft charge and a robbery charge that he pleaded guilty to in Maryland.

Judge Edelman also said he would look into whether Jenkins could be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled to occur on Feb. 7, 2020.

Danuellys Diaz wrote this story.

Document: Homicide on Rhode Island Ave, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting on the 2500 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

According to a press release, officers found 22-year-old Dante Hicks suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken 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 homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anonymous information can be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Document: Homicide on Benning Road, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.

According to a press release, officers found 17-year-old Eric Mercer, a resident of Northeast, DC, suffering from a gunshot wound on Nov. 22. He was transported to a local hospital. Mercer succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 26.

The police department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information about the case should 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 Misses Court Appearance

During a felony status conference on Nov, 26 a murder defendant failed to appear.

Michael “Miesha” Hines is charged with second-degree murder while armed with a firearm for allegedly shooting Wendell Youngblood, 46, on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE on Aug. 3. Hines, 23, is a transgender woman.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe. rescheduled the preliminary hearing due to reasons discussed at the bench.

A U.S. Marshal told Judge Iscoe that Hines would not be present due to medical reasons.

D.C. Witness previously reported that surveillance footage shows a man being knocked down and a figure drawing a gun and firing at the victim. The shooter then walks in the opposite direction, off camera, only to return, pointing in the victim’s direction.

According to the detective, several witnesses identified Hines as the shooter.

The detective said a key witness also told police that individuals discussed robbing Hines prior to the shooting.

Hines is being held without bond.

A status conference has been scheduled for Dec. 3.

This article was written by Demetria Tymus

Document: Police Arrest Woman in Connection to October Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Nov. 26 a woman who is suspected of being involved in an October homicide.

According to a press release, 28 year-old Olivia Cartwright-Cole is charged with second-degree murder while armed. She allegedly stabbed 24-year-old Joel David Midgett on the 200 block of K Street, NW in 2015.

Police say the case is still under investigation.

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

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‘Only God Can Judge Me,’ Man Says During Sentencing

A murder defendant told a judge that only God could judge him.

Astriane Horton pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and obstruction of justice for allegedly shooting 30-year-old Deon “Face” Coleman on the 4700 block of Brandywine Street, SW in 2008. Horton says he and Coleman were best friends.

Horton spoke for an extended period in front of the court and Coleman’s family when he mentioned that, “no one knew the circumstances behind what happened except the people that were there.”

Horton also said that he recognizes that jail isn’t where he is supposed to be but that he’s helped a lot of people while he’s been incarcerated over the last four years and will continue to do so.

“Deon didn’t deserve this. Especially, not from someone who called himself his best friend,” Coleman’s sister said.

The prosecutor said that she hoped Horton was on his way to turning his life around but also said that while reading the defense team’s pre-sentencing memorandum she came across some “alarming” things.

She said Baker’s defense attorney, Ronald Resetartis, said Horton’s upbringing and that it was difficult for him to escape the life which could have potentially lead to the killing.

“There are plenty of people who grow up in worse situations than Horton and still managed not to kill people,” the prosecutor said.

The parties agreed on a 20-year sentence. Members from Coleman’s family said they were not happy with the sentence.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson accepted the agreed upon conditions and sentenced Horton to 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Defense Counsel Plans on Asking Prosecution for More Evidence

A defense counselor said, during a status hearing Nov. 26, that he plans on asking for more evidence.

Saeve Evans is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Kareem Ware on the 3800 block of Halley Terrace in 2009. Evans, 33, was also acquitted of the murder of 16-year-old Breyona McMillian in February. McMillian was killed in 2016.

Evans defense attorney, James King, asked DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson for another status hearing, so he could get more evidence from the prosecution.

The prosecutor told King that there was already a status hearing set on Feb. 21, 2020.

Judge Dayson suggested that the current date remain, and if King felt that another hearing was needed, he could contact chambers.

Prosecution Concludes Arguments in Murder Trial

The prosecution in a murder trial rested their arguments on Nov. 26. Sean Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th St., SE. Baker was initially charged with assault with intent to kill. Baker is a transgender woman. The medical examiner, who completed the autopsy, was the last person to testify for the prosecution. The prosecutors also played Wiggins and Baker’s 911 calls the day before the stabbing on Jan. 27, 2016. The medical examiner said the stab wound found at the center of Wiggins’ chest was consistent with a kitchen knife being the murder weapon. She also said the wound was three inches deep and the blade pierced through the right side of Wiggins’ heart, which was the cause of death. Pictures of the autopsy and stab wound were shown to the jury. The medical examiner also said Wiggins tested positive for marijuana, opioids and cocaine in his toxicology report. Following the medical examiner’s testimony, the jury heard an altercation between Baker and Wiggins on a 911 call. On the first call played, you could hear Wiggins requesting an ambulance for Baker because she might have re-fractured her jaw. In the second 911 call, Wiggins said he was being followed by Baker, who had a knife in her hand, and he could be heard telling her to get away from him. Wiggins called law enforcement a third time, telling them that Baker was right behind him and urging officers to hurry up and arrive. “This ain’t the first little episode” he said. Baker made ta final 911 call, saying a physical altercation happened between her and the victim. She admitted to following him so that he could not evade the police. After the prosecution finished arguments, the defense motioned to acquit Baker because there was insufficient evidence of premeditation and this was a case of self-defense and accident. DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he would not make a ruling on the motion until he was ready. He said he wanted more time to review both parties’ arguments. The defense team called Wiggins’ ex-girlfriend to testify about the abusive relationship she had with the victim. Wiggins’ ex-girlfriend said he would constantly beat her and trap her in rooms. He even choked her until she blacked out at one point, she said. She said Wiggins would collect all the knives and screwdrivers in their home and hide them so that the ex-girlfriend could not defend herself. The actions the ex-girlfriend described were similar to Baker says Wiggins did the day he was fatally stabbed. Wiggins’ ex-girlfriend also had a restraining order against him in 2009. She said Wiggins would constantly reach out to her and show up to her job even after they had broken up. The defense is scheduled to continue arguments after the holiday break on Dec. 2.

Document: Police Arrest Man for Woman’s Death

The Metropolitan Police Department have arrested a man for his connection in a homicide that occurred in the summer.

According to a press release, 36 year-old Thomas Fields, Jr. is charged with first-degree murder (premeditated) for his alleged involvement in the death of Marquita Lucas on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE on Aug. 17.

Lucas, 24, was found after firefighters extinguished a brush fire on the 3100 block of Mill Branch Road in Bowie, Md. She displayed no signs of life.

An investigation determined that Lucas was killed in a residence on Horner Place.

Lucas is awaiting his first appearance for the crime in DC Superior Court.

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