Judge Rules Probable Cause, Not Self Defense

A judge ruled Oct. 11 that there was probable cause with substantial probability that a murder defendant may have been responsible in a shooting despite trying to claim self defense.

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.

“What I have seen on the video makes me think, more than likely, she will be convicted and she was not acting in self defense,” said DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe, referencing surveillance footage from the night of the murder.

The 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 a Metropolitan Police Department detective, there was a fight in which the victim was punched and knocked to the ground by several men.

The detective said that when the victim was on the ground a gun was drawn and three shots were fired, striking the victim in the leg.

The shooter then began to walk away. The detective said several witnesses heard one of the men involved in the altercation say, “Bust his a**, again.” The shooter returned several seconds later, firing a fatal shot into the victim.

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.

“The defendant decided to be the judge and juror herself…our law does not allow that,” said a prosecutor during the preliminary hearing.

A weapon was not recovered.

Hines is being held without bail in DC Jail.

A felony status conference is set on Nov. 15.

Document: Homicide on Savannah Terrace, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

According to a press release, officers found two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds on Oct. 12.

24-year-old Shaquille Simmons was pronounced dead on the scene.

The other victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000, per victim, to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a 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 2017 Homicide

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department apprehended Oct. 10 a man for the murder of another man in Southeast, DC in 2017.

According to a press release, 38 year-old Isaiah Holland, a resident of Southeast, DC, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 31 year-old Antwan Jones. The shooting occurred on the 2100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on March 28, 2017.

Document: Homicide on I Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 1200 block of I Street, SE.

According to a press release, officers found 36-year-old Marcus Williams suffering from gunshot wounds on Oct. 10. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect was captured by a nearby surveillance camera and can be seen in this video link: https://youtu.be/avnRjvOiYzg

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000, per victim, to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a 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.

Prosecution Requests More Time for DNA Results

During a status hearing on Oct. 11, the prosecution requested more time for DNA results to come in.

Robert Moses and James Mayfield are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the death of Jamahri Sydnor on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE in 2017. The co-defendants are also charged with assault with the intent to kill, aggravated assault while armed, conspiracy while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Moses is charged with obstruction of justice.

The prosecution is scheduled to receive the DNA results on Oct. 21.The hearing is scheduled to resume on Oct. 25.

Defense attorney Kevin McCants did not object to rescheduling the hearing to Oct. 25.

Moses, 20, and Mayfield, 19, allegedly fired more than ten shots at individuals at the intersection of Saratoga and Montana Avenue, NE, court documents state. Sydnor, 17, was an unintended target, struck by a bullet while driving through the intersection. Sydnor’s passenger, her 12-year-old cousin, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Three other bystanders were also wounded during the shootout.

The shooting is believed to be the result of an on-going feud between young men from the Langston and Saratoga neighborhoods, according to the police.

Sydnor was a recent graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, who was set to attend Florida A&M University in the fall of 2017, news reports state. She was also the daughter of a DC police officer.

Philip Carlos McDaniel, 22, who is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed in connection to the case, is scheduled for a status hearing on Feb. 13, 2020. He is still awaiting a preliminary hearing.

Judge Sets Trial Date for Father Accused of Killing Infant Daughter

During a status hearing on Oct. 10, a DC Superior Court judge set the trial of a murder defendant accused of killing his three-month-old daughter is scheduled to begin on June 14, 2021.

Cornell Delvonte Holton, 25, is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children for his alleged role in the death of his daughter, Skylar Newman, on the 4300 block of G Street, SE on April 1.

Judge Craig Iscoe delayed his ruling on the defense’s motion for the case’s evidence until the prosecutor, who just took over the case, had more time to familiarize herself with the details.

The prosecution opposed defense attorney John Fowler’s motion for the evidence until protective orders are in place.The prosecutor said the protection orders were necessary because of potential witness tampering and domestic violence.

However, she said she could not speak to details of the tampering or alleged domestic violence because she was not familiar enough with the case, yet.

According to Fowler, this was the first he heard of any tampering with witnesses or domestic violence.

Fowler argued against the protection orders because the orders would prevent him from discussing the case and getting advice from other defense attorneys in his office.

Fowler also said that he believed some of the witnesses, who the prosecution wants placed under a protection order, are good character witnesses for Holton. They do not need to be protected since there are no specific security concerns in the case, he said.

Judge Iscoe said he would rule on the motion to compel the evidene and the protection orders during a status hearing that is scheduled on Nov. 1.

Defense Plans to Conduct DNA Testing for Murder Case

During a status hearing on Oct. 11, a defense attorney told a judge that her client would like to independently test DNA evidence.

Jessie Taylor, 43, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and two gun offenses for his alleged role in the shooting death of his girlfriend, 49-year-old Bernadette Ki ng on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE in 2018.

Taylor’s defense attorney Dominique Winters said she does not think the DNA testing would delay her client’s trial, which is scheduled to begin on Feb. 18, 2020.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe also set a motions deadline on Jan. 9. Oppositions to the motions are due on Jan. 23. Expert notices are also due on Jan. 9.

According to Judge Iscoe, both parties are expected to have expert witnesses.

Taylor’s trial readiness hearing is scheduled on Feb. 4, 2020.

Document: Homicide on Sheriff Road, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 5200 block of Sheriff Road, NE.

According to a press release, officers found 24-year-old Kevin Better suffering from gunshot wounds on Oct. 8.

On Oct. 10, the victim succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

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 homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information can call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

According to D.C. Witness data, there have been 141 homicides in DC in 2019, nearly an 8 percent increase from the 131 homicides that occurred during the same time last year.

The MPD states that there have been 134 homicides in DC in 2019, a seven percent increase from the 124 homicides recorded in 2018.

Editor’s note: D.C. Witness’s homicide count differs from the Metropolitan Police Department’s calculation because D.C. Witness records all violent deaths, including police-involved shootings and vehicular homicides.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in 2010 Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in a murder case because DNA under a victim’s fingernails matched the defendant.

Kavon Young is charged with first-degree felony murder for allegedly shooting 66-year-old John Pernell on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE on July 3, 2010.

Judge Craig Iscoe said the DNA was significant because, according to a Metropolitan Police Department detective, Young did not know Pernell before he allegedly attempted to rob the victim.

During a preliminary hearing Oct. 10, the detective, who assisted the lead detective on the case, also said one witness identified Young as one of two individuals who shot Pernell.

The detective said the same witness identified another individual. However, the detective said the witness, who claimed to be at the scene, could not have been there because the witness was incarcerated at the time Pernell was killed.

During his testimony, the detective said he could not remember all of the interviews he had with witnesses.

Young’s defense attorney, Ieshaah Murphy, argued that there was no probable cause. She said the detective did not remember or was unaware of certain aspects of the case, including which witnesses he interviewed the night Pernell was murdered.

Judge Iscoe said that while he would not make a substantial probability ruling at this time, he did believe the prosecution established clear and convincing evidence to ask for a substantial probability.

Murphy requested Young’s release, arguing that since the murder occurred nine years ago he was not a threat to the community.

Judge Iscoe denied the request, citing previous firearms convictions in 2010 and 2016.

Young, 29, is being held without bail.

He is scheduled for a felony status conference on Dec. 12.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Indictment

A DC Superior Court judge denied a murder defendant’s motion to dismiss his indictment.

Daryl Thompson , 30, is charged with of first-degree murder while armed, assault with 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 allegedly shooting Edward Roberts Jr., 29, and Tyler McEachern, 23.

During a mental observation hearing Oct. 10, Thompson read an oral motion, arguing to dismiss his indictment. He said he had been unlawfully arrested, racially profiled, and had evidence of an alibi.

Thompson also said that he planned to file a civil suit. D.C. Witness could not verify whom Thompson planned to sue.

In response, the prosecution said there were other ways to address Thompson’s reasons for dismissing the indictment. According to the prosecutor, an alibi defense could be made at trial and unlawful arrest could be grounds for a motion to suppress evidence.

Thompson has also been undergoing mental evaluations at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital, since July. Apparently, the judge received a report from St. Elizabeth’s that said Thompson is competent to stand trial.

Doctors at St. Elizabeth’s also recommended that Thompson be transferred to DC Jail due to unspecified behavioral problems. He was transferred to the jail on Oct. 10.

Thompson’s defense attorney, Dana Page, told Judge Craig Iscoe that she plans to challenge the competency finding.

The hearing was continued to Oct. 25 to allow the defense time to prepare a challenge.

Document: Suspect Sought in Double Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department is searching for a suspect who is connected to a homicide on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

According to a press release, police are currently looking for Davon Payton. Payton, 30, is wanted on an DC Superior Court arrest warrant for allegedly shooting 24-year-old Devon Miller and 27 year-old Lekelefac Fonge in a residence on Oct. 9. Miller and Fonge were pronounced dead on the scene.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Payton, or who has knowledge of this incident should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411. The police department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Police are searching for Devon Payton in connection to a double homicide on Oct. 9

Document: Homicide on Rosedale Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 9.

According to a press release, upon arrival, officers located two unconscious adult male victims inside of a residence, suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and found that the victims displayed no signs consistent with life.

The decedents have been identified as 24 year-old Devon Miller, of Northeast, DC, and 27 year-old Lekelefac Fonge,of Lanham, MD.

Police are 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 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.

Document: Homicide on Half Street, SW

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 9.

According to a press release, officers found 15-year-old Thomas Johnson unconscious suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1300 block of Half Street, SW. Kirkland was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police are 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 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.

Prosecution Will Only Recognize Plea Deal if Both Defendants Accept

A prosecutor offered a murder defendant a new plea deal after three years of neogations, but the deal will only hold if his co-defendant accepts the offer as well.

Jerrell Powell, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. His co-defendant, Jeremiah Jordan, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The men are accused of shooting Antoine D. McCullough, 30, on the 3500 block 18th St., SE in 2016.

According to terms of the plea deal, if Powell pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, his gun charges would be dropped and he would be sentenced to no more than 15 years in prison.

During a status hearing Oct. 9, the prosecution said Jordan had also been extended the same deal.

The prosecution said Powell’s deal is contingent on whether Jordan accepts the deal. If Jordan rejects the plea, or it is withdrawn, the prosecution will also withdraw Powell’s offer.

Powell’s defense counsel, Brandi Harden, said there has been trouble negotiating with the prosecution about the terms of the plea deal throughout the case.

According to court documents, the defense has been in the midst of plea negotiations since January.

“He [Powell] has been prepared to take a plea deal for three years,” said Harden.

Harden also informed DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that the defense was ready to go forward with trial.

Both defendant’s rejected the plea deal.

The status hearing that was scheduled for Powell and Jordan on Jan. 8, 2020, was rescheduled for Jordan on Jan. 6, 2020.

Judge Grants Murder Defendant New Counselor

On Oct. 8, a murder defendant was appointed new counsel.

Edward Hampton Brown, 57, is charged with first -degree felony murder while armed and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of Michael Mahoney, 71, on the 2300 block of 11th Street, NW on Feb. 5, 2018.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee granted Brown’s request for new counsel. Kevin Mosley has been appointed to represent Brown in place of Kevin Irving.

D.C Witness previously reported that Judge Lee granted Brown’s wish for new counsel because the relationship was not working.

Mosley said he needs proper time to go over all the evidence and information from prior counsel and any additional information from the prosecution.

The prosecution said the timeframe did not change any factors of the case. The prosecutor requested to set a trial date.

According to court documents, surveillance footage captured Brown going to and leaving from Mahoney’s apartment the day before the murder.

Judge Lee granted Mosley 30 days to bring himself up to speed with the case.

A status hearing is scheduled on Nov. 6. A trial date is also expected to be set on this day.

Search