Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting Outside Bar

A fatal shooting defendant remains jailed without bond after DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz established probable cause during a preliminary hearing on July 7.

Dione Dorn, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jaydon Parson, 23, on Feb. 18 on the 700 block of H Street, NE.

According to court documents, Parson was shot outside of a bar on H Street after what appeared to be a verbal altercation with two other individuals occurred inside. CCTV footage captured Parson exiting the bar, and he was followed by the two suspects. He attempted to enter his vehicle when he was dragged out by one of the suspects. He shot the other suspect in the hand who then shot him several times before the two fled the scene.

During the hearing, the prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective leading the case. Surveillance video of the incident was shown including evidence of the verbal altercation within the bar, CCTV footage of the shooting on H street, and footage of the suspects fleeing the scene and driving off in a vehicle. The detective used Dorn’s distinctive red outfit as identifying evidence.

Court documents indicate that after the shooting, MPD officers were able to track the suspect vehicle to an apartment complex where Dorn was again allegedly captured on video in his colorful clothing. Detectives conducted interviews at the apartment complex, where the defendant’s brother, a resident, was able to identify the person in the video as Dorn.

The detective testified that Dorn provided his phone number during an interview conducted after the shooting. Cell site analysis was conducted and placed Dorn around H street before and during the shooting, as well as in the area of the apartment complex he allegedly fled to after the incident.

According to court documents, officers showed Dorn a photo of himself from the night of the incident to which he replied, “that looks like me, but I don’t own those clothes.”

Dorn’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, cross-examined the detective identifying Dorn as the suspect. The detective testified that nobody on the scene was able to identify the shooter, and the security at the bar had no information on the verbal altercation that occurred inside.

In response to Allburn’s questioning regarding physical evidence, the detective noted that the car the suspects used to flee was not registered to Dorn. Clothing and firearm evidence have not been recovered, according to the detective.

Judge Kravitz concluded that there was very strong evidence that the individual on the video footage committed the murder. He used Dorn’s own interview testimony, distinctive appearance, and cell site analysis as evidence for probable cause that the individual was Dorn.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10.

7th Street Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea deal, opting to take his case to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 3.

Devon Rogers, 26, is charged with unarmed carjacking and a misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred at the 800 block of 7th Street, NW, on May 23.

During the hearing, Rogers’ attorney, Gregg Baron, alerted Judge Arthur of Rogers’ intent to reject the prosecution’s plea deal on Rogers’ behalf.

The plea deal required Rogers to plead guilty to armed robbery in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 29.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A fatal stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal in a status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 2.

Kevin Johnson, 39, is charged with felony murder while armed, first-degree premeditated murder while armed and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 44-year-old Antonio Woody. The incident transpired on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE, on Oct. 6, 2024.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Brandt they had extended a plea deal to Johnson, which he had rejected. The deal required he plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 18-to-23 years of incarceration.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, reiterated the rejection but noted that parties are still exploring options for resolution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 15.

Judge Denies Probation to Non-Compliant Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert A. Salerno denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release on probation during a July 8 hearing.

On October 20, 2022, Mecca Lee-Bey, 21, pled guilty to robbery and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 2000 block of Good Hope Road, SE on Jan. 16, 2022. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, with 12 suspended, 18 months of probation, and three years supervised release..

While on probation, Lee-Bey did not show up to an earlier probation revocation hearing, which violated the terms and is currently detained. The court must decide if and how Lee-Bey will be resentenced.

In the July 8 hearing, Thomas Key was appointed as Lee-Bey’s new attorney. Key asked Judge Salerno about the possibility of Lee-Bey’s being put back on probation as he awaits re-sentencing.

Judge Salerno denied the request to release Lee-Bey, stating the circumstances have not changed since the last hearing.

Key requested more time to speak with his client as he is new to the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 30.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal DuPont Circle Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing during a preliminary hearing on July 3.

Donald Shield, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Dominique Ratiff, 36, at the intersection of Dupont Circle and the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW, on Dec. 30, 2024. The hub is one of the city’s busiest corridors fanning out to many of DC’s most historic locations.

The prosecution called the case’s lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide branch who testified about surveillance footage showing an individual identified as Shield allegedly leaving his bike and stabbing Ratiff in the neck from behind before fleeing the scene. It also showed the suspect fleeing back on his bike to his apartment looking at his right hand which the detective suggested could have been from wounds resulting from the stabbing.

In addition to the surveillance footage, five witnesses were interviewed about the incident, and asked to provide any useful description of the suspect. Several were provided, according to the detective. Most notably, some witnesses described the suspect as wearing some kind of orange glove or fabric on his right hand, while others claimed he had been wearing a dark-colored hat or hood.

The detective said though the defendant was never seen wearing these items of clothing in surveillance footage of the incident, several eyewitnesses confirmed he was wearing light-colored distressed jeans and a blue jacket.

Shield’s attorney, Bernadette Armand, focused the discrepancies in the eyewitness accounts relating to the suspect’s clothing. Though different descriptions of the suspect were provided, the detective claimed the eyewitnesses he spoke to in follow-up interviews were able to identify the suspect from still images taken from surveillance footage.

Judge Kravitz ruled that there was probable cause to continue with this case despite questions about the accuracy of the eyewitnesses. He stated that the surveillance video alone was sufficient to show Shield could be found guilty of the crime.

Parties concluded the hearing with discussion of the defendant’s current release on a GPS monitor. The prosecution indicated that they will argue for detention at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 1.

Judge Finds Probable Cause Despite Questionable Evidence in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause in a homicide on July 10 even though some of the evidence appeared questionable.

Elijah Washington, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that left 36-year-old David Washington dead on Sept. 15, 2024, on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Elijah and another individual kicked down Washington’s apartment door and shot him six times before fleeing the crime scene.

During the hearing, the prosecution showed various exhibits, including door camera footage allegedly of the incident itself. Additionally, they displayed surveillance footage from earlier in the day of the crime, as well as Instagram photos from Elijah’s account, allegedly depicting the same shoes seen on the suspect during the incident.

The prosecution argued that Elijah identified himself in the surveillance footage from earlier in the day, and phone records showed a call less than two hours before the incident between Elijah and David, linking all of the evidence together for probable cause.

Additionally, the prosecution interviewed four witnesses from the night of the incident. Two were neighbors who couldn’t identify the shooters due to being in separate rooms while the shooting occurred. The third witness was a friend of Elijah’s and initially a potential suspect in the shooting.

The final witness was a relative of the defendant, who the prosecution acknowledged had a history of mental illness, but identified a person said to br Elijah in the surveillance footage.

Elijah’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, responded with questions regarding the legitimacy of the witnesses and the accuracy of their interviews with the detective.

Mosley focused on the third and fourth witnesses, stating how the third had previously been involved in a physical altercation with the victim, as well as being unwilling to cooperate with police. Most notably, Mosley pointed out that the fourth witness changed her story throughout the interview after being told of a monetary reward for her cooperation with law enforcement.

Mosley also stated that there was no evidence connecting Elijah to the firearm, his face was never seen, and the clothing worn was never found in the arrest warrant.

Given what he said was a weak case, Mosley asked Judge Park not to find probable cause.

Ultimately, Judge Park found probable cause, stating the totality of the evidence is questionable but not insubstantial.

Mosley then requested Elijah’s release to a mental health treatment facility, followed by community housing. Mosley argued that this offense was Elijah’s first conviction as an adult. Elijah had been doing relatively well and had picked up no further convictions between September, when the incident happened, and March, when he was arrested. Mosley argued that Elijah’s lack of convictions during this time period, in particular, shows he doesn’t pose a danger to the community.

The prosecution objected to Elijah’s release because it could endanger the community, and Judge Park agreed.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 19.

More Mental Evaluation For Suspect Accused in Police Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt approved an additional mental competency evaluation for a defendant on July 7 based on his alleged involvement in stabbing a police officer.

Ian Zephyrin, 45, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in stabbing the individual, causing significant bodily harm on June 24 near the 600 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

The defendant also faces a misdemeanor charge for theft and unlawful entry at a nearby CVS Pharmacy nearby which occurred just before the assault.

Zephyrin’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, stated that the defendant is pleading not guilty to the charges and requested a trial. He was also granted more time to prepare due to the new evaluations.

A mental competency evaluation conducted before the hearing was inconclusive, with a recommendation from the overseeing physician for further evaluation at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital. Both parties agreed, leading Judge Brandt to sign an order for evaluation.

A person must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges he faces and help his lawyer.

The prosecution indicated that they had extended a plea offer to the defendant, and plan to keep it open for the defense until the next hearing. The terms of the deal were not discussed in court.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 20.

Judge Delays Sentencing After Defendant’s No-Show For Court

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe proceeded with a scheduled status hearing on July 7, despite a shooting defendant’s refusal to get off the transport bus froom the DC jail to the courthouse.

On Dec. 9, 2024, Anthrone Cabos, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Condon Terrace SE, on June 28, 2020. One person sustained injuries during the incident.

On June 29, defense attorney Kevin Patrick O’Sullivan requested that Cabos be transferred to Saint Elizabeths Hospital to evaluate Cabos’ mental state.

Since Cabos was reportedly uncooperative with the the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) during his previous competency evaluation, Judge O’Keefe requested that DBH conduct a mental health re-evaluation, but did not recommend that Cabos be hospitalized.

Judge O’Keefe stated he would not approve hospitalization without an explicit DBH recommendation.

The prosecution argued that Cabos is malingering and refusing to cooperate with doctors at DBH, adding that the evaluation must be completed before sentencing can proceed. The law says a defendant must demonstrate he is mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his lawyer.

The case is scheduled for a status hearing for an update on Cabos’ mental state on July 17.

Jury Acquits Shooting Suspect of Assault, Convicts on Weapons Charge

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom acquitted a suspect on the most serious charge in a shooting case but found him guilty of a lesser infraction on July 8.

Vann Allen, 36, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of less than one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE on Nov. 11, 2023.

Following a day of deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and a not guilty verdict for all other charges.

Throughout the trial, Sellano Simmons and Michelle Lockard, Allen’s attorneys, argued Allen did in fact shoot the victim, but he did so in self-defense. The arguments were corroborated by the victim, who testified he was the first aggressor.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 12.

‘Bullets Don’t Have a Name,’ Prosecutors Say in 5-Year-Old Metro Shooting

An Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer testified about confusing a non-fatal shooting defendant for a person with the last same name in a motions hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 8.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2020, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

In the motions hearing, the prosecution first called an MPD officer to explain a mistake made in his previous testimony about the defendant. The officer apparently confused the defendant with another individual with the same last name, Shelton, and provided testimony to clarify the interactions he had with Demann Shelton at a recreation center.

“I give the individuals I come into contact with the utmost respect. I refer to them as ‘Mister’ or ‘Miss,’” he said. The officer also claimed that his reported interactions with both the defendant and the misidentified individual took place more than five years ago.

The officer testified that he had come into frequent contact with Shelton on his patrols of the Columbia Heights neighborhood during a two-year period. He said, interactions with the defendant were often brief, however, including short conversations about his alleged involvement in illegal gambling, drugs consumption and trespassing.

Shelton’s defense attorney, Emma Mlyniec, objected that the officer’s confusion and inconsistency makes him an unreliable witness. Judge Dayson overruled the objection, finding that the officer had substantial contact with the defendant, as well as provided sufficient identification.

“Bullets don’t have a name,” the prosecution said in their opening statement. The prosecution claimed that five years ago, the defendant opened fire at the Columbia Heights Metro station, but the case went cold during the COVID pandemic since it was difficult to get witnesses.

The prosecution highlighted a person said to be the defendant from surveillance footage, wearing a black puffer jacket, a ski mask, and jeans with olive green patches as he walked into a Wawa store. Prosecutors claimed that this description matched with other footage depicting Shelton holding a gun and fleeing the scene.

In addition, prosecutors claimed that witnesses saw Shelton throw a gun and ski mask into a storm drain. Upon recovering new DNA evidence of the ski mask likely matching the defendant, the prosecution stated the case was no longer cold and Shelton is guilty of the shooting.

However, Emily Sufrin, Shelton’s other attorney, claimed it was a stranger who shot into the crowd. Sufrin stated that there was no motive for Shelton to shoot the victim, as they had no previous relationship or interaction. She also argued that the defense has no reliable evidence to identify the eye-witness, as their only witness was distracted and unreliable.

Sufrin stated that the prosecution also deleted surveillance evidence from the scene. She noted that the bodyworn camera footage, 911 call recordings, and surveillance footage from the Metro station were also deleted by the police.

The prosecution called an eyewitness who testified that the Columbia Heights Metro station was a common gathering place where individuals frequently sold and smoked cigarettes. Prosecutors asked whether he had been threatened or had any conflicts with anyone in the crowd that day, to which he responded no.

When the shots were fired, the witness said he did not stick around.

“I did the best thing I can do, get down and run,” he said.

The prosecution also called a Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officer and his rookie partner who was on patrol during the shooting. The prosecution submitted a cell phone video the officer recorded at the time.

The cell phone video appears to capture the shooter pulling out a gun and firing multiple times into the crowd. Several still images from the video were admitted into evidence, showing what the shooter was wearing at the time.

After the shooting the officer immediately drew his weapon and ordered the suspect to drop his weapon.

While the cell phone video stopped there, as the officer’s cell phone fell out of his pocket, he further testified that he pursued the shooter before losing him in an alleyway nearby.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Emily Sufrin asked the officer whether he had taken any notes or written a witness statement. He responded that he had not, explaining that he was not required to do so. The defense further emphasised that the cell phone video was the only evidence he could base his testimony on.

The video was played again and the defense highlighted that the video presented multiple angles and the officer was swaying back and forth, which the defense quickly questioned whether his attention was solely on the group. The officer said he was focused on the group and that his original goal was to show his rookie partner how to approach and monitor a large group.

Parties are slated to return July 9.

Carjacking Suspect Walks After Judge Declares Mistrial

An armed carjacking defendant was released on July 7 after jurors were unable to reach a verdict and DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno declared the case a mistrial.

Antoine Lee Johnson, 35, was charged with armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the carjacking that occurred on July 22, 2024 on the 3330 block of 6th St, SE.

In their closing arguments, the prosecution displayed surveillance footage of the carjacking and claimed that the victim was sleeping in his car when Johnson allegedly came, threatened him with a gun to his head, and then took off with his vehicle.

“The big question is whether this is an armed carjacking,” said the prosecution. The prosecution argued that there was no doubt Johnson had a gun during the carjacking and added that the victim “has no reason to make this up.”

Further, the prosecution claimed that the victim’s credibility was strengthened by the consistency in his testimony and the surveillance footage aligning with the information provided in the court documents. The prosecution displayed images of what the carjacking suspect was wearing and compared them to Johnson’s attire at the time of his arrest.

“What we have here is strong evidence that Antonio Johnson is the carjacker,” said the prosecution.

During the trial, the lead Metropolitan Police Department(MPD) detective appeared to contradict himself in identifying Johnson in surveillance video.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Craig Ricard, reminded jurors that the video evidence was not enough to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ricard also noted that Johnson was charged with armed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon even though there is a lack of physical evidence he was armed.

Additionally, he rebutted the prosecution’s statements that the thick soles on the suspect’s shoes could be used to identify him because they are mass produced. Ricard also mentioned that five DNA samples were taken but were never tested.

The prosecution responded saying, “This isn’t a CSI case,” and that fingerprints and DNA evidence were not needed to prove that Johnson was the one who committed the crime.

Prosecutors showed footage of Johnson said to be driving the stolen vehicle on the wrong side of the road as police were trying to pull him over. The prosecution pointed out that Johnson had the driver’s side door open with his leg out, apparently to flee from police.

The prosecution concluded that finding a gun after the carjacking was not necessary to prove Johnson’s guilt because of the victim’s consistent testimony. They added that although the surveillance video of the carjacking was blurry, they were certain the jury had not lost their ‘common sense’ and could find Johnson was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict and the case was deemed a mistrial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 25.

Woman With Ten Children Pleads Guilty in Daughter’s Stabbing, Sentence Suspended

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt suspended a sentence for a defendant who accepted a plea deal in a domestic stabbing case on July 8.

Sunshine Bangura, 37, was originally charged with first-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing incident on the unit block of Todd Place, NE on June 21. Her 15-year-old daughter sustained injuries during the incident.

Bangura’s attorney, Atiq Ahmed, informed the court of her decision to waive a preliminary hearing and accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution. Bangura pled guilty to attempted second-degree cruelty to children in exchange for the prosecution’s waiving an indictment and dismissing the remaining counts.

The prosecution provided the court with the proffer of facts, stating that between June 21 and 22, Bangura had engaged in a physical altercation with her 15-year-old daughter. Bangura allegedly punched her in the face, kicked her stomach, and cut her with a knife above her left eyebrow and wrist causing her to bleed significantly.

The prosecution provided a statement from the victim, who said the incident was blown out of proportion, Bangura was still her mother, and she just wanted her to come home.

While the prosecutors said they understood the stress placed on Bangura as a working mother of ten children, they said there was no excuse for attacking a child with a knife. They recommended Bangura go through mental health and alcohol treatment, as well as parenting classes during a two year probation.

Ahmed stated that Bangura worked at Howard University Hospital and was studying nursing at the University of the District of Columbia with the goal of providing a bigger house for her children. Judge Brandt informed her that she was unsure of the implications a guilty plea would have on her nursing career, however Bangura remained firm on pleading guilty.

“I love my kids. My kids are my number one priority,” said Bangura. “I’m not perfect, I will never be perfect, but I’ll try my best.”

Judge Brandt told Bangura, “I hear you when you say you love your kids and I believe you with all my heart, but you need some help,” adding that physical confrontation should never be an option.

Judge Brandt accepted Bangura’s guilty plea and sentenced her to 180 days with all time suspended, one year of supervised probation, and a $50 contribution to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

As part of her probation, Bangura must complete a parenting class, continue mental health and alcohol treatment, and use no physical discipline on any of her children. Additionally, Judge Brandt specifically ordered Bangura not to harass, assault, threaten, stalk, or destroy any property belonging to the daughter involved in the incident.

A release order was filed, and Judge Brandt told Bangura, “Go home, hug your children, but do not be afraid to speak up and say I need help.”

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Carjacking Defendant’s Emergency Request

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release in the wake of a family tragedy during a hearing on July 9.

Kevin Lester, 36, and Traviyan Hardy, 23, are charged with carjacking for their alleged involvement in an incident on June 13 on the 300 block of 40th Street, SW.

According to court documents, Lester and Hardy allegedly approached the victim’s vehicle. Lester then allegedly held a gun to the victim’s head and demanded that he exit the vehicle. Hardy allegedly pulled the keys out of the ignition, where Lester allegedly dragged the victim out of the vehicle and struck him multiple times before both got into the car and drove away.

In the hearing, Hardy asked Judge Pipe to be released from detainment pending trial because of a recent loss in her family. When asked to elaborate, Hardy explained that her brother had been fatally shot and she wished to be there to support her parents.

Judge Pipe acknowledged Hardy’s family tragedy and expressed her sympathies. However, due to the nature and circumstances of the offense, Judge Pipe denied Hardy’s request to be released.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 15.

Judge Grants Release for Murder Defendant

Continued release was granted for a defendant charged in connection to a murder before DC Superior Court Judge Ryan Michael on July 1.

James Rice, 27, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Thomas Felder, 32, that took place on Oct. 16, 2024 on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

On Oct. 22, 2024 the court found no probable cause, dismissed the case and released Rice. The court did not believe that the eyewitness statements from the incident were sufficient enough to identify him as the suspect. However, the case was reopened and a bench warrant was issued on June 25, after a grand jury indicted Rice.

Rice was arraigned on July 1 and pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges. His attorney, Joseph Yarbough, requested that Rice remain on release until trial.

Prosecutors argued that Rice allegedly committed the homicide in broad daylight at a busy street, which deems him a danger to the community. Additionally, prosecutors referenced some of Rice’s criminal history including a previous simple assault conviction.

In his rebuttal, Yarbough argued that Rice “has been doing what he’s supposed to do, which is nothing wrong.” Rice is employed and working consistently, the simple assault was removed from his record, he has strong family support and has not tried to evade police since his case has been reopened, Yarbough insisted.

Given that Rice has no prior failures to appear and has little previous criminal history, Judge Ryan decided that there is little evidence to support the defendant’s detention and granted home confinement with electronic monitoring so he can work and meet with Yarbough.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Aug. 8.

Jury Convicts Six Defendants for Deadly Mass Shooting in Emotional Proceeding

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz’s highly secured courtroom found six defendants involved in a mass shooting guilty on July 3, following just one day of deliberations. The verdict triggered an emotional response between the suspects and members of the victims’ families.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, were convicted of conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their involvement in the mass shooting that killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and injured three additional individuals.

Mussay Rezene, 32, and Toyia Johnson, 53, were convicted of accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their involvement in assisting the other defendants in discarding evidence and avoiding arrest.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented thousands of pieces of evidence in an attempt to prove the defendants conspired to commit the shooting and get rid of incriminating evidence.

The jury alerted Judge Kravitz they had found the defendants guilty of all charges.

“All of you have made an extraordinary contribution to the distribution of justice,” said Judge Kravitz, before dismissing the jury following a four month long trial.

As the verdict was read, Johnson, who could face up to 20 years for her accessory charges, struggled to control tears. Queen, the lead perpetrator in the murders, according to the prosecution, consoled her by putting a hand on her shoulder.

However, as the group was leaving the courthouse, tempers flared. Johnson was met with shouts of disapproval from family members of the shooting victims, to which she responded. Queen then joined the verbal altercation.

“You’re going to jail for the rest of your life,” said one family member to Queen.

“At least I’m alive. Your son is dead,” Queen was heard responding.

After escalating responses, Queen was physically removed from the courtroom by three Marshals. There were some 20 Marshals present at the hearing.

One family member, distraught at the response from Queen, left the courtroom still shouting, stirred by what happened.

Johnson’s defense attorney, David Akulian, reminded Judge Kravitz of a pending motion for judgment of acquittal, which was filed June 24. The prosecution requested two weeks to respond to the motion. They are slated to reconvene Oct. 3 to deal with the motion.

The prosecution stated that they were not seeking confinement for Johnson before sentencing, and she remained on her current release conditions.

However, the other five defendants are held without release prior to sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 30 for sentencing.

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