Judge Finds Probable Cause in Classmate Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause a defendant murdered his classmate during a preliminary hearing on Oct. 17.

Carlton Simon, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Angel Dominguez on May 29 on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW. Dominguez sustained five gunshot wounds to his chest, calf, thigh, knee, and forearm.

According to court documents, Simon and Dominguez both attended YouthBuild, an alternative high school that provides academic and vocational training to students.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who wrote the arrest warrant for Simon resumed her testimony with cross-examination from Kevin Irving, Simon’s attorney.

The detective wrote in the warrant that a witness said Dominguez previously threatened other students in class. Irving asked for additional details about the content of the threats but the detective said the witness was not specific.

According to the detective, the same witness told her about accusations that Dominguez robbed or attempted to rob people. However, the detective could not provide any specific information regarding the reported robberies.

The prosecutor confirmed with the detective that Simon told her Dominguez robbed people.

Irving confirmed with the detective that only 9mm firearm casings were found at the scene and during the execution of a search warrant MPD did not recover a gun in Simon’s home.

Irving argued there was no probable cause because the detective’s testimony differed from the warrant she wrote and asserted Dominguez could have shot himself because he had a gun in the video footage.

The prosecutor disputed the idea that Dominguez shot himself and pointed to the torso wound as his cause of death.

Judge Edelman found probable cause that Simon committed the murder because of the Metro surveillance videos, which were discussed on Oct. 3, documenting Simon and witness identification of Simon in the videos. The judge also noted Simon’s statements during his interview with MPD could be interpreted as a confession.

Following the probable cause ruling, the prosecutor requested Simon’s continued detention at the DC Jail while he awaits trial because there are no conditions that can ensure the safety of the community.

They noted the crime Simon’s accused of a shooting that occurred in broad daylight and asserted Simon bragged about the murder in social media posts and rap lyrics he reportedly posted following the incident.

Parties discussed under seal what the prosecutor described as the “history and characteristics of the defendant.”

Irving requested Simon’s release because he had no prior adult convictions, could stay with his mother, and had employment prior to his incarceration.

Judge Edelman ordered Simon to remain held due to the weight of the evidence against him and his prior history of violence that remains under seal.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 23, 2026.

Prosecutors Say Carjacking, Shooting Defendant, Pulled Woman, ‘Out of the Car and Threw Her to The Ground’

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson heard openings from parties in the jury trial for a carjacking and shooting defendant on Oct. 23.

Bernard King, 41, is charged with unarmed carjacking, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and threat to injure or kidnap a person. These stem from King’s alleged involvement in the unarmed carjacking and assault on a victim, the mother of his children, on June 7, at the 1900 block of 18th Street, SE.

The prosecution opened by playing security camera footage of the incident. Two cars can be seen pulling up, a male gets out of a black car, and opens the door to the other vehicle in frame. A woman can be heard screaming as she is “yanked out of her car” and thrown to the ground, according to the prosecution.

The video depicts the male getting in the woman’s car and driving down the block as she runs in the opposite direction. He returned moments later where he could be heard yelling at the woman, “You going to die!” The man in the video is King, alleged prosecution.

The prosecutor stated that the defendant and victim had known each other for a decade. The case is about, “how a relationship spiraled out of control,” according to the prosecution.

The victim ran to an off duty Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer’s house “frantically banging and screaming” on her door. The prosecution said this officer and other eyewitnesses will prove, without a reasonable doubt, that King is guilty of all that he has been charged with.

Defense attorney Karen Minor claimed this case is “chaotic” with lots of moving parts, and that a single event has been viewed from multiple angles. She reminded the jury that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt every element of every charge that they have brought against King.

Minor alleged that prosecutors will fail to meet that burden. Specifically, on the charge for unlawful discharge of a firearm, a weapon was never recovered from King, Minor insisted. .

She ended by telling the jury that prosecutors have claimed a crime has occurred, but that is not their job. Only the jury can decide if a crime occurred, and there is not enough evidence to prove that King committed all of the charges against him, according to the defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 27.

Stabbing Defendant Loses Bid to Represent Himself at Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a defendant’s request to represent himself at the first day of trial on Oct. 20, after he criticized his defense attorney for being “ineffective.”

Christopher Samuels, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, on Sept. 3, 2023.

On the first day of jury trial, Samuels “made several outbursts and spoke out of turn”, said Judge Di Toro, who reminded Samuels that he had the right to remain silent.

Samuels stated, “I’m pretty sure it’s not against the rules to speak to the court if I want to.”

Judge Di Toro asked Samuels to explain his issue with the jury trial. Samuels criticized his defense attorney Brandon Burrell for being “ineffective,” and explained that Burrell did not make the arguments that Samuels urged him to make.

Samuels, who said he moved to DC from the UK, argued “I feel as though I should represent myself if my attorney doesn’t say what I tell him to say when I tell him to say it.” He asked Judge Di Toro, “If I cannot speak for myself, what am I supposed to do?”

Judge Di Toro denied Samuels’ request to represent himself and argued that Burrell had not been ineffective in any way.

This came after opening statements were heard from Burrell and the prosecution.

During openings, the prosecution explained that the stabbing stemmed from a conflict between Samuels and his roommate. According to the prosecution, Samuels was upset with the victim for not keeping the bathroom in their group home clean.

Samuels allegedly assaulted the victim with a knife as he attempted to block Samuels from entering his bedroom, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution stated that the victim ran to a nearby library for help and called 911.

Additionally, the prosecution claimed, “there were things that officers did not do in this case.”

Burrell agreed with the prosecution. In his opening statement, he claimed that MPD officers never took photographs of Samuels’ residence. He also stated that they never recovered the knife that was used in the assault.

Prosecutors called in an MPD officer, who was assigned to look out for an individual armed with a knife on the day of the assault.

According to the officer, the call described a suspect with very distinct facial hair, wearing a black, colored jacket and grey sweatpants. The officer spotted a man who matched that description standing near Samuels’ apartment building.

The officer, who was with his partner, claimed that the suspect started walking at a fast pace as he saw them.

The officer said he followed the man, who eventually identified himself as Chris, into his apartment where he reportedly observed blood on his hands and grey sweatpants.

During the defense’s cross-examination, the officer said he took photographs of a blood trail at Samuels’ apartment, which he thought had been uploaded for evidence. The officer claimed that he does not know where those pictures are now.

However, the officer confirmed he did not take pictures of the victim’s bedroom door, where the assault occurred, nor did he take pictures of Samuels despite the blood on his hands. When asked by Burrell, “did it not seem relevant to you?,” to photograph those things, the officer explained, “that’s the role of the detective.”

Additionally, the officer stated that he did not recover a knife from Samuels or at the scene.

The black hoodie and grey sweatpants that Samuels wore were collected for DNA testing. According to the prosecution, DNA from the blood stains on the grey sweatpant said it belonged to two contributors.

Additionally, Burrell mentioned a recent discovery of hair and fiber that was found with the clothing. According to the prosecution, the hair and fiber was never tested.

Judge Di Toro asked Samuels if he wanted the blood on the clothing and hair and fiber to be independently tested–a re-examination of the prosecution’s evidence by a third party.

Samuels waived his right to have the prosecution’s evidence independently tested.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 21.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a shooting defendant’s request for release on Oct. 22.

Solaiman Richardson, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his brother, 41-year-old Allen Shropshire, at the 100 block of Fort Drive, NE on July 18, 2025.

Judge Park found probable cause that Richardson was the perpetrator in a hearing on Oct. 20. Rachel Cicurel, Richardson’s defense attorney, argued for Richardson’s release.

Cicurel highlighted Richardson’s minimal criminal history. She stated Richardson had a few finance related cases from more than 15 years ago and no violent crime.

Cicurel read parts of three different letters in support of Richardson, one from his family, one from his boss, and one from a former coworker. According to Cicurel, all of the letters seem to portray Richardson as a very different person than the allegations depict him to be.

Cicurel also stated that Richardson had reached out to the head detective for his case to ask if he should turn himself in, but he received no response.

The defense pushed for the case to be considered in self-defense. She pointed to a line in the arrest warrant that, to her, suggested Shropshire was sexually assaulting Richardson. She also quoted the detective who investigated the incident, saying “there were knives everywhere” at the scene of the crime. Cicurel also noted that they discovered a knife in Shropshire’s hand.

The prosecution insisted Richardson remain held, arguing that if he was willing to kill his brother, then there is no way to guarantee the safety of others should he be released.

The prosecution claimed they were unaware of the sexual assault allegations against Shropshire until the Oct. 20 hearing. Judge Park agreed that the line Cicurel read did not make such allegations obvious.

Judge Park agreed that the letters, job and time between cases did depict Richardson as an honest man. However, he concluded that there was little evidence that pointed to self-defense and that there is no question that Richardson is the perpetrator of the incident.

Judge Park denied Richardson’s release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A domestic stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 21.

Antonio Williams, 59, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. These charges stem from his involvement in a domestic dispute that led to a stabbing on Aug. 1, at the 2600 block of Q Street, SE.

Williams pled guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The maximum penalty for this charge is five years incarceration and or a $12,500 fine.

The prosecution waived their right to sentencing enhancements and reserve step backs. Additionally, they are seeking to cap their recommendation at the bottom half of the sentencing guidelines.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on Aug. 1 the defendant was in an argument with the victim, he grabbed a knife during the dispute, and cut the victim’s ear.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 19.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Exam For Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered a preliminary competency evaluation for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Oct. 21.

Gerniya Duncan, 21, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE on Aug. 2. One individual sustained injuries.

During the hearing, Peter Odom, Duncan’s attorney, asked for a preliminary competency examination. The request was granted by Judge Pipe.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges and be able to help the defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on Oct. 24.

Homicide Defendant Under Warrant Can’t Turn Herself in

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park told a defendant that she could not turn herself in on a warrant in a different jurisdiction because the paperwork had not been filed in a hearing on Oct. 21.

Lashawn Washington, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice for her alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford on Oct. 24, 2023. Crawford was last seen on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

During the hearing, the prosecuting attorney notified the court that the defendant had a warrant in a Virginia jurisdiction, but said that she was unable to get in contact with the warrant office.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki asked if Washington could turn herself in at the Virginia jurisdiction if she were put on GPS monitoring and had a police escort. Park said the warrant office can’t accept Washington until the paperwork goes through.

Because of the jurisdiction issues, Judge Park offered to waive Washington’s presence in future proceedings, noting that it is a “burden” to be transferred back to DC from another jurisdiction. Judge Park ordered Washington to be released to Fairfax County.

Kopecki agreed and waived Washington’s future appearances.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 22.

Judge Says, ‘Bullets Don’t Have Names,’ in Finding Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a non-fatal shooting case on Oct. 16.

Zion Greely, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 14, 2024. The incident occurred at the 700 block of N Street, NW. No one sustained injuries.

During the hearing prosecutors called a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who told the court that surveillance footage from before the shooting was recovered from an apartment building. The footage is said to show the suspects involved in the shooting.

In a cross examination by Greely’s attorney, Diana Yu, the witness testified that in surveillance footage of the shooting it is hard to see faces clearly. Yu also pointed out that there were no eyewitnesses and the victim is still unknown. She asserted that no one with direct personal knowledge of the shooting identified Greely, the detective agreed.

The detective also testified that he was not able to determine a relationship between the defendant and the vicrim. Yu also noted that the surveillance footage from the apartment building doesn’t have sound so the detective is unable to know the “words or threats” that were spoken.

A witness in the investigation did not see the shooting, but according to Yu and the detective, they saw a suspect, who prosecutors believe to be Greely, and the victim arguing.

According to Yu, the witness claimed not to have seen a firearm or grabbing at waistbands. The detective did not recall the witness, the property manager and their assistant, and the residents being able to identify any suspects.

The detective testified to creating a “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) for the case which included photos of suspects from surveillance footage. MPD also created a press release including photos to help identify suspects. The detective did not recall anyone coming forward with knowledge of the suspects.

The case was suspended from active investigation in December 2024 until the detective received a lead from the FBI that Greely could be one of the suspects after reviewing photos. The lead was not used as a positive identification, according to the detective.

Yu noted that the detective could not find a connection between Greely and the apartment building itself, there is no information connecting Greely to his co-defendant, Lorenzo Covington, and Greely has not been found to have a firearm or ammunition in his possession. Yu also stated that Greely turned himself in.

The detective testified to sharing the BOLO with another officer who then identified Greely as one of the suspects having had prior interaction with him. He also showed the photos to Greely’s Pre-Trial Services Agency (PSA) case manager who also identified Greely. Yu noted that the MPD officer and the PSA officer did not witness the incident.

The detective also stated that the individuals alleged to be involved in the shooting were tracked from the apartment building to 8th Street. He agreed with Yu that the surveillance was not completely continuous or unbroken.

Yu asserted that there were six people in the group of individuals, but only three individuals appear in surveillance footage from the shooting. She also stated that multiple people in the group were wearing similar clothing and that it is harder to see clothing and facial features in the shooting surveillance.

When asked how he determined that one of the suspects in the apartment building surveillance was the same suspect in shooting surveillance footage, the detective replied that it was based on the clothing and build of the individual.

After the detective was excused, Yu asked the court not to find probable cause. She reasoned that there is nothing corroborating the claim that one of the suspects in the apartment building footage is the same suspect in shooting surveillance footage. She stated that the tracking of the individuals was not unbroken and three people disappeared and multiple people were wearing the same clothing.

Yu also claimed that there is no evidence Greely was involved given that there is no physical evidence and no eyewitness identified Greely. Additionally, she noted that the investigation did not yield ties between Greely and the apartment building. She asserted that Greely was arrested because of an investigative lead by the FBI which is not enough for probable cause.

The court did find probable cause based on testimony and that surveillance footage showed young men walking in the direction of the shooting, according to Judge Raymond.

Following the ruling, Yu motioned for Greely’s release reasserting that there are no eyewitnesses, the victim has not been identified, and there is no physical evidence. She stated that Greely has complied with previous release conditions for another case. She also presented letters of support from Greely’s mother, partner, and an employee at Youth Build where he is doing well, according to Yu.

The prosecution argued that Greely lured the victim into an ambush on video. They also noted that multiple cars were struck with bullets, one bullet going through a bedroom window. Prosecutors also mentioned a theft case which they say is concerning. They argued that Greely should remain held.

The court ruled that Greely will remain held. Judge Raymond stated that there is probable cause to believe that one of the suspects is Greely. She also stated that the period of time between the theft case and this case speaks to Greely’s “dangerousness.”

Judge Raymond stated that the victim seemed to be lured into an ambush and that whatever was said before the incident shouldn’t have led to shooting, noting that “bullets don’t have names on them.”

Judge Raymond asserted that the nature of the offense is “incredibly disturbing.” She also stated that the prosecution’s evidence is “moderately strong.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 5.

Stabbing Victim Testifies He Felt Threatened

The jury in a stabbing trial heard testimony from the victim before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Oct. 9.

Maurice Felder, 54, is charged with aggravated assault with grave risk while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and possession of a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing a person on the 1900 block of 7th Street NW, on Nov. 10, 2024.

The victim was stabbed in the chest, by an “uncle”, as the victim referred to the man who allegedly stabbed him. According to the victim’s testimony, an “uncle” and his “nephew” approached the victim and his friends to confront them about a comment one of the victim’s friends made.

The victim allegedly put himself between his friend and the perpetrator and tried to “diffuse the situation”. The victim and his friends were walking away when the uncle allegedly pushed the back of the victim’s head.

During the prosecution’s direct examination, the victim testified that the uncle’s behavior was hostile and claimed he was “bucking up”. Additionally, the victim heard one of his friends say that the uncle had something in his hands. The victim then turned around, claiming to defend himself and feeling threatened, and then the uncle allegedly stabbed him.

The prosecution revealed that the victim had one prior conviction for marijuana consumption and had an open warrant for failure to appear in court.

On cross examination, defense counsel Matthew Rist continuously asked about the victim’s intoxication level, to which the victim responded that although he had shared joints with his friends and had three to four shots of alcohol, he felt “tipsy” but aware and in control.

Additionally, Rist played cell phone video of the incident and pointed out several discrepancies in the victim’s account of events and his friend’s justification for feeling threatened by the “uncle”.

Specifically, Rist pointed out that when the victim claimed he felt the uncle hit him in the back of the head, that the uncle was actually a couple steps in front of him. Additionally, Rist claims by the number of friends the victim had that it was actually the uncle that was surrounded and questioned how his friends could have felt threatened.

Lastly, Rist pointed out that the victim emailed the prosecutors asking if there was any way to drop the case. Moreover, Rist asked if the victim continued to testify to gain leverage with the prosecution on his other cases. The victim did not answer the question as the prosecution objected to the Rist’s question.

Prosecutors called the victim’s friend who was present the night of the incident. She testified to meeting up with a group of about eight or nine people in DC and going out to eat for the victim’s birthday. After dinner she and her friends were walking down the street when she witnessed the victim and another friend talking with a man they had never met.

The witness claimed that the man then followed her friends across the street when another man, believed to be Felder, pulled up on a scooter, jumped off, and started becoming aggressive towards the males in her group although her boyfriend never got involved. She claimed that the man who followed them identified himself as the man on the scooter’s nephew. According to the witness, the victim and the person on the scooter went back and forth, the group tried to keep walking, and at some point the victim was shoved.

The witness did not see who shoved the victim, but the victim then turned around and “flipped out” meaning he threw his bag down and began tugging on his jeans. She then stated that he never became physical or retaliated.

After more back and forth between the victim, Felder, and another person, the victim was then stabbed in the chest.

A recording of the incident taken by the witness was played for the jury. In the video the witness can be heard telling the victim to back up because the man on the scooter had something between his index and middle fingers. She can be seen pulling her friend away from the other individuals.

In the footage the victim appears to be punched in the chest. The witness stated that she didn’t realize until seconds later that her friend was stabbed. When she did realize she attempted to stop the bleeding, flagged down an officer, and received an escort to the hospital where she showed police the recording.

In cross examination, Rist claimed that the victim was doing more than just tugging on his pants, he was showing that he’s a tough guy too, to which the witness agreed. Rist also noted that at some point in the footage the men in her group were behind a person believed to be Felder and his nephew as they walked through the group of friends.

Rist also questioned the witness laughing in the recording and stated that it’s unusual of someone who feels threatened. The witness disagreed stating it’s something she does when she’s nervous.

In the recording, Rist also pointed out that the individual believed to be the defendant said “go ahead”. The witness noted that where she’s from this could mean two different things, one of them meaning someone is gearing up for an altercation. Rist also noted that members of the group smoked and drank tequila that night.

In their redirect, prosecutors reasserted that the witness’s boyfriend never became involved in the situation. The witness also reasserted that she was nervous during the incident as she’s not from around here. She believed the victim was going to be jumped.

On cross examination, Rist questioned why the responding officer didn’t make any effort to see if there was audio to the cell phone video of the incident that occurred and eliminate possibilities of self defense. To which, the officer responded that to him it didn’t look like self-defense because the stabbing looked unprovoked.

Judge Edelman allowed the defense to cross-examine the responding officer about several incidents of police misconduct that were pending at the time of the incident and current ones with limitations on the facts of the incidents.

Therefore, Rist asked if the two reprimands based on previous complaints of police misconduct in his three years of being an MPD officer made him worried about his employment and if it changed his testimony. To which the officer replied, it didn’t because he learned his lesson as a new officer and those complaints were closed before the incident in question occurred.

The prosecution called a forensic DNA analyst who testified that for this case they received swabs from a knife and a outh swab from the victim. The tests were positive for blood and showed strong support that the victim’s DNA was included.

Document: Third Arrest Made in 2024 Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the third arrest related to a 2024 shooting incident in the 700 block of N Street, NW, where no injuries were reported. On Oct. 21, 19-year-old Gregory Nelson was arrested and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun). Previously, Lorenzo Covington and Zion Greely, both 19, were also arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

10.21.25 Additional Arrest made in an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) 700 block of N St NW CCN 24159617 Download

Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Oct. 20.

Qwayne Patterson, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the 4400 block of Barnaby Road, SE on Oct. 16. One individual suffered a stab to the neck.

Patterson signed a waiver of his preliminary hearing, which Judge Raymond verified and accepted in the hearing on Oct. 20.

Daniel Kovler, Patterson’s defense attorney, requested Patterson’s release, stating that he has no criminal record, a full-time job, and a negative drug test on his arrest.

Kovler claimed that fear and frustration may have led Patterson to making a poor decision, and that he apologized to the victim and took responsibility for the incident. He also argued the wound the victim suffered was “a mere nick.”

Kovler pushed for release with a stay-away order and GPS monitoring.

The prosecution acknowledged the apology from Patterson, but insisted on keeping Patterson detained, claiming that he held a knife to and cut the victim’s neck. They also noted that Patterson has a pending firearms related case, where he allegedly possessed multiple guns..

Judge Raymond denied the request for release, and Patterson will be held until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 3.

Detailed Motions About Key Evidence Shape Homicide Trial

A series of pre-trial motions about key evidence in a homicide case were debated before DC Superior Court Justice Danya Dayson on Oct. 20.

David Pena, 48, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction). The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting on June 12, 2023 on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. Maurice Robinson, 24, died in the incident.

The discussions revolved around four key motions before the case is expected to go to trial on Nov. 3.

Defense attorney Dana Page argued against the prosecution’s motion to prevent the defense team from making a self-defense argument in their opening statements. Page argued that she and fellow attorney Gail Engmann should be able to argue self-defense in their opening and that they were not required to explain their arguments beforehand.

Judge Dayson noted that making a self-defense argument in opening statements while not providing much evidence for their claims could put prosecutors in an awkward position.

“The issue is that if there is an opening on self-defense and then no evidence, it shifts the burden of proof,” Judge Dayson said.

Judge Dayson said that allowing Page and Engmann to argue self-defense hinged partly on another motion before the court to suppress information about alleged prior bad acts by the victim. Judge Dayson did not give a ruling on the issue, and the parties opened a discussion on what information from the victim’s past could be brought in as evidence in the trial.

Prosecutors argued that evidence of the victim’s prior bad acts in separate criminal incidents in 2019 and 2020 should not be entered because it was not clear that the victim was actually implicated in the incidents, and their admission would unnecessarily prejudice the jury.

In the 2019 matter, prosecutors said that testimony from an investigation that indicated the victim ran after a witness with something that could have been a gun was far too vague and speculative to be introduced as evidence. Engmann agreed with prosecutors that the testimony alone was insufficient, but indicated that the defense had more evidence to corroborate the witness’s statements.

The 2020 incident revolved around a witness identification of the victim in a robbery incident. Prosecutors argued that the witness identified the victim at the scene of the crime but then later re-identified someone else.

“It’s not clear who was even involved,” prosecutors said.

Judge Dayson did not deliver a ruling on the matter during the hearing and parties turned to the issue of whether statements Pena made while in police custody were admissible as evidence.

Engmann argued that officers elicited statements from Pena before reading him his rights. Engmann pointed to a moment in footage of the interrogation when one of the officers interrupts another officer about to read him his rights and says “let him talk.”

“Let him continue to talk and engage in the very conversation that we’ve been trying to have for the last few minutes,” Engmann said.

Prosecutors painted a very different picture of the interaction between officers and Pena, arguing that Pena made voluntary statements before officers were able to read him his rights.

“The detectives did pretty much everything they could to prevent him from giving statements before they Mirandazed him,” a prosecutor said.

Judge Dayson said that she would return to the video of the incident after the hearing and make a determination then.

Finally, parties discussed a motion by the prosecution to suppress references to an arson incident that occurred at the defendant’s apartment building after the shooting.

Prosecutors’ effort to suppress the incident hinged on their claim that there was no evidence linking the arson incident to the shooting. Page argued that the arson was clearly an act of retaliation for the shooting.

She based her claim on witness testimony and the fact that Pena’s family has received witness protection as a result of the incident. Prosecutors disagreed with the defense’s claim that a witness in the incident had positively identified one of the arson perpetrators as a relative of the victim.

Judge Dayson said that she could not give a ruling on the motion until the witness’ statements were clarified.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 30.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 21.

Walter Parker, 48, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 77-year-old Bernard Williams on the 400 block of M Street, SE, on April 23.

Parker rejected a plea offer that the prosecution had previously extended, which would have had him plead guilty to second-degree murder. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek any other charges and would ask for the guideline sentence of 12-to-24 years.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 9.

Stabbing Defendant Released to Care For Her Relative

D.C Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno released a stabbing defendant on electronic monitoring for two days to care for her relative on Oct. 20.

Rhonda Fleming, 58, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Oct. 2, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.

Fleming’s court appearance was delayed due to understaffing of jail transport personnel. Howard McEachern, Fleming’s attorney, stated the defendant might want to accept a plea deal from the prosecution, which was not discussed in open court

McEachern requested her temporary release until Oct. 22, citing the need for her to care for a relative with a severe illness. Her attorney assured the judge that Fleming had been informed of the consequences if she failed to return to court as required.

The prosecution acknowledged her desire to assist her relative but opposed the release based on strong evidence presented during the preliminary hearing, as well as her prior conduct and convictions.

Despite the prosecution’s objection, the judge ruled in favor of temporary release, stating he would “make this work.”

Fleming will be released under several conditions, including GPS monitoring, maintaining medications prescribed, and adhering to the stay-away order from the victim.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 22.

Brothers’ Troubled Relationship Leads to a Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in his brother’s homicide on Oct. 20.

Solaiman Richardson, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his brother, Allen Shropshire, 41, on July 18 on the 100 block of Fort Drive, NE.

The prosecution called the lead detective who testified that he had spoken to five witnesses, three of whom were Shropshire and Richardson’s family members, about the nature of their relationship and to the July shooting.

According to the detective, Richardson stated that he was going to turn himself in, but he did not.

The detective also said that police initially perceived Shropshire’s injuries as the result of a stabbing, until an autopsy was performed the next day and buckshot was found in his neck, revealing it was a shooting. A “silver dollar” sized hole was found in the bedroom door of the apartment upon further investigation which the detective found to be consistent with the size of a bullet from a shotgun, revealing that Shropshire had apparently been shot through the door.

In cross examination, the detective stated that officers did not initially indicate the hole in the door as being caused by a gunshot.

Richardson’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, suggested that Richardson was acting in self-defense. She stated that Richardson initially reached out to law enforcement asking if he could turn himself in, but the detective did not reply.

According to Cicurel, Richardson told law enforcement the address of the incident’s apartment, gave them a key, told them the body was inside, and indicated that officers should go to the apartment. The detective agreed to the account.

She explained that the relationship between Richardson and Shropshire had been strained according to statements from a witness and Richardson.

In Richardson’s version, Shropshire had attempted to attack him with knives and had a prior conviction for a stabbing. Richardson stated that he believed Shropshire had been plotting to kill him since 2007.

Shropshire’s daughter, who was on FaceTime with Shropshire during the incident, told the detective that the relationship between Richardson and Shropshire was “hot and cold” based on her own experiences with the two.

Cicurel also noted that when Richardson approached law enforcement after the incident, he had cuts on his hands. He told law enforcement that Shropshire attacked him with a silver knife that had a wooden handle. A knife matching this description was found in Shropshire’s hand, according to Cicurel.

Another witness claimed that knives, swords, and boxcutters in the home belonged to Shropshire. Richardson told officers Shropshire was a “knife guy.”

Richardson told officers that Shropshire was a heavy drinker and used PCP. The detective stated that the preliminary toxicology report done on Shropshire after the incident showed no signs of intoxication.

Other witnesses claimed Shropshire drank occasionally after work, with one claiming he used marijuana and that Shropshire was not drunk during the incident.

Cicurel mentioned that Richardson had two rules for Shropshire: that he not touch Richardson.. Cicurel argued that there were signs that Shropshire had abused Richardson both physically and sexually, though there was never a formal investigation despite police being informed.

As the defense questioned the detective about his past, Richardson began to cry openly in court. Cicurel asked for a break to give him some time to compose himself. After the break, Richardson still appeared visibly distressed as this line of questioning was continued.

Cicurel also noted that on July 18, one day after the incident, Richardson spoke with police but was released the same day. The detective stated that they didn’t arrest him because they did not believe they had enough evidence.

The prosecution argued that Richardson could not have been acting in self-defense, evidenced by the bullet hole through the door. The prosecutor said that Shropshire was behaving normally on the day of the incident, compared to Richardson’s “bizarre” but unspecified behavior in the weeks leading to the incident, according to one witness.

They claimed that no matter the history of abuse, Richardson didn’t act in self-defense.

Judge Park found probable cause for the charge of second-degree murder while armed, as some of Richardson’s statements were inconsistent along with the physical evidence in the case including the bullet damaged door.

The hearing was continued so that parties could make their arguments for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 22.

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