Document: Homicide Turns to Police Involved Shooting, Leaving Two Dead

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal officer involved shooting that occurred on Sept. 16.

According to a press release, officers responded to the sound of gunshots on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE. Upon arriving to the residence the suspect exited the house, brandishing a handgun and fired at the officers. Officers returned fire striking the suspect.

Upon arriving to the scene, DC Fire and Emergency Services found the suspect had no signs consistent with life. During the exchange of gunfire a MPD officer was shot and transported to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

After further investigation, officers discovered an adult male victim located inside the residence with no signs consistent with life. Based on preliminary investigation, it appears that the deceased suspect shot and killed the victim inside the residence.

The deceased suspect had been identified as 53-year-old Eric Carter. The vicitm has been identified as 55-year-old Alphonzo Carter, both of Southeast, DC.

Victim’s Sister is Lying, Defense Says

A defense counselor focused on the credibility of a victim’s mother and sister during opening statements in a murder trial on Sept. 16.

James Embre is charged with felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children and second-degree cruelty to children for his alleged role in the death of two-year-old Aceyson Aizim Ahmad on the 3400 block of A Street, SE on April 17. According to court documents, Embre, 33, was involved in a romantic relationship with Ahmad’s mother.

Defense attorney, Johnathan Zucker, said Ahmad’s sister, who is the only eyewitness to the murder, is known for not telling the truth. Zucker also said Ahmad’s sister and mother had been violent towards Ahmad in the past.

In addition, Ahmad’s sister changed her story multiple times when talking to her mother and the police, the defense lawyer said. Apparently, she first told police that Ahmad fell off the bed. Then, seconds after, she said that Embre punched Ahmad in the stomach and later said he actually punched him in the back.

“People who commit child abuse almost always were abused themselves as a child,” Zucker said, referring to Ahmad’s mother’s childhood. Zucker also said that Ahmad’s mother told police, on the night of the incident, that she “whipped their butts” with an electric cord as punishment.

Apparently, a medical examiner, who will testify later in the trial, discovered there were 20 plus prior fractures to the victim’s rib cage.

Ahmad’s godmother, who was a main caregiver for Ahmad, told the jury that she did not notice any marks on the boy when she dropped him off at school that morning.

According to paperwork from the daycare, there were two instances where Ahmad arrived with a black eye and a burn on the top of his foot.

The godmother said Ahmad’s mother told her that the burn could have been a cigarette burn that Ahmad got from one of her cigarettes. Ahmad’s mother also told the godmother that the black eye occurred from Ahmad’s sister hitting him with a truck.

Another defense attorney, Kristin McGough, asked the godmother about a statement she told police about the victim’s sister playing too rough. Even though the godmother denied accusing Ahmad’s sister of the death, she did acknowledge that she made the statement.

According to the prosecution, Embre was guilty because the sister said she saw him hit the child.

Murder Defendant Hires Private Attorney

During a felony status conference Sept. 16, a murder defendant hired a new private attorney to represent him.

Raymond Avent, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 23.

Avent’s previous attorney, Elizabeth J. Weller, withdrew from the case for reasons not stated in court.

Leonard L. Long is now representing Avent. Long is not a public defender, and was apparently retained by Avent.

Long requested a status hearing so he could familiarize himself with Avent’s case.

Avent is scheduled for a felony status conference on Nov. 14.

Paying Back the Court System: Fines and Fees in DC

Annie Brennan created and reported on this post.

Document: Homicide on 35th Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 15.

According to a press release, officers found 20-year-old Lamont Munden unconscious suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the Unit block of 35th Street, NE. Munden was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

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 Arkansas Avenue, NW

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 13.

According to a press release, officers found 32-year-old George Ransford inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 5000 block of Arkansas Avenue, NW. Ransford was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

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.

Murder Defendant Considers Plea Deal

Defense counsel told Sept. 13 a DC Superior Court judge that she has discussed the prosecution’s plea offer with her client and they are still considering it.

Daquan Gray 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, 17, allegedly shot 15-year-old Jalyn Wheeler on the 600 Block of Alabama Avenue, SE on May 16, 2018. Gray is being charged as an adult.

Gray’s counsel, Dana Page, said the defense was not prepared to proceed with independent DNA testing at this time.

Page also waived the defendant’s presence for the proceedings. Gray is currently released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).

The prosecution agreed to leave the plea deal open. A deadline for the plea offer was not discussed in open court.

Page asked to approach the bench and had an undisclosed conversation with DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe and the prosecution. No further details about the conversation were discussed in open court.

A status hearing is scheduled on Oct. 25.

Murder Defendent Pleads Guilty to Stabbing

A murder defendent pleaded guilty Sept. 13 to stabbing a man in February.

Darius Murphy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for killing Jason Wood ,39, on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE. on Feb. 19.

According to a proper of facts, Murphy got into an altercation with the victim and the victim punched Murphy.

Murphy revealed a knife after which the victim walked away. Ten minutes later, Murphy approached the victim and stabbed him multiple times and then fled the scene, according to the proffer.

The prosecution recommended a sentence of 12-22 years in prison.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said he was satisfied with the plea deal and chose to accept it.

Murphy is being held without bail.

Murphy’s sentencing is scheduled on Nov. 15.

Defense Asks Judge to Reconsider Holding Murder Defendant

During a motions hearing Sept. 13, a defense attorney asked a DC Superior Court judge to reconsider holding a murder defendant in jail.

Alonzo Lewis is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 40-year-old Jaquon Helm and 35-year-old Venius Badgett on the Unit block of Galveston Street, SW in May of 2018. Lewis, 33, is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Judge Danya Dayson decided to continue to hold Lewis in jail based on the nature of the murders, as well as, his past offenses. Lewis was convicted of two drug felonies in 2012 and assault with significant bodily injury in 2008.

Defense attorney, John Fowler, requested that the prosecution get all the information on the details of one of the victim’s criminal history.

According to Fowler, one of the victim’s had been involved in past criminal cases more than 20 years back. Fowler cannot get the documents of the cases because the criminal acts occurred more than two decades ago.

Judge Dayson ordered the prosecution to provide this information to Fowler before the next status hearing.

A status hearing is scheduled on Nov. 15.

Document: Second Ward 8 Homicide in Two Days

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 12.

According to a press release, officers found 48-year-old Robert William Wagoner inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. Wagoner was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Officers also located a second adult victim in the same vehicle as Wagoner suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He received treatment at a local hospital for life threatening injuries. An update on the second victim’s status has not been released.

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 Continues to Seek Earlier Date for Murder Defendant

During a status hearing Sept. 13, a judge said a murder defendant could not get an earlier trial date before the summer of 2020.

Dewayne Chatman is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Evan Williams on the 4000 Block of 3rd Street, SE in 2016. Chatman, 33, is also charged with mayhem while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, threat to kidnap or injure a person and obstructing justice.

Chatman’s first trial date was scheduled for Oct. 1, 2018, however, the lead detective on the case was scheduled for surgery. A second trial date was set to begin on May 13 but DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson agreed to begin the trial on May 16, 2020, which will be Chatman’s third trial date.

DC Witness previously reported that, Judge Dayson agreed to the scheduling change after she concluded that a key witness was unfit to testify after speaking to the witness’s doctor.

It was not stated in court why Judge Dayson is looking for an earlier trial date.

Chatman’s defense counsel, Dominique Winters, argued that the defendant should be released because of the extended time between now and the new trial date. However, Judge Dayson denied her request and Chatman continues to be held without bail.

Counsel has until February of 2020 to file any motions and responses in the case.

A status hearing is set on Jan. 23, 2020.

Chatman’s trial readiness hearing is set on March 20, 2020.

Murder Defendant’s Compliance Not Grounds for Better Conditions, Judge Says

During a felony status conference Sept. 12, a DC Superior Court judge said a murder defendant’s compliance with court sanctioned release conditions did not justify relaxing them.

Barbara Sanders is charged with second-degree murder while armed with a knife for allegedly stabbing 59-year-old Thurman Knight on the 500 block of Montana Avenue, NE in March. According to court documents, Sanders, 53, and Knight resided together and were in a romantic relationship for nearly eight years.

According to Judge Craig Iscoe, Sanders, 53, was released to a halfway house in June where she has remained in full compliance with her conditions of release.

The response came after defense attorney, Matthew Davies, said he may request more relaxed release conditions at a later date in light of his client’s good behavior.

“We can only anticipate compliance,” Iscoe said.

Sanders is required to submit weekly drug screenings, she cannot have any social passes, she can only leave the house for medical, employment, job training or other appointments pre approved by halfway house staff and her movement is monitored through a GPS tracking device.

D.C. Witness previously reported that a recently established Department of Corrections mandate would prevent anyone with a charge of violence within 10 years from being able to stay. However, a representative said that if a judge ordered her placement, she would be released.

Both the defense and prosecution agreed that the deadline for the prosecution to secure an indictment is Feb. 2, 2020. A felony status conference is scheduled on Feb. 7, 2020.

Prosecution Files Motion for a Protective Order for Grand Jury Materials

During a hearing on Sept. 12, the prosecution argued for a protective order for Grand Jury materials.

Steven Maye, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Derek Anthony Walcott in December of 2018. Walcott, 46, was found stabbed multiple times on the 5100 block of B Street, SE.

The prosecutor said that after an arraignment, Maye’s defense lawyer, Mani Golzari, could view Grand Jury materials. However, the prosecutor said Golzari could not share the materials that contained the identities of the witnesses with Maye.

Golzari asked DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe if he could share the materials with the defendant two weeks before trial. Golzari said the material could be used for interviews.

Judge Iscoe told Golzari that he could request exemptions from the order for specific items of information.

However, the judge reminded the prosecution that if the Grand Jury does not meet before Sept. 24, he would consider a motion to dismiss the case.

Mother IDs Murderer As ‘An Animal’

During a sentencing hearing Sept. 12, a murder defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Jackie Berry pleaded guilty in June for stabbing 38 year-old Michael McKoy on the 1600 block of V Street, SE in 2010. He was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business

“He was an animal,” McKoy’s mother told DC Superior Courts Judge Craig Iscoe. “Please never let him walk the streets again. I want him behind bars.”

The prosecution and defense recommended a sentence of 10 years for the plea.

“My life was shattered,” the mother continued. At times she struggled to speak to the judge during her victim impact statement. The mother encouraged Judge Iscoe to consider a harsher sentence than what counsel agreed on.

Judge Iscoe acknowledged that the sentence would not satisfy everyone.

According to DC’s voluntary sentencing guidelines, a person who maintained a criminal history score of 0-0.5, who was convicted of second-degree murder while armed could be sentenced from 12 to 24 years in prison.

“I regret everything,” Berry said.

According to court documents, Berry and McKoy were friends and Berry slept on McKoy’s couch for an extended period of time.

Judge Schedules Trial for Homicide Case

During a trial readiness hearing Sept. 12, counsel discussed possible witnesses being called during trial.

Edward Brown, 55, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 71-year-old Michael Mahoney on the 2300 block of 11th St., NW on Feb. 5, 2018.

DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee asked how many witnesses each side planned on calling in order to gauge the length of trial.

The prosecution said they would have between 20-25 witnesses and possibly two additional expert witnesses.

Defense counsel, Kevin Irving, said he would only call one DNA expert and possibly an additional fingerprint analysis expert.

Jury selection is scheduled on Sept. 16. Opening statements are slated to begin on Sept. 18.

According to court documents, police found Mahoney in his apartment on 11th Street suffering from two stab wounds to his neck. Multiple witnesses told police that Mahoney allowed Brown, 56, to sleep on his couch.

One of Mahoney’s neighbors told police that on the same day police found Mahoney, Brown came to the neighbor’s apartment to shower. Apparently, the clothes he was wearing contained blood. The neighbor also found multiple articles of clothing and a towel stained with blood, the documents said.

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