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Judge Denies Prosecution’s Motion to Submit GPS Evidence

During a motions hearing Oct. 30 a judge denied a prosecutor’s motion to submit GPS tracking into evidence.

Sean Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed  for the Jan. 31 stabbing of 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th St., Southeast. Baker was initially charged with assault with the intent to kill.

Judge Todd E. Edelman said the prosecution’s reason for entering GPS tracking into evidence was highly speculative.

The prosecution argued that GPS tracking shows the defendant within a 3-mile radius of the crime scene two days before the murder weapon, a steak knife, was turned in by a maintenance worker for the apartment complex where the crime occurred. 

The prosecution said the knife appeared as a result of Baker visiting the area. However, GPS tracking provides the only argument to support the theory.

Judge Edelman said there was no suitable connection between the defendant and the murder weapon just because she was in the area. 

Baker’s defense attorneys motion for voir dire in open court was denied. Voir dire would allow potential jurors to be interviewed in front of the public to reduce potential prejudice or bias against the defendant, who is a transgender woman.

Judge Edelman will also allow 911 calls from both Baker and Wiggins to be entered into evidence.

According to court documents, Baker said she stabbed Wiggins in self defense. Baker, who has been released from jail while awaiting trial, allegedly stabbed Robert Wiggins in the heart during a fight in their apartment last year. 

Another motions hearing is scheduled to occur on Nov. 1.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 4.

Judge Finds Substantial Probability in Case of Police Employee

A judge found substantial proabability for first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for a former Metropolital Police Department (MPD) civilian employee. 

Ronnika Jennings, 41, is charged with first-degree murder, accessory after the fact , possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting  of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE in March of 2017.

During a detention hearing on Oct. 28, the prosecution said Jennings allegedly gave confidential police information to the shooter, Derek Turner, after the shooting. According to prosecution, she informed Turner whether or not the police were looking for him after looking in the department’s data base.

Jennings allegedly had contact with Turner, calling him more than 30 times in six days.

The prosecution said there was an inferred agreement between the two parties. He said that Jennings knew that Turner had committed a crime and willingly and knowingly gave him information about the shooting. 

Defense counsel Dorsey Jones told DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe  that there was no probable cause because Jennings never had a mutual agreement with the shooter. He said there was no plan between them and that they were not as closely associated as the prosecution suggested. 

Jones told the court that Jennings did not have any connection to Turner’s crew, the “Warren Place Crew”. 

Jones said the phone calls may constitute aiding and abetting but does not constitute conspiracy.

Judge Iscoe said the number of phone calls between Jennings and Turner had shown there was ongoing communication. He said Turner’s acts were foreseeable as he had a history of violence, and Jennings knew this. 

She was in a unique position working for MPD and utilized her access of the data base to help Turner, said Judge Iscoe.

Judge Iscoe ordered Jennings to be held without bond. 

He did not feel confident that any conditions of release could ensure Jennings would not utilize electronics to obstruct justice. 

A status hearing is set on Nov. 1.

 

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Elderly Man

A murder defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on Oct. 29.

Malcom Cunningham, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for stabbing 79-year-old David Norwood multiple times on the 600 block of C St, NE on April 16, 2017.

The conditions of the plea deal would dismiss all greater charges and offers a prison sentence of 12-18 years in prison with five years of supervised release if DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Lee Beck agrees to it.

If Judge Beck does not agree to these terms, the maximum penalty for Cunningham would be 70 years in prison with five years of supervised release.

According to court records, Cunningham stabbed Norwood with a kitchen knife at least 46 times and went on to inflict 14 more wounds. The defendant then exited the residence and tossed the kitchen knife into a nearby recycling bin. He then returned to the residence and washed the clothes he committed the crime in.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled to occur in January of 2020.

 

Document: Double Homicide on Eastern Avenue, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating two fatal stabbings that occurred on Oct. 28.

According to a MPD, officers found Shevon Ronford Turner and Arthur Randolph suffering from multiple stab wounds on the 300 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Both victims succumbed to their injuries.

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.

Judge Denies Continuing Case for Prosecution

On Oct. 28, judge denied continuing  a murder case after discussing the reasons why the prosecution is taking a long time to prepare for trial.

Jordan Smith, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two firearm offenses for his alleged role in the fatal shooting of Yashika Green, 42, on the 200 block of Wayne Place, SE in 2017.

“The government has not worked on this case in the extent they are expected to do so,” Said DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe.

During the status hearing, Smith’s defense counsel ,Mani Golzari, told Judge Iscoe that he does not think they should be allowed to continue the case.

He said that the prosecution wants to bring in multiple experts to test a footprint left in blood. Golzari said this could have been done beforehand and it is taking an unusually long amount of time. 

“Its become clear that the government has not tried to prosecute in a good faith effort or in a good faith way,” he said.

Golzari added that if prosecution were granted a continuance, Smith would be kept in a halfway house for even longer.

“The halfway house is a glorified jail he can’t leave,” Golzari said. 

Golzari requested that Judge Iscoe dismiss the case because the prosecution is delaying the trial. 

The prosecution asked Judge Iscoe for a one to two month continuance to meet with experts.

Judge Iscoe said that he did not think the prosecution acted in a timely fashion to gather and analyze evidence. He said the preliminary hearing was almost two years ago and there has been enough time to test evidence especially since there has been no unexpected circumstances.

Judge Iscoe did not comment on the motion to dismiss.

“It appears to me a great deal that could have been done wasn’t done,” He said 

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled on Nov. 1.

Judge Continues Case to Hear Witness Testimony

A DC Superior Court judge decided to continue a murder case for further witness testimony.

Sean Baker, 40, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Robert Wiggins.. Baker was initially charged with assault with intent to kill, but the charges were upgraded after Wiggins died from his injuries on Jan. 31.

Baker said she stabbed Wiggins in self defense.

According to court documents, Baker, who was released while she waits for trial, allegedly stabbed Robert Wiggins in the heart during a fight in their apartment last year. 

Judge Todd E. Edelman denied the defense’s motion to dismiss blood and urine samples because the agencies that collected the evidence were not biased towards the prosecution, as the defense claims.

The defense also motioned to suppress a witness’s testimony and phone record that would incriminate the defendant.

Phone records show Baker making threats after heated arguments with the victim. Another witness said Baker was chasing Wiggins with a knife the day before the alleged stabbing.

However, Judge Edelman says he will wait to make a ruling on the matter. He said he wants to hear the witness’s testimony in court. 

The defense claims it is all hearsay and that there is no evidence to corroborate that the defendant chased anyone with a knife.

Witness testimony and the continued motions hearing are scheduled to be addressed on Oct. 29.

A jury trial is scheduled on Nov. 4.

Plea Deal Lets Killer ‘Get Away With Murder,’ Aunt Says

A DC Superior Court judge agreed Oct. 25 to a 15-year sentence for a murder defendant. 

Malik Morris, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill for shooting Randall Francis, 20, on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE on Nov. 26.

“As pained as Mr. Francis’ family is, this brings finality to the case,” said Judge Ronna Beck. 

Judge Beck sentenced Morris to fifteen years in prison for second-degree murder while armed and seven years for assault with intent to kill. The sentences will be served concurrently. 

Judge Beck said that while she did not know Francis, she “felt a loss from not having gotten to know him.”

Judge Beck said she would accept the plea against the wishes of Francis’ family in part to bring finality to the case. 

“Obviously this case can be characterized by the incredible sadness,” she said. “It really is incomprehensible.”

Even so, Judge Beck said the sentence was justified because the homicide was Morris’ first encounter with the criminal justice system, and he accepted responsibility at the earliest opportunity. 

“He’s getting away with murder,” said Francis’ aunt during her victim impact statement. “If I could get away with murder the way he is today, he would be my first victim.”

Fourteen victim impact statements were given by Francis’ friends and family during the sentencing. They all urged the judge to reject the deal.

“I have friends and family that got more than 15 years for drugs,” said Francis’ mother during her victim impact statement. “I believe in a second chance, but that’s not enough. It’s not right.”

The prosecutor argued that while no prison term could possibly change what Morris did, the plea deal avoids the risks of a trial.  

“You can never provide satisfaction,” the prosecutor said. “But the plea agreement forces the defendant to accept responsibility.”

During sentencing the courtroom was filled with the victim’s friends and family, many of whom were in tears throughout the proceeding. 

“My son had a future,” said Francis’ mother. “He loved everyone and he just wanted to live. He loved living.”

Morris’ motive for killing Francis is unknown, according to Judge Beck, the prosecutor, and Francis’ family. 

Document: Homicide on R Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 26.

According to a press release, officers found 28-year-old Johnathan Mayrant suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1700 block of R Street, SE. Mayrant was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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.



10 27 19 Homicide 1700 Block of R Street, Southeast (Text)

Document: Homicide on East Capitol Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to a press release, officers located 22-year-old, Aaron George suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on Oct. 26. Aaron was pronounced dead 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 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.



10 27 19 Homicide 4200 Block of East Capitol Street, Northeast (Text)

Convicted Murderer Maintains Innocence During Sentencing

Even though a man, who was convicted of two murders, continued to say that he did not commit either crime, a judge sentenced him Oct. 25 to 52 years in prison. 

Terik McLeod was found guilty July 26 for killing a man and a minor. McLeod, 33, was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed for shooting Devaun Drayton, 17, on the 700 block of 26th Street, NE in 2004. McLeod was also found guilty of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances for shooting Carlton Fisher, 23, on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE in 2006. The first trial resulted in a hung jury after nearly two weeks of jury deliberations.

Devaun Drayton

“I’d like to apologize to the families but I ain’t do it,” McLeod said. “They really don’t care about justice. They just care about a conviction.”

Fisher’s teenage daughter gave a victim impact statement during the sentencing, noting that her father had been killed before her first birthday. 

Carlton Fisher

“When my father was killed a part of me was killed too,” she said. 

Fisher’s daughter also presented a poster she made to the court, which was covered with photographs of her father.

According to the prosecution, McLeod killed Fisher, who was shot seven times, because he was a witness testifying for the prosecution in the Drayton case. 

The prosecution requested that McLeod be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

“If there is any type of conduct we must deter it is conduct where someone goes after a witness,” said the prosecutor. 

McLeod’s actions set off “an innumerable series of violence,” said the prosecutor. “He was actively out in the community using those firearms against members of the community.”

One of McLeod’s defense attorneys argued that his client should have an opportunity for rehabilitation. 

“He’s going to do a significant amount of time and there’s no doubt that he deserves it,” said Michael Madden, McLeod’s defense attorney. “He does not need to be locked away, caged for the rest of his life.”

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck said the only reason she didn’t give McLeod a life sentence was because of his youth at the time of the crimes. 

McLeod was 18 and 20, respectively when the crimes were committed. Judge Beck said his brain was not fully developed at that age. 

“It is certainly my view that Mr. McLeod is not someone who can be returned to the community until he is much, much older,” Judge Beck said. 

D.C. Witness previously reported that according to the prosecution McLeod killed Drayton over a stolen firearm. 

“I don’t have enough words to give you to tell you how much I miss him,” said Drayton’s younger brother during his victim impact statement. 

Judge Beck sentenced McLeod to 14 years in prison for Drayton’s murder and 38 years for Fisher’s. She ordered that the sentences be served consecutively. According to DC Courts, McLeod received credit for time served.

After completing his prison term, he is required to serve five years of supervised release after his prison term. 

“If you murder a witness who’s cooperating with the government you can expect to spend most, if not all, of your life in jail,” said Judge Beck. 

Murder Defendant Pleads Not-Guilty to Nine Felony Charges 

A murder defendant entered a plea of not-guilty  to nine felony charges.

Barry Marable is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to kill, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful posession of ammunition and posession of an unregistered firearm. Marable, 23, allegedly shot Roger Marmet, 22, at a BP gas station on the 1200 block of 17th Street, NE on Oct. 24, 2018. 

During an arraignment on Oct. 25, Marable pleaded not-guilty to all charges after a plea deal could not be reached with prosecution. 

D.C Witness previously reported that,in early October, a plea deal was reached but then revoked after Marable did not agree with the events that took place on the night of the murder. 

Marable’s defense counsel, Anthony Matthews, told D.C Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe that he anticipated a two week long jury trial. 

The trial is set to start on Dec. 12.

 

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in 15-year-old’s Death 

A murder defendant rejected a plea offer  at a status hearing on Oct. 25.

Daquan Gray,17, is charged with first-degree murder while armed,possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. Gray allegedly shot Jaylyn Wheeler, 15, on the 600 Block of Alabama Avenue, SE on May 16. 

During a status hearing, Gray’s counsel, Dana Page, told a judge that defense was rejecting a plea deal offered from prosecution. 

The conditions of the plea deal were not discussed in court. 

D.C Witness previously reported that Gray and the prosecution had been in plea negotiations for the last two months. 

Page told DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe that the defense has not decided if there will be independent testing. 

A status hearing is scheduled on Jan. 10

 

Judge Dismisses Murder Defendant’s Charges

During a felony status hearing Oct. 25 a murder defendant’s charges were dismissed. 

Antonio Booze 46, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting Eugene Johnson, 37, on the Unit block of Galveston Place, SW on Nov. 11 2018.

The prosecution had nine months to get a grand jury indictment, which expired on Sept. 30. However, D.C. Witness previously reported that DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna granted a 30-day extension,

The prosecution said there was still no indictment on file for Booze so Judge Mckenna proceeded to dismiss Booze of his second – degree murder charge. 

Judge McKenna also removed Booze from the high intensity supervision program. 

Document: Traffic Fatality Results in Homicide Charge

On Oct. 24, a pedestrian was killed in a traffic accident on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

According to a MPD press release, a pedestrian was crossing from the south side of the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, Southeast to the north side, outside of a marked crosswalk. While the pedestrian was in the roadway, a grey in color sedan that was traveling eastbound on East Capitol Street, Southeast struck the pedestrian as she was crossing the outbound lane of travel. The driver of the striking vehicle fled the scene. Responding officers were able to locate the vehicle and the suspect was apprehended.

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the pedestrian to an area hospital for severe injuries. After all life-saving efforts failed, the pedestrian was pronounced dead.

The decedent has been identified as a 15 year-old Amoni Richardson, of Southeast, DC.

On Thursday, October 24, 2019, a 17 year-old juvenile male, of Northeast, DC, was arrested and charged with Murder Two.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099.



10 24 19 Traffic Fatality 3900 Block of East Capitol Street, Southeast (Text)

Defense Plans to Call Psychologist in Child Murder Case

The defense attorney for a mother accused of murdering her 16-month-old daughter said he planned to call a forensic psychologist to testify during trial. 

Faneshia Scott is charged with first-degree murder and child cruelty for her alleged role in the death of her daughter, Rhythm Fields, on the 5400 block of C Street, SE in 2017. Scott, 33, is currently confined to her home under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). She is also required to wear a GSP monitor.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh and the prosecution said Oct. 24 that they plan to call a number of expert witnesses. Counsel did not specify exactly how many witnesses would be called during the trial.  

The prosecutor also said she would call a child psychologist and a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent. 

The D.E.A. agent would testify about a bottle found at the crime scene which contained cough syrup. 

According to Scott’s indictment, she “intentionally, knowingly and recklessly” tortured and beat her daughter.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Milton Lee noted that given the number of expert witnesses and documents involved in this case, the attorneys need to be conscious of disclosure deadlines. 

“This can’t be an unending process,” said Judge Lee. “There has to be a fixed date somewhere.”

He also warned that he may not allow testimony from any witnesses announced too close to the trial date, which is set in May of 2020. 

Judge Lee said he plans to set a deadline for expert witness notice at Scott’s next status hearing, which is scheduled on Dec. 17.