Assault Defendant Gets Second Chance at Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt decided not to revoke William Johnson’s probation on June 6, after a probation officer reported that Johnson failed a drug test upon release and missed a court hearing due to being hospitalized at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW).

Johnson, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill on Feb. 23, 2022, for his involvement in a stabbing on Dec. 23, 2021, on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. He was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment, with 18 months suspended and credit for time served, followed by two years of probation.

According to the probation officer, Johnson contacted his case manager after being discharged from PIW. The probation officer requested that Johnson undergo a spot drug test on the day of the hearing and appear for drug tests weekly.

After Judge Brandt ordered drug testing for Johnson as requested, the prosecution agreed that Johnson could continue on probation.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Requests Trial

At a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman, a defendant rejected the terms of the plea deal outlined by the prosecution, instead requesting to move forward with a trial on June 6.

Keimontay Holston, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and first-degree burglary while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE,, on Jan. 2.

According to court documents, Holston was caught with a sharp object by prison surveillance entering the victim’s cell as the door opened. He was identified as the person repeatedly stabbing the victim as two other individuals exited the cell. Afterward, Holston allegedly fled the cell, and took his shirt off before being chased by corrections officers.

During the hearing, Damon Catacalos, Holston’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to reject a plea deal extended by prosecutors. The deal would have required Holton to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for all other charges being dropped.

Instead, Holston asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Homicide Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two homicide co-defendants accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on June 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Antonio Hensley, 33, and Darius Robertson, 32, were originally charged with second-degree murder for their involvement in the death by blunt force trauma of Andre Robertson, 33, on the 200 block of 53rd Street, NE, on Oct. 1, 2021.

Hensley also faced simple assault in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, Michael Madden, Robertson’s attorney, and Kevin Robertson, Hensley’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of the defendants’ plan to accept a plea offer from the prosecution. According to the parties, the deal required the defendants plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed Hensley will be sentenced to 72-to-144 months of incarceration. No range was set for Robertson.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19 for sentencing.

Jury Convicts 2021 Murder Defendant

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom convicted a murder defendant on June 5.

Alvin Cruz-Garcia, 27, was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating of Ramon Gomez-Yanez, 38, on March 23, 2021 on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW. Throughout the trial, the prosecution provided evidence that showed Cruz-Garcia beat Gomez-Yanez to death by repeatedly kicking him on the head and neck.

Julie Swaney, Cruz-Garcia’s attorney, claimed the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Cruz-Garcia was the perpetrator.

Following a day of deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 1.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a carjacking defendant to undergo mental competency evaluations during a hearing on June 2.

Shannara Macku, 37, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault on a police officer for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Oct. 19, 2024, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Macku allegedly crashed a bicycle into an uber car’s rear driver’s side tire, stopping the vehicle, then allegedly screaming angrily, calling for the driver to come out of the car, and proceeded to open the car’s passenger doors.

When the driver stepped out and attempted to talk to Macku, she allegedly got into the driver’s seat, closed the door, and backed into a parked car before driving away, forcing the uber passengers to abandon the vehicle.

Macku allegedly crashed the car into three other vehicles, leaving the scene without stopping or identifying herself. Finally, she was stopped by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, and allegedly spit in the face of a sergeant, causing another officer to deploy a so-called spit hood, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Macku’s presence was waived by her attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh. She explained that Macku was in urgent care completing a mental health evaluation, which also caused her to miss a court appearance earlier in the morning to install a GPS monitor. That hearing was canceled.

Judge McLean ordered a mental observation hearing to determine competency to stand trial.

The court is currently looking for a facility to place Macku for treatment.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 18.

Nonfatal Shooting Co-defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to a formal reading of their charges stemming from a nonfatal shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 6.

Demarco Hayes, 22, and Donte Bennett, 27, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The shooting took place on July 24, 2024 on the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, at approximately 6:50 p. m., police responded to a car crash. They found a man with a gunshot wound in the neck inside a wrecked blue Hyundai Sonata – later determined to be stolen. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Police executed a search warrant on Aug. 28, 2024, on the 2400 block of Wagner Street, SE. They found Hayes allegedly with a loaded 9mm gun, 125 grams of marijuana, pills in baggies, a cleaning kit, and labeled shooting targets.

During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Hayes’ attorney, and Steven Kiersh, Bennett’s attorney, alerted Judge Kravitz of their intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Judge Kravitz also addressed several issues related to Hayes’ pretrial release. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) recommended revoking his release after he tested positive for marijuana, violated his curfew on May 11 and 12, and moved next door to the Bennett’s home after an eviction despite having a stay-away order.

Judge Kravitz explained that he did not prohibit Hayes from consuming marijuana after a March 21 hearing. Bunke said the curfew violations did not resemble a pattern and were simply due to traffic, which Hayes reportedly documented. Judge Kravitz and the PSA representative agreed that Hayes may remain at his current residence as long as he abides by the stay-away order.

The defense plans to file a motion about imposition of the curfew, arguing that Hayes is responsible for childcare for his nieces and that the curfew should be adjusted to normal hours.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 18.

Bench Warrant Issued For Defendant With Several Probation Violations

A bench warrant was issued for Johnathan Davis after his failure to appear in court on June 4 endangering his probation.

On April 22, 2022, Davis, 27, was sentenced to six months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 30, 2021 at the Union Metro Station on the 700 block of First Street, NE.

According to court records, since Davis’ release in late 2022, he has had multiple notices of non-compliance and had failed to follow court orders. He has also been rearrested in Virginia. Though Davis completed several conditions of his probation, the re-arrests have stalled this progress.

The court has continued Davis’ case multiple times and is waiting on the outcome from the Virginia cases.

At the time of the hearing, Davis’ Attorney, Adgie O’Bryant was told if Davis did not appear at his next hearing he would risk having his probation revoked.

“He has missed his hearing by forty minutes,” said DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean after O’Bryant asked for more time.

Judge McLean issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Parties are slated to reconvene when Davis is taken into custody.

Prosecutors Dismiss Murder Defendant’s Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the prosecution’s request to dismiss a homicide case on June 6.

Desmond Gaskin, 39, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree theft, tampering with physical evidence, and destruction of property less than $1,000. These charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the murder of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. that took place on July 19, 2022 on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.

According to court documents, Whittington was found dead in a pool of blood on the street in close proximity to the rear driver’s side of a vehicle when police arrived at the scene. An autopsy showed that Whittington died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Gaskin was scheduled for a motion hearing on June 6, however the prosecution filed a motion to dismiss Gaskin’s case without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled later.

Judge Ryan dismissed all of the charges that same afternoon.

No further dates were set.

Defendants Consider a Wired Plea Deal in 2019 Northeast DC Homicide

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz they had extended a wired plea offer to three homicide co-defendants during a hearing on June 6. The trio would have to mutually agree on the terms for the agreement to be valid.

Tyler Stringfield, 26, Raymond Avent, 25, and Keith Baham, 25, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of destruction of property $1000 or more, fleeing a law enforcement officer, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, conspiracy, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, leaving after colliding property damage/injury to animal, destruction of property less than $1000, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The shooting left 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins dead on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road NE.

The prosecution proposed a deal in which all three defendants would plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would agree to a 16 year sentence. According to prosecutors, Baham would have faced an 18-year sentence, but that was reduced after one of his prior convictions was vacated.

Baham’s attorneys, Morgan Leigh and Brian Shefferman, claimed that they had reached a verbal agreement with prosecutors on the plea deal, which is expected to be formalized soon. Attorneys Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, representing Stringfield, stated that they are also in active discussions. Avent’s counsel, Elizabeth Weller, stated that she has not yet had the opportunity to confer with the defendant about the updated offer.

Judge Kravitz granted additional time for the defense to make a decision. Prosecutors estimate that a trial would take approximately three weeks if the plea deals are rejected. Defense attorneys agree with that estimate.

The next status hearing is scheduled for June 27.

Judge Denies Severance Request in a Deadly Mass Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a severance request from one of two defendants charged in a 2021 mass shooting that left one man dead and three others injured outside a convenience store in Southeast DC, during a hearing on June 6.

Aaron Adgerson, 21, and Terrance Oxner, 26, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed. Their charges stem from their alleged involvement in a Jan. 25, 2021, shooting on the 1400 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

The incident resulted in the death of 22-year-old Edward Wade.

Prosecutors allege that Oxner exited a stolen white Honda Accord and began shooting, while Adgerson posed as a lookout and helped identify the target.

During the hearing, Adgerson’s defense attorneys, Michael Madden and Stephen LoGerfo, motioned for severance, arguing that he should be tried separately due to his lesser role in the incident. They referenced video surveillance in which Adgerson left the vehicle before the shooting to allegedly purchase marijuana and reentered shortly after.

According to Madden and LoGerfo, a witness is expected to testify that Adgerson frequented the area to purchase marijuana and was not involved in the shooting.

Adgerson’s defense proposed severance due to conflicting defense theories and a disparity in the evidence, with Oxner’s counsel, Madalyn Harvey, expected to cross-examine and attempt to discredit the witness in court. Prosecutors responded that it is unlikely for a jury to convict Adgerson solely due to the conflict in the defense.

Responding to the alleged disparity, prosecutors cited fingerprint evidence on the removed license plate of the stolen car and a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer from the Seventh District, familiar with Adgerson from previous encounters, who is prepared to identify him in surveillance footage. They argued that there is a significant amount of evidence supporting Adgerton’s role as a co-conspirator.

Judge Kravitz denied the severance motion without prejudice, stating that although Oxner allegedly played a more direct role in the shooting, the conspiracy evidence against Adgerson remains substantial. He noted that even if the trials were severed, the same evidence would be presented.

A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Judge May Dismiss Defense Attorneys, Citing Federal Rules AgaInst Dual Representation

A status hearing took an unexpected turn as DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt announced her tentative intention to dismiss Demonte Gibson’s legal team on June 6.

Gibson, 27, Tre’Quan Nelson, 25, and Asani Forte, 27 are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and destruction of property less than $1000, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. One other individual sustained life-threatening injuries. Nelson and Gibson were additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt clarified that under the federal Criminal Justice Act (CJA), a “single representation rule” applies, meaning a defendant is not entitled to multiple lawyers.

Judge Brandt stated that a previous appointment of Lisbeth Sapirstein as Gibson’s defense attorney by DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld in another case meant Sapirstein represents him in all cases, superseding the representation of Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White.

Gardner and White argued to stay on Gibson’s case, citing the Sixth Amendment right to representation and the desire for continuity of counsel.

“The die has been cast, and I need to move on with my case this morning,” said Judge Brandt, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the CJA rules and respecting the prior appointment. She scheduled a separate hearing to resolve this issue.

White informed Judge Brandt that she intends to file a motion for release, but she also argued Gibson should be released on account of a recent mistrial.

The prosecution indicated their intention to retry Gibson and Forte with the addition of Nelson as a co-defendant. This decision follows a jury’s failure to reach a verdict on eight of the nine charges against Gibson and on all charges against Forte in May.

In Gibson’s case, parties will next convene on June 12. The next hearing for all three defendants is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.

Prosecution Defends Ethics of Cell Data Investigation in a Mass Shooting

Attorneys for mass shooting suspects raised concerns over so-called bad-faith investigative practices by the prosecution in analyzing cell-site data before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 4.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, are charged with 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 alleged 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, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants discard evidence and avoid arrests.

Prosecutors called on a Special Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) who testified regarding an evidentiary analysis of cell data collected from cell phones belonging to the defendants.

The data was presented by the witness in detailed maps the day before, which included relevant addresses. They contained labels of cell sites and towers, as well as their orientation, phone pings, locations, and times.

The defense disputed the prosecution’s claims about what the cell data actually indicated. Under cross-examination the witness clarified that cellphone data that the prosecution portrayed as concrete evidence placing suspects at locations of interest only indicated that phones were in the general area of the locations, but could not be specifically proven to be at the exact location.

The defense questioned the good faith of the prosecution’s investigation as they cross-examined the expert witness using limited information. Judge Kravitz summarized the issue as the prosecution’s decision to only give investigators select phone numbers, thus the prosecution was using data to fit a preordained theory of guilt.

The prosecution pushed back showing that external calls, which the defense had claimed were a blind spot in the investigation, were in fact mutual affiliates of the suspects, tying back into the prosecution’s investigation.

Elizabeth Weller, representing Ms. Johnson, was concerned with the prosecution’s introducing information to push a “they’re all in a gang” narrative. The prosecution disagreed, stating that it was the foundation of a good investigation.

Ultimately, Judge Kravitz allowed the new evidence of phone numbers and Instagram accounts to be used as evidence.

An investigator and a detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department( MPD) added to the prosecution’s case. The MPD investigator was asked multiple questions regarding his daily experience with the Kennedy Street Alliance, known as KDY, and its members. He was also asked by both the prosecution and the defense on if he would refer to KDY as a crew or gang.

This culminated with the prosecution’s asking “Would it be fair to refer to KDY as a crew or a gang?” which the investigator confirmed.

The detective was brought in after to talk about his interactions with Toyia Johnson. The detective was investigating a burnt black rented Honda that the MPD suspected was involved in the shooting. While investigating the vehicle, the detective interacted with Ms. Johnson at the agency, where she was trying to list the car as stolen. The detective was later able to get a DNA swab from Ms. Johnson.

The trial is slated to reconvene without the jury the following day, June 5.

Infanticide Defendant’s Best Friend Says Baby’s Death, ‘Has Been Haunting Me for Years’

A homicide defendant’s best friend testified about the alleged abuse and neglect the suspect’s children endured during a trial in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on June 5.

Faneshia Scott, 38, is charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of first-degree felony murder while the victim was especially vulnerable due to age. The charges stem from her suspected involvement in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, and assault of her two and four-year-old children on the 5400 block of C Street, SE, on March 21, 2017.

Prosecutors called on the defendant’s friend, who frequently visited and took care of Scott’s kids, and had been named Field’s godmother. She was accompanied by her daughter who was present in the apartment the day Fields died. However, the witness stopped short of saying that she directly observed Scott physically assault Rhythm.

“I love her kids,” said Scott’s best friend when prosecutors asked how she felt about the children. The witness responded that she would see them a lot on the weekends and was close to them.

Fields would frequently stay at the best friend’s house, and she would feed, bathe, and clothe her, according to the witness. She reported that Fields would cry for the first 24 hours whenever she would come over to the friend’s house and would exhibit drowsiness and tired behavior.

At Scott’s house, the witness claimed that Fields would always be in her playpen which had metal railings. Fields would allegedly sleep there as well.

“I hated that playpen,” said the friend when asked about it. She further added that she had offered to buy Scott a new one, which Scott refused.

Around New Year’s, the witness testified, Scott and Fields moved in with the witness and her two other children. The witness stated that she had strict rules in the house such as feeding your own children, bathing them, and getting them dressed. When asked by the prosecutor if Scott adhered to the rules, the witness promptly said no. She recalled she was the one to take care of the other children and that there would be times when Scott would unexpectedly be gone.

Scott only stayed at her friend’s apartment for two weeks on the grounds that she could not be herself around the friend, according to the witness. Scott moved to a new apartment on C Street, with Fields and her two other children. She was also accompanied by her boyfriend, the witness claimed.

The prosecution then shifted focus to the abuse the witness claimed to have stopped and observed on multiple occasions. In addition to calling DC Family and Child Services (FCS) anonymously, the witness testified she witnessed Scott allegedly hitting her other kids while Scott was living in the witness’ apartment.

The first incident in January 2017 occurred when Scott’s son had opened the witness’ fridge. The witness allegedly told Scott to go check on him because it seemed as if he were hungry. Instead, Scott grabbed a belt and started shaking and beating the child with the belt, the witness stated.

The friend immediately told Scott to stop beating him, taking and hiding the belt to stop any further abuse, she said in court. A similar event occurred later that month when Scott’s older daughter was drawing on the walls with crayons. Scott allegedly took her to the bathroom and started beating her with her hands and fists, said the witness. The witness interferred again telling Scott to stop beating her children.

When the prosecution asked about Scott’s response, the witness stated Scott would say “My kids get on my f****** nerves.”

Describing another event the witness said she heard Scott allegedly beating Fields in the car. When the witness pressed Scott about the reason, Scott claimed that Fields had been putting hands on her so in return she beat Fields.

Additional signs of physical violence prosecution allegedly occurred on March 11, 2017. Scott and the best friend had just come back from buying clothes when the friend went to go check on Fields, and saw that she had a cut on her lip. When she asked Scott about it, Scott allegedly dismissed it as something her older daughter must have done, stating that she might have thrown a toy at Fields.

The best friend reported seeing no battery-operated toys or a toy large enough to have indavertently caused that injury during play. She later gave Fields a bath and took pictures of the injury to send as proof to FCS. She testified she wanted to gain custody of Fields and Scott’s other children if possible. She also said that Scott would frequently give Fields cough syrup which she also tried stopping.

On March 19, 2017, Scott’s best friend planned a birthday dinner honoring her deceased mother. The defendant was invited, however she could not attend because her best friend was unable to pick her up.

Later on, Scott and her best friend met up and “did a link”, clarified by the witness as being “when a friend had a friend.” Scott went inside of her apartment with her male friend, while the witness and the other male stayed in the car. Scott’s best friend then joined Scott in her apartment when the man she was with suggested they go inside.

Later on the witness described what happened when she encountered Scott and the male friend inside of Scott’s apartment. Scott then yelled at the witness, blamed her for waking Fields up, and told the witness to take care of her.

The witness stated she picked Fields up and and was concerned about her condition. The witness added that Fields looked tired, smelled like feces, and had a swollen hand. She also stated that Fields was crying disturbingly. The witness told Scott that they needed to take Fields to the emergency room; however Scott brushed it off and said she would take her the next day. However, that never happened, according to the witness.

On the day of the incident, the witness testified, she went to Scott’s house three times and she recalled Fields sleeping in the playpen, her hands over her chest. However, the witness reported that when she went over for the first time at 10:30 a. m. she noticed that Fields was clean and that her hair had been done.

“She let me do her hair this morning,” the witness said Scott told her when the witness asked. Scott also told her friend she had fed Fields in the morning before Fields fell asleep. Subsequently, the friend went asked why Fields was still asleep and urged Scott to check on her. Scott allegedly told her that Fields was fine and that it was probably because of the Robitussin cough syrup she had given Fields earlier in the day. Taking too much of the drug can make you sleepy.

The witness was upset and had told Scott earlier to stop giving Fields medicine. The last time the witness went over was around 12:30 p. m. to drop her daughter off. The prosecution asked why she felt comfortable leaving her daughter in Scott’s care, to which she responded that Scott “knew better than to mess” with her kids. The prosecution also asked why the witness did not take initiative and pick up Fields herself, she said she didn’t want to start something again.

Later Scott’s next door neighbor called the witness and informed her that a child died in Scott’s apartment, however did not specify who. When the witness got back to the apartment, she asked Scott where her daughter was and Scott was apologizing profusely while sobbing.

The witness stated she assumed her own daughter was dead and started physically assaulting Scott. Once the witness saw her daughter was okay and found out Fields was the dead child, she assaulted Scott once more. Scott allegedly blamed the death of Fields on her other daughter.

When asked if she felt guilt towards this case, the witness replied, “It’s been haunting me for years.”

In cross-examination the defense confirmed that the witness had told Scott to take Fields to the hospital but Scott decided against it. The witness also mentioned that she never saw Scott assault Fields, but claimed that Scott admitted to her that she had assaulted the child.

The trial is set to resume on June 9.

Phone Location Evidence Presented in Mass Shooting Trial

An analyst in cellular phone technology and call site analysis testified before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz during a murder, mass shooting trial on June 3.

Prosecutors called on a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), who testified he analyzed the whereabouts of the defendants’ cellphones on Sept. 4, 2021, in the hours leading up to and after the mass shooting.

According to the agent, some of the defendants’ numbers were active throughout the night, and others stayed off the grid periodically. The agent was able to find several outgoing and incoming calls and text messages from their phones.

Through his analysis, the agent was able to determine the movement of two numbers allegedly belonging to Rezene and a relative of Dubose. The two cell phone numbers were using the same towers throughout the night, but from different sectors, according to the agent. Both numbers moved to the east of the Maryland side of the district, then headed south.

The government also presented findings from messages ostensibly exchanged between Rezene and Dubose on Instagram. She revealed Rezene messaged Dubose his number so they could meet up.

Rezene’s attorneys, Camille Wagner and Kevin Robertson, argued that Rezene was not at the crime scene when the murders occurred. They claimed that tracking Rezene’s phone proved that he was on the way to meet Dubose, who was in DC, however Rezene was still in Maryland.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 4.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release, Trial Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a homicide defendant’s request for release, despite granting the prosecution’s request to change the trial date during a hearing on June 5.

Dionzai Parker, 21, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a rifle or shotgun, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Brice Djembissi, on Feb. 25, 2023 on the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE.

According to the prosecution, Parker is allegedly part of a neighborhood crew known as Get Back Gang, or GBG, and allegedly conspired with his four ex-co-defendants, who have since pleaded guilty, to commit multiple shootings between April of 2022 and February 2023.

During the hearing, parties discussed the prosecution’s request to vacate the trial date, which was previously scheduled for Aug. 8. However, the prosecution stated that they’d suggest delaying it for “the judicial economy.”

Karen Minor, Parker’s attorney, objected to the request, stating the prosecution had previously stated they’d be ready to try the five defendants in August, and the prosecution should still be able to be prepared for one defendant.

Judge Ryan granted the request from the prosecution after private discussions between the parties.

Given the change in the trial timing, Minor requested Judge Ryan release Parker to the community under home confinement at his mother’s home, stating he has the support needed in the community, and GPS monitoring can ensure his whereabouts and the community’s safety.

Judge Ryan denied the request due to his abscondicing and the nature of the offense, stating that Parker was indicted in November of 2024 and participated in a hearing for it that same month, but did not turn himself in and had to be taken into custody with an arrest warrant in December.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.

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