Defense Asks for Grand Jury Witnesses Names

During a status hearing Aug. 23, defense counsel asked for an original version of grand jury documents with witness names.

Demonte Hewitt, 17, and Kurt Hewitt, 19, who are cousins, have been charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged role in the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Tyshon Perry. The stabbing occurred on the 1300 block of 2nd Street, NE on May 1, 2018.

Defense counsel, James King asked that counsel provide an unredacted version of grand jury testimony so he could go over information with his client, Demonte.

King and Kurt’s counsel, Clarence Powell, also signed off on consent protective orders for Instagram accounts.

Both the defense and prosecution agreed to request independent DNA testing.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Demonte is being charges as an adult but will continued to be held at DYRS.

According to court documents, Perry had gotten into an argument with a female student from KIPP DC College Preparatory, a school in Northeast DC. The female student allegedly threatened Perry, who was later attacked by a group of men by the NOMA Gallaudet University Metro stop.

A status hearing is scheduled for Nov. 22.

Defense Requests Additional Information to Build Self-Defense Case

During a mental observation hearing Aug. 23, defense counsel requested additional information about a victim’s past to build a case around self-defense.

On July 15, officers arrested 31-year-old Alisa Randall for allegedly stabbing 59-year-old Ronald Jones on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW. She is charged with second-degree murder.

Defense counsel, John Fowler, requested information on Jones’ history with violence and drugs in order to build a self defense case.

In a previous hearing, Fowler said Randall stabbed Jones in self-defense after she tried to get away from him.

Apparently, Randall said Jones attacked her. She also said Jones sexually assaulted her daughter.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe asked the prosecution to provide pertinent information.

Judge Iscoe also ruled that, based on a mental evaluation, Randall was not competent to stand trial at this time.

He ordered her to stay at St.Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital, for 30 days.

Randall is scheduled for a felony status conference on Sept. 18.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to 11-Year-Old Murder Case

During a status hearing Aug. 23, a man pleaded guilty to murder.

Astriane Horton pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and obstruction of justice for allegedly shooting 30-year-old Deon “Face” Coleman on the 4700 block of Brandywine Street, SW in 2008.

The plea agreement carries a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years. The prosecution also agreed to dismiss the obstruction of justice charges.

According to the District of Columbia Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, Horton could have faced between 30 and 60 years had he been convicted of first-degree murder while armed.

According to court documents, Horton, 37, killed Coleman over a missing gun. Horton said he kept a gun at his grandmother’s house, which was only known to Horton and a mutual friend. When the gun went missing, Horton said he believed Coleman had stolen it.

Horton said he was looking for Coleman and found him on Brandywine Street, SW, which was where Coleman lived.

On June 19, 2008, Horton went to Coleman’s house and confronted him in the street about the missing gun, the documents said. After appearing to end things on good terms, the two men exchanged more words.

Horton then reached through the driver side of the vehicle, where Coleman was sitting and punched him in the face. Horton then pulled out a gun and fired it four times.

The bullets fatally struck Coleman in the face, neck, back and forearm.

The prosecution said that while Horton was being held at DC Jail, he called two witnesses and asked them to testify in his favor. Horton was subsequently charged with two counts of obstruction of justice.

DC Superior Judge Dana Dayson accepted Horton’s guilty plea.

A sentencing is scheduled on Nov 1.

Judge Sentences Convicted Murderer to 18 Years

During a sentencing hearing Aug. 23, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a convicted murderer to 18 years in prison.

Jamal Blocker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 23-year-old Damon Dickens on the 2500 block of Bowen Road, SE on Sept. 24, 2018. Blocker was charged as an adult.

]Judge Ronna L. Beck sentenced Blocker, 17, to 18 years in prison, with five years of supervised release after hearing statements from Dickens’ aunt and mother.

Blocker was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed. He was given an offer to plea to the lesser charge of second-degree murder in April.

After his prison term, Blocker is required to serve five years on supervised release.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

During a felony arraignment Aug. 23, a murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges listed in his indictment.

Marquette Tibbs is charged with first-degree-murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the death of Orlando Silver III on the 1300 block of Howard Rd., SE in 2016.

During the hearing, defense counsel, Maro Robbins, informed the court that he intended to file a motion to dismiss the indictment due to the prosecution withholding evidence about the case.

A status hearing was scheduled on Oct. 11 to settle the motion.

On March 19, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman separated Tibbs case from 25-year-old Cinquan Cartledge‘s case. Both are charged with the murder.

According to Cartledge’s defense attorney, Carol Blume, Cartledge wanted to separate his trial from Tibbs, 26, so he could be a witness in Tibbs’ trial. Blume said Cartledge wanted to prove his friend’s innocence.

If Tibbs, wanted to do the same, Judge Edelman said he would have to give up his right against self-incrimination in order to testify for Cartledge.

Tibbs said he would testify for Cartledge even if he was found guilty during his trial. Judge Edelman said he would schedule Tibbs’ trial before Cartledge’s, which would allow Tibbs to reserve his right to testify in his own trial.

According to court documents, Tibbs and Cartledge were wearing GPS ankle monitors that placed them near the scene of Silver’s murder. Two witnesses identified Tibbs as the shooter shortly after witnessing the incident.

A police officer said he saw Tibbs throw a loaded pistol, which the prosecution said was the same gun used in Silver’s murder.

Tibbs trial is scheduled on Nov. 18.

Homeless Man Tells Police Devil Told Him to Kill

An arrest has been made in a homicide that occurred on the Frederick Douglass Bridge Aug. 22. The suspect was identified as a homeless man.

Lance Ammons, 42, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 62 year-old Robert Bolich earlier the same day.

According to the court documents, Ammons told detectives he heard the devil’s voice urging him to stab the bridge inspector. Ammons told police that he tried to ignore the voice. However, he repeatedly stabbed Bolich four times.

Bolich, a resident of Alexandria, Va., worked for HNTB Corp, an infrastructure design firm, as a senior environmental specialist and project manager. He was working on a major renovation of the bridge that carries South Capitol Street across the Potomac when Ammons approached him with a knife, The Washington Post reported.

Bolich tried running away after being stabbed, but collapsed a short distance away. When police arrived, Bolich was unconscious but still breathing.

According to police reports, Bolich was rushed to George Washington University Hospital. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner stated that the decedent suffered from four stab wounds, including two to the left chest, which struck the lung and heart, one in the left thigh and one to the right upper leg.

When police officers arrived at the crime scene, Ammons was across the bridge watching the nearby bikers try to save Bolich’s life. Ammons told police he regained control of his thoughts after the stabbing, according to police reports.

Evidence recovered from the scene includes a vest with blood stains, a notebook with blood stains and a bloody sketch book. Blood was located on a red Milwaukee Fastback knife with a silver blade which was located on the concrete barrier at the foot of the bridge closest to the street, according to police reports.

One witness, who was approximately 300 yards away from the crime, described the defendant as a black male with a bright blue shirt. The witness said the man was beating someone on the bridge, according to police reports. The witness could not see a weapon.

Another witness administered CPR until medics were on the scene. The witness identified the man across the bridge as the defendant. The witness said the defendant hit the victim in a stabbing manner. However, the witness did not see the defendant with a knife or book bag.

According to police reports, Ammons told police that after graduating high school, he completed one year of college and was briefly enrolled in the Army before moving to the District of Columbia. Ammons told police that he lives in a forest near the bridge and that he came to D.C. to prepare for the end of the world.

Ammons received a 90-day suspended sentence in 2007 for assaulting a police officer, according to NBC Washington.

NBC Washington also reported that, in 2011, Ammons was accused of assaulting a police officer and threatening bodily harm, but the charges were dismissed.

Court documents show that Ammons was arrested by U.S. Park Police in 2016 for “threatening to kidnap or cause bodily harm” to someone in front of the Organization of American States Building. There is no information available whether he was prosecuted for this crime or not.

Ammons is being held without bail until his next court hearing on Sept. 4.

Document: Homicide on 18th Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 3400 block of 18^th Street, SE.

According to a press release, police located 28 year-old Ronald Brown suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the night of Aug. 22. He died on the scene.

Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information about this case 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 Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.

According to a press release, officers located 62-year-old, Robert Bolich suffering from multiple stab wounds on Aug. 22. DC Fire and Emergency Services transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Later that day, police arrested 42-year-old Lance Ammons and charged him with first degree murder while armed.

Document: Homicide on K Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 100 block of K Street, SE.

According to a press release, officers located 48-year-old Berner Johnson suffering from signs consistent with an assault on May. 15. DC Fire and Emergency Services transported the victim to a local hospital. Berner succumbed to his injuries on May 19.

The DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as complications of blunt force injuries to the head with alcohol intoxication and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

Police are offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may also be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line – 50411.

Defense Attorney Asks to Withdraw from Murder Defendant’s Case

During a felony arraignment on Aug. 21, a defense attorney asked to withdraw from a case due to differences about how the case should be argued.

Tondrick Murphy, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 26-year-old Marquis Jones on the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Oct. 6, 2018.

Defense Counsel, Kevin McCants, said his client wanted him to argue that he killed Jones in self-defense, but McCants thought this was a poor strategy since Murphy was apparently on video shooting at Jones many times.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman asked Murphy if he wanted a new lawyer, and Murphy said “yes”.

Judge Edelman agreed to appoint Murphy new counsel, and set a date for an ascertainment of counsel.

McCants also said Murphy rejected two plea offer in February and August.

Murphy has an ascertainment of counsel hearing scheduled on Sept. 6.

Defense Requests Judge Preclude Child’s Testimony

During a status hearing Aug. 22, defense counsel requested that a testimony of a child witness be precluded from upcoming proceedings.

James Embre, 26, is charged with felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children and second-degree cruelty to children for his alleged role in the death of 2-year-old Aceyson Aizim Ahmad on the 3400 block of A Street, SE in April of 2018. According to court documents, Embre was involved in a romantic relationship with Ahmad’s mother.

Defense counsel, Jonathan Zucker, argued that the witness, Ahmad’s sister, should be precluded from upcoming proceedings. Ahmad’s sister is the only eyewitness to the events leading up to Ahmad’s death besides Embre.

Defense counsel argued that her testimony is unreliable since she consistently changed her story. In a motion filed on Sept. 15, the defense said the distinction between the truth and a lie needs to be explained to the child because she did not understand the difference.

The defense also argues that her memory of events may have been distorted by suggestions made to her by prosecution staff. According to the defense’s motion, children are vulnerable to leading questions and suggestion.

The witness’s age was not specified in court documents.

The prosecution has not yet filed a response to the motion.

Embre is scheduled for a status hearing on Aug. 28. He is set to begin trial on Sept. 4.

Document: Arrest Made in July Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department have made an arrest August 22 in connection to a homicide that occurred on Jul. 23.

According to a press release, officers arrested 32-year-old Andre Smith for his alleged role in the death of 23-year-old Delwaun Lyons, on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. Smith is charged with first degree murder while armed.

Judge Releases Murder Defendant Under Personal Recognizance

During a status hearing on Aug. 21, a murder defendant was released on personal recognizance.

Wilbert Whitaker, 70, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting death of 30-year-old Leo Hackett on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE on May 2, 2016.

During the hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman accepted the defense’s motion to release Whitaker on personal recognizance.

Whitaker had previously been released to home confinement under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).

in early August, Whitaker’s defense attorney, Mani Golzari, filed a motion to amend Whitaker’s release conditions, citing that the defendant wanted to return to the area of the crime where his family stilled lived.

The prosecution responded on Aug. 21, stating that amending the conditions of release would affect the community’s safety.

According to DC Courts, the stay away order for the 800 block of 21 Street, NE will be lifted as soon as the prosecution sends an order to chambers for stay away orders for specific people.

Court documents state that the shooting occurred from a domestic disturbance. Apparently, Hackett was romantically involved with Whitaker’s child. Apparently Wilbert told his child, moments after the shooting, “He should gotten out my house. I told him to get out of my house.”

Whitaker is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Jan. 21, 2020.

Defense Questions Witness’s Credibility After Failing To Identify Murder Defendant

During a preliminary hearing Aug. 21, a defense attorney questioned the reliability of a key witness who could not pick a murder defendant out of a photo line up.

Demetrius Void, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 24-year-old Anthony Daniel Lawson on the 6200 Block of Eastern Avenue, NE in September of 2018.

According to court documents, Void was at a Shell gas station earlier on the day of the murder when, on video, he pulled out a gun on his mother and took the keys to a car that was registered under his name.

Void then returned to the gas station later and allegedly killed Lawson after a verbal dispute.

Defense counsel, Matthew Davies, said, after questioning the lead detective from the case, that a key witness who saw the murder was not credible because the witness was unable to pick Void’s picture out of a photo lineup. Apparently, the witness only knew Void through his mother.

The defense said that Void only took the car from his mother because she had gotten an absurd amount of traffic tickets while driving the vehicle, but that does not mean he killed Lawson.

The prosecution argued that surveillance footage puts Void at the scene of the crime and that none of the witnesses had any bias towards Void, because they all knew him through his mother.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said the witness was credible and reliable because multiple witnesses corroborated their account of what happened despite not being able to choose Void from a lineup.

Judge Dayson ruled that there was probable cause that Void committed the murder.

Void is being held without bail.

A status hearing is scheduled on Oct. 17.

9-1-1 Call Causes Listeners to Leave Courtroom

During a detention hearing on Aug. 20, a defense attorney played a recording of his client’s call to 9-1-1 operators, which caused people in the audience to leave the courtroom

Cornell Delvonte Holton,25, is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children for his alleged role in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, Skylar Newman, on the 4300 block of G Street, SE on April 19.

Defense counsel played the 9-1-1 call in order to demonstrate that the death of Newman may have been accidental.

On the recording, Holton is heard crying and screaming. He was instructed to perform CPR on Newman by the 9-1-1 operator and is heard doing so. Holton is also heard inviting police into his home.

While the recording was playing, listeners in the gallery began to leave.

After playing the recording, defense counsel requested that Cornell be released to a halfway house an have restrictions on his interactions with children.

The prosecution did not have any disputes against the call. However, the prosecutor said that the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Newman’s injuries were not consistent with someone who fell down the stairs or an accident.

Five Federal Marshall were present during the hearing. After the recording was played, there was a loud commotion outside the courtroom, causing four of the Marshalls to exit the courtroom.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe denied the defense’s request. Cornell is being without bail.

Judge Iscoe said that Cornell missed several court dates in other jurisdictions, and there are no conditions of release that could guarantee his return to court or the community’s safety.

Cornell is scheduled for a status hearing on Oct. 11.

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