Document: Homicide in Ward 7

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 4.

According to a press release, officers found 22-year-old Semaj Alsobrooks suffering from a gunshot wound on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, NE. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Officers also located a second adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He received treatment at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

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

Judge Continues Ruling in Murder Defendant’s Preliminary Hearing

During a preliminary hearing Sept. 5, a judge decided to rule the next day after having heard arguments from counsel.

Keandre Barber, a resident of Suitland, Md., is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29 year-old Juan Marcell Grant. The shooting occurred on the 700 block of Princeton Place, NW on June 19.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya A. Dayson decided to on the case on Sept. 6, saying she wanted to be sure she had enough time to consider all the arguments made.

Defense attorney Mani Golzari said the prosecution does not have probable cause to hold Barber.

Golzari said Grant was walking down an alley with Barber and another person. Golzari argued the other person could have killed Grant.

Golzari also said the prosecution does not have video recordings of the alley itself and many of its entrances, meaning a fourth person could have entered the alley and killed Grant.

The prosecution argued that Barber, Grant and the other person are briefly recorded together in the alley. Also, the other person was on GPS surveillance at the time and was registered as being further from Grant than Barber.

Golzari said the GPS device only has a radius of certainty of 50 feet, meaning the other person could have been in the same vicinity when the shots were fired.

Defendent Pleads Not Guilty in Elderly Man’s Murder

On Sept. 4, a defendant pleaded not-guilty to felony charges in connection to a homicide that occurred last year.

Demetrius Pierce, also known as, Orlando Little, is being charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 68-year-old Nazir Ahmad on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE on Nov. 3, 2018.

Pierce’s defense attorney, Jeffery Stein, told DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman that the defense waived a reading of the formal indictment. According to the indictment, Pierce, 33, is charged with the following:

First-degree while armed of a senior citizen victim who was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity;
Possession of a firearm during a crime of violence;
Burglary two while armed of a senior citizen;
Possession of a firearm during a crime of violence;
Robbery of a senior citizen while armed
Unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction

Stein also invoked the defendant’s right to due process and a fast and speedy trial. As of Sept. 4, a trial date has not been set.

Judge Edelman also said he wanted to address an issue with a witness’s identity. Apparently the witness could also be another suspect in the case. Judge Edelman said the issue needed to be addressed so it would not produce any prejudice.

A status hearing is scheduled on Sept. 10. Pierce is being held without bail.

Judge Continues Defendant’s Prelim Hearing

On Sept. 4, a murder defendant’s preliminary hearing was continued to later in the month because of an inaccurate release form.

Lance Ammons is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 62 year-old Robert Bolich on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge pedestrian walkway om Aug. 22.

The inaccurate release form prevented Ammons, 42, from appearing in court.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Ammons was arrested on Aug. 22.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman continued Ammon’s preliminary hearing to Sept. 25.

“All of us at HNTB are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our colleague, Rob Bolich,” the victim’s former employer said.

Ammons is currently being held without bail.

Defense’s Conversation with Judge Pushes Murder Hearing Back A Month

On Sept. 4, a murder defendant and his counsel held an entire status hearing at the judge’s bench. The prosecution was asked not to approach.

Joshua Ellis Massaquoi, along with Mason Binion, 32, Victor Carvajal, 33 are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW. Massaquoi was the alleged driver during the crime, according to court documents.

Massaquoi, 32, requested his next status hearing occur on Oct. 7. DC Superior Court Judge Hiram E. Puig-Lugo granted this request and set the next hearing on Oct. 7.

It is not clear why the delay was requested or why the judge granted the request.

Defense Requests A New Judge for Murder Case

A defense attorney requested that a new judge preside over a murder case.

Eunise Milton Roosevelt is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 29-year-old Jerimi Stephen Meade on July 15, 2016, on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.

On Sept. 4, during discussions of a potential trial date, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said her schedule would set Roosevelt’s trial on July 20, 2020. In light of the extended wait, defense attorney, Ieshaah Murphy, requested a different judge.

Judge Dayson denied the defense’s request for a different judge. Instead, she set a potential trial date on Oct. 15. However, the trial would only be held on that date if it worked with Judge Dayson’s caseload.

According to counselors, the trial is expected to last for two weeks.

Roosevelt is currently being held without bail. He is set to have a bond review hearing on Sept. 20.

Document: Two Men Shot in Deanwood, One Dies

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department are currently investigating a double shooting that turned fatal.

According to a press release, 28 year-old Kalin Louis Middleton succumbed Sept. 3 to injuries he sustained in a shooting on the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE. Apparently two men suffered from multiple gunshot wounds from the shooting.

The men were able to drive to a local hospital after being shot, the release said.

A status update on the other victim’s condition has not been released.

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

August Homicides Drop, DC Murder Toll Still High

Homicides in August dropped below the total number of homicides in July, however there have been 13 more homicides in DC compared to the same time period a year ago.

As of Sept. 2, there have been 118 homicides in the DC, which is 13 more homicides, a 12 percent increase, from the 105 homicides that occurred a year ago. Fifteen homicides occurred in August, a 25 percent decrease from July.

Of the 15 homicides, seven were gun-related, two resulted from blunt force trauma, two were stabbings and a traffic fatality where a driver struck a pedestrian outside of the cross walk. According to a press release from the Metropolitan Police Department, the driver did not remain on the scene.

Seven homicides occurred in Ward 8 in August, the most for the month. August’s homicide total in Ward 8 is three less than the 10 homicides that occurred in the same ward in July. Homicides rose in Ward 5 from two homicides in July to three homicides in August.

Of the 14 homicides, D.C. Witness data shows that police apprehended suspects in four cases.

Eliyas Aregahegne, 24, was arrested on Aug. 27 and is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing 27-year-old Margery Magill on the 400 block of Irving Street, NW. He is pending an appearance in front a in DC Superior Courts judge.

Lance Ammons, 42, was arrested Aug. 22 and is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 62 year-old Robert Bolich earlier the same day on the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. Ammons is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 4. He is being held without bail.

Edward Banks, 47, was arrested Aug. 22 and is charged with the death of Abraham Binn on the 2700 block of MLK, Jr. Avenue, SE on Aug. 22. Banks is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 10. He is being held without bail.

Michael “Meisha” Hines, 23, was arrested on Aug. 12 and charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 46-year-old Wendell Youngblood on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NE on Aug. 3. Hines is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 11. He is being held without bail.

In addition to the 15 homicides, another traffic fatality occurred in Ward 1 on Aug. 4. Charges were not filed for the incident.

Defense Files for New Trial Date After Discovering New Evidence

In light of new evidence, a defense attorney filed a motion for a new trial date.

Kenneth L. Adams, 21, was found guilty in November of 2018, of first-degree murder while armed, obstruction of justice and other firearms offenses for shooting 21 year-old Dante “Te” Kinard in 2016. According to court documents, Adams approached a group of people on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE and started shooting.

Adams’ defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, immediately appealed his conviction because the defense believed witnesses were not credible.

D.C. Witness previously reported that multiple witnesses said they were coerced by police to identify Adams as the shooter.

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff is considering the motion for a new trial date for Adams.

The prosecution was also ordered to file a protective order by Nov. 4 for one of the witnesses.

A status hearing is scheduled on Nov. 20.

The murder of Charles Mayo was also brought up during the hearing. However, Judge Bartnoff said there was no relevant connection to Adams’ case.

Kimberly Thompson was convicted in March of 2019 of first-degree murder while armed for shooting Mayo on 1900 block of Bennett Place, NE on Dec. 17, 2015.Thompson filed a post-trial motion for new counsel. A sentencing date has not been set as of Sept. 3.

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Double Homicide

During what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing a murder defendant pleaded guilty on Sept. 3.

Gerard James pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for allegedly striking 61-year-old Monica Adams Carlson and her 85-year-old mother, Cora Louise Adams with a bus at the intersection of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on Dec.19, 2018. NBC reported that Carlson was the mayor of Skagway, Alaska.

According to the terms of the plea agreement, James could face up to 24 months for each charge.

Under the DC Voluntary Sentencing Guideline James could have face between 12 and 36 months for each charge.

The defense said they would not oppose DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson ruling within the voluntary guidelines.

Sentencing is scheduled on Nov. 15.

According to court documents, on December 19, 2018, James was driving a bus for a privately owned bus company. The victims were walking Northbound on 7th Street, NW. The pedestrians waited for the cross walk signal before proceeding to cross the street. James then made a left turn to go West on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW where he collided with the victims.

Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to 8 Years in Prison

During a sentencing hearing Aug. 30, a murder defendant was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

Sean Hurd pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his role in the fatal shooting of Antonio Bryant on the 3300 block of D Street, SE in June 2015. Bryant, 28, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Hurd was indicted on charges for first-degree murder and gun possession.

As part of that plea agreement, Hurd’s gun related charges were dropped, as well as a separate gun possession case. Hurd accepted the plea offer in May.

A counselor for the prosecution admitted that the strength of the case could have led to a hung jury.

Since Hurd was not convicted on any gun related charges, he will not be required to register as a gun offender.

The victim’s family was in the courtroom during the sentencing, but declined to give victim impact statements.

Substantial Probability Defendant Killed Victim, Judge Says

A judge ruled Aug. 30 that a murder defendant would more than likely be found guilty without a reasonable doubt.

Marcus Whitaker, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the murder of 22-year-old David Hart at an apartment complex on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE in July of 2018.

During the preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ruled that there was substantial probability that Whitaker killed Hart.

Judge Edelman said his ruling stemmed from the fact that Whitaker was placed at the scene by every witness, including his girlfriend.

Judge Edelman also said that even though the victim punched Whitaker first, he was not acting in self-defense when he used deadly force.

Judge Edelman decided to hold Whitaker without bail.

According to court documents, Whitaker was called by his girlfriend who had been punched by another witness. Whitaker arrived and encouraged the two women to fight while Hart was trying to diffuse the situation.

Hart and Whitaker then walked over to a dumpster located in the apartment complex’s parking lot. The two were wrestling on the ground when Whitaker pulled out a gun and shot Hart, documents state.

Whitaker is scheduled for a status hearing on Oct. 25.

Judge Gives Prosecution A Week to Secure Indictment

During a felony status conference Aug. 30, a judge gave the prosecution a week to obtain an indictment after the nine month limitation expired.

Jerome Myles, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 19-year-old Antonio Dixon on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE on Oct. 20, 2018.

The prosecution approached the bench and explained why the indictment had not been secured. The prosecutor asked for a 30-day continuance. However, the judge denied the 30-day motion.

According to DC Code, a prosecution has nine months to obtain an indictment against a defendant. If an indictment is not obtained within nine months, the charges are considered as abandoned and the case is dismissed.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman told the prosecution that the nine month period had expired.

A felony status conference is scheduled on Sept. 6.

Document: 16 Year Old Shot to Death in Southwest, DC

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 200 block of M Street, SW.

According to a press release, police found 16-year-old Domonique Franklin, a resident of Southeast, DC, unconscious with multiple gun shot wounds on Aug. 30. He died on the scene.

According to WTOP, the camera that right outside of the apartment building where Franklin’s body was found was not working.

Franklin has been reported missing and subsequently found multiple times over the last year.

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.

Counsel Says They’ll Be Ready for Trial

Even though there is still more work to done, counsel told a judge that they will be prepared for trial.

Timothy Gibson, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 28-year-old Carl Day-Baker on the 1500 block of T Street, SE on Sept. 1, 2018. Gibson is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with intent to kill while armed.

Even though there are outstanding motions that Judge Danya A. Dayson has yet to rule on and an approaching trial date, both parties agreed at a trial readiness hearing on Aug. 28 that postponing the trial would be unnecessary. The trial is set to begin on Sept. 9.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Eugene Ohm, told the court that he also plans on opening with a self-defense argument. Ohm said that contents inside a pouch on Day-Baker formed the basis for a self-defense claim.

Ohm told the judge that a knife was found in the pouch, as well as marijuana and a scale. He suggested that the scale could have been mistaken for a gun.

One of the prosecutors said she intended to file a motion to suppress the contents of the pouch, since the pouch was closed at the time Gibson allegedly shot Day-Baker.

Judge Dayson said she would review the photos of the pouch and decide whether its contents would be admissible evidence by the next court date.

Gibson is scheduled for a status hearing on Sept. 3.

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