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Murder Defendants Waive DNA Testing

During a hearing, Dec. 11, two murder defendants waived their rights to DNA testing. Nyekemia Everett and Malik Hewitt are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged roles in the murder of 37-year-old Christopher Heard. According to a previous report, surveillance footage was used to identify Everett, 33, while a female witness identified Hewitt, 39. Both Everett and Hewitt waived their rights to test DNA evidence. The prosecutor told the court that he left some materials off that were available to be tested but that he told the defense a week before the hearing. He said that there were four pairs of pants that were available to be tested and that he had only tested one. He also said a sample that had been collected from a witness had not been tested. He also told the DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that the plea deal is wired and that in order for a deal to be accepted both defendants have to accept it or one defendant had to agree to cooperate against the other. Everett’s defense attorney, Michael Madden, told Judge Dayson that Hewitt had been in plea negotiations while his client had not. A trial readiness hearing is scheduled to occur on Feb. 7, 2020.

Jury Finds Transgender Woman Not Guilty for Boyfriend’s Death

After a two-and-a-half-week trial, a murder defendant was found not guilty of killing her boyfriend.

Sean Baker, 40, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on 300 block of 37th Street, SE on Jan. 27, 2016. Baker was initially charged with assault with intent to kill, but the charges were upgraded after Wiggins died from his injuries on Jan. 31. Baker is a transgender woman.

On Dec. 9, five days after the jury began deliberations, Baker was acquitted of the murder.

Trial Breakdown:

Baker said she stabbed Wiggins in self defense and that he had a long history of beating her throughout their relationship.

According to court documents, Baker, who was released on personal recognizance while she awaited trial, allegedly stabbed Wiggins in the chest during a fight in their apartment in 2016.

During the trial, the prosecution called Baker’s best friend, a medical examiner, and a witness who found the murder weapon to the stand.

Baker’s best friend told the jury that Baker was obsessive in her relationship. The friend also said that even though Wiggins and Baker had constant physical altercations, Baker never alluded to any domestic abuse.

The lead detective in this case testified about Baker’s initial police interview.

In reference to the interview, Baker’s defense counsel, John R. Fowler, told the court that detectives at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) did not question her appropriately. 

Fowler said he was concerned that the lead detective, as well as another detective who is also working this case, violated a MPD policy regarding handling interactions with transgender individuals by not referring to Baker with the correct gender.

The witness who found the murder weapon also testified that he found a kitchen knife covered in blood under an orange sofa that had been discarded behind the the apartment building Baker and Wiggins lived in.

DNA testing concluded that the blood on the kitchen knife was a definitive match to Wiggins’ DNA.

The prosecution showed the witness’ video testimony to argue that Baker had hidden the murder weapon all along and this was just a cover up story.

However, GPS tracking evidence disproved the argument. Baker had not returned to the scene of the crime after she was detained.

Two of Wiggins’ ex-girlfriends, who were also transgender women,  said Wiggins’ had an abusive history and he used to threaten to kill them.

“I don’t believe I would be here if we had gotten back together,” said one of the girlfriends.

Text messages showing the volatile relationship between Wiggins and Baker were displayed for the jury as well, including a photo of Baker bleeding and covered in bruises that Wiggins allegedly showed to everyone he knew on Christmas Day.

A property manager, for an apartment complex near Wiggins’ and Bakers complex, said that Baker had ran into her leasing office one day hiding from Wiggins. She said that Baker had appeared to be scared and shaken.

During closing arguments, the prosecution said Baker premeditated the killing of Wiggins and she lied various times to cover up the truth.

The prosecutor called Baker jealous and obsessive.

“And now, four years later, we have the opportunity to hold her responsible,” said the prosecutor.

Baker said she feared for her life throughout the entirety of the relationship. She said she was acting in self-defense, Baker’s defense attorney, Dominique Winters, said.

“For the prosecution to suggest otherwise is as far-fetched as it is ridiculous,” Winters continued.

The jury began deliberations on Dec. 4 and ended on Dec. 9.

Read more about Baker’s trial here.

Danuellys Diaz reported on and wrote the article. 

Judge Continues Murder Hearing for More Time

On Dec. 10, a judge continued a murder defendant’s hearing to allow time for other criminal proceedings.

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

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman decided to continue proceedings to Dec. 11, so he could open space for other cases on his calendar. Counsel did not argue with a continuation. 

Judge Edelman also denied Tibbs’ defense attorney, Jessica Willis’, request to suppress the contents of Tibbs’ mobile phone.

Cinquan Cartledge, 24,  is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to Tibbs’ murder.

Judge Edelman granted a motion to sever the cases in March.

Cartledge is scheduled for a status hearing on Dec 13.

Tibbs is being held without bond. 

Tibbs is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Jan. 3, 2020.

Demetria Tymus wrote this article.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Connection to Homicide in the Late 90s

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Dec. 10 a man they believe is connected to a homicide that occurred in 1998.

According to a press release, 48 year-old Kenneth Bryant Jr., a resident of Northeast, DC, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 35 year-old James Lane, who was also a resident of Northeast, DC, on the 200 block of S Street, NE on Aug. 10, 1998.

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Document: Man Succumbs to Injuries from Alleged Robbery in July

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a case that was ruled a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington, DC.

According to a press release, 40 year-old Jose Martinez-Coto, a resident of Northeast, DC, succumbed Dec. 4 to injuries he sustained from an alleged robbery on July 22 on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

As a result of the alleged robbery, two juveniles were apprehended by police. The juveniles were charged with robbery by use of force and violence. It is unclear if the juveniles will be charged with murder.

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

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Judge Continues Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge continued a murder case Dec. 10, so that a new defense attorney more time.

Alphonso Walker, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggregating circumstances, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and attempt to commit robbery while armed for allegedly shooting Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44. The double homicide occurred on April 25, 2018, on the 400 block of 61st Street, NE.

Judge Milton C. Lee continued the case to allow new counsel to be able to meet with and get familiar with Walker and his case.

New counsel took on the case after Walker’s defense attorney, Judith Pipe, said she would remove herself for reasons that were not specified in court.

The prosecution had no objections to the change in counsel, saying that he had more evidence to disclose. The evidence is coming from the digital evidence unit.

An ascertainment of counsel hearing is scheduled to occur on Jan. 10, 2020. Walker will remain in DC Jail without bond.

Jaylin Hawkins wrote this article. 

Document: Police Arrest 2nd Suspect in Homicide

More than year after a man was fatally shot in Southeast, DC, officers apprehended a suspect they believe is connected to the murder.

On Dec. 10, 19 year-old Martinez Raynor, a resident of Southeast, DC was charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 19 year-old Malik McCloud, a resident of Southeast, DC on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE on Oct. 20, 2018.

Raynor is waiting for his case’s first appearance in DC Courts.

Tony Eugene Morgan, 26, was also arrested on Dec. 5 in connection to the homicide. He is awaiting his preliminary hearing, which is scheduled on Dec. 16.

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Judge Modifies Murder Defendant’s Stay Away Order

A DC Superior Court judge allowed a murder defendant to enter Washington, DC for reasons other than court appearances.

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

Barber was released on Dec. 3, and required to wear a GPS monitor. Two stay away orders were also put into place for Barber that restricted him from being near the crime scene and being in the District for anything other than court appearances.

Barber’s defense attorney, Mani Golzari, told Judge Danya Dayson that Barber worked for a flooring company and needed the freedom to do flooring jobs in the district in order to make money.

Golzari requested the stay away order for all of DC be lifted and the stay away order for the area surrounding the crime scene stay in place.

Golzari said Barber would have to forego any jobs that were within the area surrounding the crime scene.

The prosecution did not object to the request as long as Barber was only allowed within the district during specific work hours and it was pre-approved by pre-trial services.

Judge Danya Dayson agreed to modify the stay away order to reflect both the defense and prosecution’s requests.

Barber is scheduled for a felony status conference on Jan. 31, 2020.

Judge Reschedules Preliminary Hearing

A judge allowed a murder defendant to be absent from his court proceeding on Dec. 9. Gregory Antwan Washington is charge with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting of 32-year-old Alie Labay on the 900 block of 21st Street, NE in October. Defense attorney Ronald Resetarits said Washington’s presence was waived because his preliminary hearing was being reschedled and his presence was not necessary. DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted both parties request to reschedule the preliminary hearing. The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2020.

Man Admits to Shooting that Left His Neighbor Dead

A murder defendant admitted to a shooting that left one woman dead, and two others injured.

Officers arrested 48-year-old Vaughn Alexander Kosh, a resident of Northeast, DC, on Dec. 7. Kosh is charged with first-degree murder while armed and with the intent to kill for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Alayna Danielle Howard in her apartment on the 1700 block of Capitol Avenue, NE. Howard’s mother and boyfriend were also injured in the shooting.

Kosh told the police that he felt reomorse for the shooting, but said Howard and her boyfriend pushed him too far for too long, according to court documents.

Kosh said he shot at Howard because she was the cause of his problems. According to court documents, Kosh complained of Howard and her boyfriend breaking into his apartment and destroying his property along with odor and infestation issues.

Apparently, the victim and victim’s boyfriend had gotten to several disputes with Kosh, including an incident on Aug. 12, 2017, when Kosh stabbed Howard’s boyfriend

Kosh told police that a physical altercation occurred between him and the victim’s boyfriend in the hallway of the apartment complex. Kosh did not tell police how he gained access into the victim’s apartment.

However, Kosh’s description of the events leading up to the murder vary from the victim’s boyfriend and mother’s description.

The boyfriend told police that Kosh “kicked” in the door of Howard’s apartment to gain entry.

Court documents also state that officers found the front door’s locks on the floor. There were also splinters and a chain lock on the floor.

The mother, who was also in the apartment at the time, said Kosh forced his way into the apartment, shot her several times and shot the victim’s boyfriend in the hand. The mother said Kosh walked to the back of the apartment where he shot and killed Howard, according to the documents.

A nine-year-old child was also in the apartment. He was not harmed. The victim’s mother and boyfriend identified Kosh as the shooter.

The murder weapon was found in Kosh’s apartment along with handwritten notes that conveyed disdain toward the victims, according to court documents. A bullet projection was located in the living room and three casings were found in the hallway near the kitchen and rear bedroom.

Kosh is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 19.

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Judge Waives Murder Defendant’s Appearance in Court

A murder defendant’s appearance was waived at a felony status conference Dec. 9.

Thomas Fields Jr., 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed fhis alleged involvement in the death of 24-year- old Marquita Lucas on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE on Aug. 17.

Fields has yet to attend court, and it is still unclear as to why.

Lucas was found after firefighters extinguished a brush fire on the 3100 block of Mill Branch Road in Bowie, Md.

When Lucas was found, she was bound by a white rope and an electrical cord. She also had more than twelve sharp force injuries in various parts of her body.

The medical examiner in this case concluded that Lucas had been dead prior to the burning. A metropolitan police department K9 also detected ignitable liquid near her body.

According to court documents, a witness said Fields blamed Lucas for killing the mother of his child, who apparently died from a overdose.

Documents also say Fields was smoking PCP on the night of the murder.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled to occur on Jan. 10, 2020.

Danuellys Diaz wrote this story. 

Document: Homicide on Sheridan Road, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 2500 block of Sheridan Road, SE.

According to a press release, officers found 30 year-old Taboris Johnson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on Dec. 6. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The department is offering a reward up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide 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.

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Shootings Account for Most Homicides in DC in November

Gun-related homicides mostly accounted for all of the homicides that occurred in Washington, DC during the month of November. A majority of the fatal shootings occurred in Southeast, DC, according to D.C. Witness data.

Data shows that there were 13 shootings throughout the month of November. Police apprehended two suspects, 22-year-old Diquan Lucus and 25-year-old Devin Hill, in relation to the killings. Both suspects were arrested in December.

All of the victims from the shootings were men from 17 years old to 40 years old, including:

Police are also investigating a hit and run that occurred on the 1200 block of U Street, NW.

According to a press release, 50-year-old Nahzil Rahim was hit by a SUV around 3:10 a.m. The vehicle fled the scene.

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a person and vehicle of interest.

Vehicle of interest in traffic fatality.
Police are searching for this person of interest for a traffic fatality that occurred on Nov. 29.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in October Homicide

On Dec. 5, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a man they believe is connected to a fatal shooting in Congress Heights.

According to a press release, 26-year-old Tony Eugene Morgan is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 19 year-old Malik McCloud on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE on Oct. 20.

McCloud, who was a resident of Southeast, DC, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Morgan is a resident of Capital Heights, Md.

 



Document: Police Arrest Suspect for May Homicide

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Dec. 4 a man they believe is connected to the fatally shooting of a man in Southeast, DC.

According to a press release, 40-year-old John Fenner is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Jonathan Hernandez on the 100 block of T Street, NE. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

A second victimwas treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Fenner is a resident of Southeast, DC, the release said. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 16.

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