Judge Appoints New Defense Attorney for Murder Defendant

During a status hearing on July 12, a judge appointed a new defense attorney for a man accused of murdering a 23 year old woman.

Tony S. Aiken, 48, is indicted for second-degree murder while armed for allegedly murdering 23-year-old Kendra Smith on the 4300 block of D Street, SE on Sept. 6, 2004. Aiken was arrested in November of 2018 for the murder. Smith was the mother of a 1-year-old who was not in the car at the time of the murder.

During a status hearing on July 12, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman appointed Jason D. Tulley as new legal counsel for Aiken after defense attorney Eugene Ohm withdrew from the case.

Even though recently appointed, Tulley told Judge Edelman that the May 18, 2020, trial date was still possible.

According to DC Courts, the prosecution has given the defense all of the evidence in the case as of July 12.

Court documents state that Aiken shot and killed Smith while both were inside a car outside of her home. Aiken then shot rounds at the car from the outside to make it seem as if Smith were killed by someone else from the outside.

Fox 5 reported that Aiken and Smith were dating at the time.

An autopsy showed evidence that the barrel of the gun was pressed against Smith’s head when she was shot.

The weapon used was a .22 caliber rifle, documents state.

Eric Muchinson, who died in a car accident in 2006, was identified by a confidential informant as being the shooter. However police said there is reason to believe that he was not.

Aiken is currently released on personal recognizance.

He is scheduled for another status hearing on Sept. 20.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty After Murder Indictment for Shooting that Killed 10-year-old Girl

A co-defendant in a murder case pleaded not-guilty after being officially indicted in court on July 12.

Antonio Murchison is charged with first-degree murder while armed in a drive-by or random shooting whee the victim was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity, assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, possession of a firearm, criminal street gang affiliation and aggravated assault for allegedly shooting 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE.

During a felony arraignment, Murchison was officially indicted for his charges. His defense attorney, Jason Clark, told the court that the defendant pleaded not-guilty to all counts and requested discovery from the prosecution.

According to a previous report, Murchison, 19, is joined by 9 other co-defendants for their alleged involvement in the drive-by shooting between a park and a public charter school.

Even though there are typically no cash bonds in the Washington, DC judicial system, the prosecution requested one be set for Murchison. DC Superior Court Judge Ronna L. Beck placed a $10,000 cash bond on the defendant. The prosecutor said she only placed the bond so he would remain in DC, rather than returning to prison, where he is currently serving time.

The defendant is set to stand trial in January of 2021 with three other co-defendants, including Marquell Cobbs, Darrise Jeffers, and Isaiah Murchison. Judge Beck previously separated the defendants into two groups for separate trials.

Quentin Michals, Qujuan Thomas, Quincy Garvin, 19; Gregory Taylor, 23; Mark Tee Price, 24; Cobbs, 17; Jeffers, 19; Antonio, 26; Isiah,19 and Saquan Williams, 17, are scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 1.

Jeffers’ pretrial show cause hearing is scheduled to resume on July 26.

All of the defendants except for Quanisha Ramsuer, 26, who is being charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide are being held without bail. Ransuer’s case was separated from the other defendants.

She is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Jan. 17, 2020.

Murder Defendant Stands Trial for Separate Charges in North Carolina

A man who is charged with two murders stemming from gang violence in Washington, DC is being transferred to North Carolina to stand trial for charges in an unrelated case.

In a four defendant case, Derek Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE in March of 2017. Ronnika Jennings is also charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and accessory after the fact for her alleged role in the murder.

During a hearing July 12, Turner’s defense attorney, Michael Madden, told DC Superior Court Judge Juliet Mckenna that Turner could not appear for the hearing because he is being transferred to North Carolina. Turner is expected to stand trial for charges in an unrelated case later this month.

Madden said he did not expect the trial to interfere with the Turner’s judicial proceedings in DC.

The prosecution told the judge that all DNA testing was completed. Judge McKenna gave the defense 60 days to decide if independent DNA testing was needed.

Turner is also being charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Devin Hall on the 3500 block of 6th St., SE in January of 2017.

Turner is scheduled for trial in DC on March 23, 2020.

Judge McKenna told the defense and prosecution to prepare for juror conflicts with Spring vacation.

Duan Hill is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice in connection to McPhatter’s homicide. He is released on personal recognizance. Marshay Hazelwood is charged with obstruction of justice. She is also released on personal recognizance.

All four defendants are scheduled for a status hearing to discuss if the defense will conduct testing on Sept. 20.

Judge Sets New Status Hearings for Murder Defendant

During a status hearing July 12, a judge set two status hearings after the prosecution said the defense received evidence material connected to a murder.

Dajuan Jones is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license with a prior felony, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition for allegedly shooting Cheyenne Washington on the 4400 block of E Street, SE on July 18, 2018.

Another hearing to determine if the defense will conduct independent DNA testing is scheduled on Sept. 13. Jones is scheduled for a status hearing on July 24.

In addition to setting a date for the evidence, the prosecution also offered the defendant a plea deal. The terms of the plea deal were not discussed in open court.

Jones’ defense attorney, Blase Kearney, requested that the prosecution turn over witness testimonies. DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he could not compel the prosecution to produce such material since the relevant witnesses had not testified, yet.

Document: Arrest Made in 14th Street Homicide

On July 10, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Delonta
Daniel as a suspect in a homicide in Northeast, DC.

According to a press release, Daniel, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 25 year-old Bernard Jarvis on the 2400 block of 14th Street, NE on June 28. Jarvis, who was a resident of Hyattsville, Md., died on the scene.

An autopsy report from the District of Columbia Chief Medical Examiner’s office revealed that a bullet went through the victim’s shoulder blade and exited from his mouth. There were 16 homicides in June, according to D.C. Witness data. All of the homicides resulted from gun-related injuries.

According to court documents, Jarvis was holding a folding knife in his right hand. Officers located 24 shell casings on the scene. Surveillance footage captures Daniel shooting in the direction of the victim and another individual who was not harmed.

Daniel is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 26.

Document: Homicide on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 2100 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to a press release, officers found 22-year-old Andre Broadie suffering from gunshot wounds on July 10. He died on the scene.

No arrest have been made in the case as of July 12.

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 Washington, 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.

Document: Homicide in NOMA

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 1100 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to a press release, officers found 33 year-old Clifton Telfaire suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on July 11. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Up to a $25,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line by sending a text message to 50411.

June Homicides Almost Double from Month Before

The month of June showed a significant increase of homicides compared to the month of May.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were 16 homicides in the month of June compared to 9 homicides in May.

The homicides occurred in all Wards apart from Ward 2. Of the June homicides, all 16 were gun-related, which mirrored the homicides that occurred the month before.

Fifteen of the victims were male and one was female. The victims’ ages ranged from 18-years-old to 51-years-old.

As of July 12, there have been 88 homicides in the city in 2019, seven more than the amount of homicides that occurred during the same time period a year ago.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to April Murder

During a preliminary hearing on July 11, a defendant pleaded guilty to murdering a man in April.

David Hackney, 59, pleaded guilty to second-degree-murder while armed for stabbing Chester Belfield on the 1000 block of Southern Avenue, SE on April 13.

According to court documents, a witness observed the defendant in verbal confrontation with the victim. The verbal confrontation turned into a physical altercation outside of a gas station. Another witness recorded the incident on his phone, which shows the defendant chasing the victim with a knife and then stabbing him.

Hackney’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, said the defendant is willing to accept the prosecution’s plea offer for a 15-year sentence. Initially, Hackney was charged with first-degree-murder while armed. According to the voluntary sentencing guidelines of the District of Columbia, he could have faced up to 60 years in prison for the charge.

Judge Milton C. Lee said he would make his decision on a sentencing period after all pre-trial reports are submitted.

A status hearing is set for Sept. 27.

Murder Defendant’s Indictment is Still Pending, Prosecution Says

During a felony status conference hearing on July 11, the prosecution told a judge that he is still working on an indictment.

Robert Smith, 23, was charged with second-degree murder on December 4, 2018 for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 19-year-old Nya Howard-Reynolds on the unit block of 57th Place, SE

With the indictment deadline on Sept. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe asked the prosecutor when he would expect an indictment. The prosecutor said he was still investigating the case but “anticipates filing the indictment prior to the deadline.”

Defense attorney, Kevin McCants, had no objection.

Smith’s next hearing is scheduled on Sept. 6.

Murder Defendant Had Revolver, Witness Says

During a murder trial July 11, a witness connected the defendant to the suspected murder weapon in a 2006 homicide.

Terik McLeod, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggrivating circumstances for allegedly shooting Carlton Fisher with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Devaun Drayton. The shooting of Fisher, 23, occurred on Oct. 1, 2006, on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE. The shooting of Drayton, 17, occurred on the 700 block of 26th Street, NE on March 10, 2004. McLeod’s first trial resulted in a hung jury.

The suspected murder weapon in Fisher’s shooting is a .357 caliber magnum revolver. According to witness testimony, McLeod had a .357 magnum revolver on him in December 2006, two months after Fisher was killed.

Apparently, the witness, McLeod and three others individuals were in a vacant house off of M Street, NE when a gun went off. Officers responded and retrieved a .357 magnum revolver. McLeod and two other individuals were arrested.

DNA testing on the revolver came back inconclusive.

On July 9, another witness told the jury that h

e referred McLeod to Fisher to buy .357 magnum bullets around the time of Drayton’s shooting.

The trial is scheduled to continue on July 15.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for January Murder

During a preliminary hearing July 10, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause that a defendant was part of a gang-related murder.

Tavist Alston is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 22-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE on Jan. 12. Alonzo Brown, 22, and Stephon Evans, 18, are also charged with first-degree-murder while armed in connection to Taylor’s death.

Judge Todd E. Edelman said the police investigation shows Alston’s involvement in Taylor’s death because it reveals that Alston purchased one of the murder weapons from another defendant, Carlos Turner, after the shooting.

On May 14, Turner pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and conspiracy to commit a crime of violence for his role in the victim’s death. As of July 10, DC Courts does not show that a plea has been filed.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Alston drove a grey Impala, which police believe was involved in the homicide. Court documents state that the Impala drove the suspects to and from the Benning Courts Apartments located in Northeast, DC before and after the murder.

“This [crime] involves two rival groups,” the prosecution said, adding “we believe [Alston] is a danger to the community and should be held.”

However, Marnitta L. King, Alston’s defense attorney, said there was only one witness who said Alston was in the vehicle.

King said there is no proof that her client had any intention to kill. She told Judge Edelman that her client has been working at the airport to support his two children and requested that the judge release him under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

As King made the request, she motioned to the defendant’s family and friends, who filled the right side of the courtroom, in support of Alston.

Judge Edelman denied the request and ordered that Alston be held at DC Jail without bail.

Alston is slated to join two of the other defendants at a felony status conference on Oct. 3.

Judge Re-opens Preliminary Hearing for Defense Cross

During a felony status conference July 10, a DC Superior Court judge ordered the prosecution to hand over a transcript of an interview with a witness and police.

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.

After Brandi Harden, Myles’ defense attorney, filed a motion June 10 to reopen a preventative detention hearing for her client, Judge Todd. E. Edelman decided to reopen a preliminary hearing to give Harden the opportunity to cross examine a witness before an indictment deadline in August.

Harden said the prosecution failed to hand over evidence that she believes is important to the case. Harden said she suspects the interview proves her client’s claim of self defense.

Judge Edelman told the prosecution to provide the defense with the interview transcript within two weeks.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue on July 19.

Witness Identifies Murder Defendant as Shooter

During a murder trial July 9, an eyewitness identified the defendant as the shooter in a 2004 homicide.

Terik McLeod, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Devaun Drayton and with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances for allegedly shooting Carlton Fisher. The shooting of Drayton, 17,occurred on the 700 block of 26th Street, NE on March 10, 2004. The shooting of Fisher, 23, occurred on October 1, 2006, on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE. McLeod’s first trial resulted in a hung jury.

The prosecution began by questioning a former friend of McLeod, who was present at the time of Drayton’s murder. The witness is currently being detained at DC Jail for an unrelated murder case.

The witness agreed to provide information about the case to the prosecution as part of a plea deal. In exchange for his cooperation, the witness said, the prosecution will “speak up for him” during his sentencing and hopefully negotiate a shorter sentence.

The witness said he was good friends with McLeod and Drayton in 2004. Apparently, he knew Drayton through a mutual friend. The witness also said he was friends with Fisher, although the two weren’t close.

According to the witness, Drayton needed a gun because he was in a conflict with people from another neighborhood. Apparently, Drayton was given the gun under the condition that he would give it back the next day.

However, Drayton denied having the gun. The witness said Drayton broke a “street code” that includes not taking other people’s belongings.

On the morning of the murder, the witness said, he was walking to school with a group of friends, including Drayton and McLeod.

Once behind the Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School located in Northeast, DC, the witness said he heard a gunshot. He said he saw McLeod holding a gun, but did not see him shoot Drayton.

There is “no doubt in my mind” that McLeod killed Drayton, the witness said.

The trial is scheduled to continue on July 10.

Witness Testimony Points to Murder Defendant as Shooter in 2nd Murder

During a murder trial July 10, a witness testimony pointed toward a murder defendant as the shooter in a 2006 homicide.

Terik McLeod, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggrivating

circumstances for allegedly shooting Carlton Fisher and with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Devaun Drayton. The shooting of Fisher, 23, occurred on October 1, 2006, on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE. The shooting of Drayton, 17, occurred on the 700 block of 26th Street, NE on March 10, 2004. McLeod’s first trial resulted in a hung jury.

One witness said she heard McLeod tell another individual, “snitches get stitches,” in reference to Fisher cooperating with authorities about Drayton’s death.

The witness said gunshots woke her. She said she saw Fisher lying face down in a pool of blood. By that time, she said police had already arrived.

The witness then went upstairs to Fisher’s apartment to tell his mother he had been killed.

The witness also recounted events from earlier that evening. According to the witness, there was a block party on 21st Street, where Fisher and McLeod both lived. Many people from the neighborhood were outside.

While the witness said she did not remember everyone she saw at the block party, she said she does remember seeing McLeod more than once throughout the evening.

The trial is scheduled to continue on July 11.

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