Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release

During a detention hearing, a judge denied June 24 defense counsel’s request to release a murder defendant.

Eunise Roosevelt Melton is charged with first-degree murder with an unknown metal object for his alleged involvement in the death of Jerimi Meade on July 15, 2017.The crime took place on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.

The detention hearing was held because of a petition from defense attorney, Ieshaah Murphy, to re-address the issue of Milton’s release. The defense argued that a witness’s statement to investigators indicated that another person was responsible for Meade’s murder.

Even with the witness’s testimony, the prosecution argued in favor of keeping Melton, 62, detained until trial because a Grand Jury found him dangerous enough to indict him on violent crime charges. The prosecutor also said the defense’s argument wasn’t “clear and convincing evidence.”

DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson agreed with the prosecution, saying the “weight of the evidence hasn’t changed” from the witness’s testimony.

Milton is scheduled for a hearing on July 30.

Prosecution Offers Plea Deal to Man Charged in Vehicular Homicide

During a preliminary hearing June 25, the prosecution offered a plea deal to a murder defendant charged in a 2018 vehicular homicide.

Tyler Hurley is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Kunal Talwar on Dec. 23 2018, at the intersection of 19th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. According to court documents, Hurley’s blood alcohol level was .04 percent three hours after the collision.

According to the terms of the plea agreement, if Hurley, 21, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, he could face four to 10 years in prison. Court documents state that the crash occurred after Hurley ran a red light.

Defense attorney, Bernard Grimm, said he just received the terms of the plea offer and requested to have more time to discuss the offer with his client.

Grimm also requested that DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe revert back to Hurley’s original release order so that he could drive to work.

D.C. Witness reported that Hurley was allowed to go on a family vacation to the beach, which required him to remove his ankle monitor since it wouldn’t work in sand. Judge Iscoe ordered that the monitor could be removed for the vacation, and stipulated that Hurley couldn’t operate a motor vehicle under the new terms.

Judge Iscoe agreed to revert back to the original release order. The prosecutor agreed, saying he “doesn’t see [Hurley] as a danger.”

The defense is expected to respond to the plea offer by the next scheduled hearing on July 22.

Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

During a preliminary hearing June 24, a murder defendant signed a waiver to not have a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing establishes a reasonable belief that a crime was committed and the defendant had some part in that crime.

Deontae “Tay” Britton is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 25-year-old Dawud Debruhl on the 1300 block of Columbia Road, NW on March 14.

Surveillance footage shows the victim standing with two other individuals in the general vecinity of the murder.

The footage also shows Britton, 26, approach Debruhl from behind and shoot him in the back. The other two individuals on the video are seen running from the crime scene. Britton fled down an alley east of the scene.

Britton was arrested on March 29. During an interrogation with homicide detectives, Britton said he was “beefing” with some individuals from the Columbia Heights neighborhood because they were allegedly threatening his friends.

Britton also told detectives that he approached a group of individuals in hopes of having a verbal conversation. He said he saw Debruhl reach towards his waistline, so he pulled out his gun and shot the victim.

According to court documents, a witness provided a picture of the suspect who they referred to as “Tay.” The witness said that “Tay” was involved in the homicide.

A felony status conference is scheduled on July 5.

Defense Requests Reconsideration of Evidence

During a June 24 status hearing, defense counsel in a murder case asked DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe to reconsider evidence that was found in discovery.

Eric Smith, 20, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvment in the death of 38-year-old Rondell Wills on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE. Wills was not the intended target and was shot while protecting children when the drive-by shooting occurred, according to court documents.

Smith’s attorney, Blase Kearney, specifically asked Judge Iscoe to review two interviews and some unspecified physical evidence to reconsider his substantial probability ruling during Smith’s preliminary hearing on July 18, 2018.

Kearney said substantial probability has not been met by the prosecution. Kearney also said he thinks Smith should be released because the defendant has no prior charges.

The prosecution argued that, since Smith was already indicted, reassessing the evidence would not change anything. Smith was indicted on assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault and assault with significant bodily injury, in addition to his first-degree murder charge.

After speaking with counsel, Judge Iscoe set a detention hearing on July 24.

Judge Approves Murder Defendant’s Release to Halfway House

During a felony status conference June 24, DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe agreed to release a murder defendant to a halfway house when one becomes available.

Barbara Sanders is charged with second-degree murder while armed with a knife for allegedly stabbing Thurman Knight on the 500 block of Montana Avenue, NE in March. Sanders and Knight were involved in a romantic relationship and lived in an apartment under his name.

Defense counsel said releasing Sanders, 53, to a halfway house would be appropriate because she would be monitored, have a curfew and has no criminal history. Sanders currently has no where to live if released from DC Jail.

The prosecution told Judge Iscoe that Sanders should remain detained because she could pose a threat to the community. The prosecution also provided the defense with body-worn camera footage that was requested during a June 11 hearing.

Under Judge Iscoe’s terms, Sanders would be drug tested weekly, prohibited from possessing any weapons and not be allowed to contact Knight’s family. She would only be allowed to leave the halfway house for pre-approved medical appointments.

According to court documents, the two were not in an abusive relationship. Witnesses told the police that the two had been arguing for days before the murder.

Another felony status conference is scheduled on Aug. 30.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for New Counsel

A murder defendant told a DC Superior Court judge June 24 that he wanted to withdraw from his guilty plea.

Shelby Jones pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for shooting 17-year-old Davon Fisher on the 400 block of Riggs Road, NE. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The defendant pleaded guilty to the murder on Jan. 11.

According to DC Courts, Jones, 18, will go forward with withdrawing from the plea agreement. The defendant’s lawyer said he intends to submit a motion to Judge Ronna L. Beck by July 12. The prosecution said they would be opposing the withdrawal and has until Aug. 2 to respond to the defense’s motion.

In addition to requesting to withdraw from the plea, Jones also requested another change in counsel. “I’ve been talking with him,” Jones said. “It’s not going through.” Jones’ current defense attorney, Kevin Irving, replaced his initial counsel in May.

After speaking with Jones, Judge Beck said she would not replace Irving and acknowledged the defendant’s desire to withdraw his guilty plea.

A motions hearing is scheduled on Aug. 30. However, if the judge denies the defense’s motion to withdraw the guilty plea, the case will proceed to sentencing.

Judge Allows Alleged Child Murderer to Travel with Family

During a status hearing June 24, a DC Superior Court judge allowed a murder defendant to travel with her family.

Faneshia Scott is charged with first-degree murder and child cruelty for her alleged role in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, on the 5400 Block of C Street, SE in 2017. Scott, 32, is currently confined to her home under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). She is also required to wear a GSP monitor.

Defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, requested that Judge Milton Lee let the defendant travel with her family on vacation next month. Scott’s parents were present in the courtroom and reassured Judge Lee that their daughter would be under their supervision during the duration of the vacation.

The prosecution opposed the decision, saying it could be seen as “rewarding” Scott who allegedly murdered her daughter and abused her other two children.

In addition to the prosecutor’s opposition, she also mentioned that the victim’s father and grandmother, who were present in court, have been receiving anonymous phone calls. The prosecutor reminded the defense that the defendant has been asked not to contact the father or his family.

A status hearing is scheduled on Sept. 27.

Document: Another Homicide in Park View

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating another homicide in the Park View area in less than a week.

According to a press release, officers found 45-year-old Melton Grant suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 600 block of Morton Street, NW on June 22. Grant was transferred to a local hospital where hew was pronounced dead.

A second victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound, was also located. He was transferred to a local hospital for treatment for serious injuries.

The homicide occurred about three days after the fatal shooting of Juan Marcell Grant on the 700 block of Princeton Place, NW on June 19. Because both cases are still under investigation, the police did not provide any other information.

So far, this year there have been three homicides in the Park View area, including the shooting of Breon Austin inside his home on the 700 block of Princeton Place, NW on April 19. The Washington Post reported that the shooting appeared to be targeted.

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

Second Teen Charged in 2018 Homicide

The prosecution charged another teen in connection with a homicide that occurred during the summer of 2018.

Stephon Evans was charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license for allegedly shooting 21-year-oldDion DeMarco Boyd’s homicide on the 1400 black of Maryland Avenue, NE on July 30, 2018.

Kewon Hunter was indicted on the same charges June 20. Hunter, 19, was originally charged with second-degree murder.

During a felony arraignment June 21, both defendants pleaded not-guilty.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe also agreed to sign the prosecution’s draft of a protective order, which restricts sharing of material evidence with anyone outside of the defendants’ defense teams. Judge Iscoe told the defense attorneys for both defendants that they can raise issues with the order at the next hearing.

Evans is also charged with first-degree murder for an unrelated homicide in January.

A status hearing for the co-defendants is scheduled on Aug. 16.

Document: Police Arrest Second Suspect in April Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 19 year-old on June 21 for his alleged involvement in a fatal stabbing in April.

Xavier Dontrell Culbreth is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the death of 40 year-old Jamal Ferrell on the 700 block of 14th Sreet, SE on April 28.

On June 6, police arrested and charged 18 year-old Jada Jena Smith with first-degree felony murder in connection to the stabbing.

A preliminary hearing for both suspects is scheduled on July 1.

Judge Postpones Murder Defendant’s Sentencing

A DC Superior Court judge granted the defense’s request to postpone a sentencing for a murder defendant.

After being charged with first-degree murder, Keith Sweptson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in January for beating 33-year-old Yusef Turner to death. Apparently, Sweptson was assisted by another man, Kevin Carter, to carry out the crime on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. He is charged with first-degree murder. As of June 21, Carter, 30, is scheduled for a felony status conference on July 12.

During a hearing June 21, defense attorney, John Fowler, requested to postpone the sentencing in order to require the prosecution to present evidence of 39-year-old Sweptson’s guilt. Fowler said the prosecution refused multiple requests for evidence in the case.

Judge Craig Iscoe spoke with Fowler and the prosecutor under seal.

Judge Iscoe said the defense had to file a brief by July 26. The prosecution has until Sept. 6 to file an opposition to the brief.

A status hearing is scheduled on Sept. 13. However, if the judge believes the case is ready, a sentencing will replace the status hearing.

Co-defendants Plead Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

During a status hearing June 21, two defendants in a murder trial pleaded guilty to murder.

Codefendants Robert Washington, 22, and Derrick Hart, 23, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and voluntary manslaughter, respectively, for their roles in the shooting of 22-year-old Maleak Coffin. The shooting occurred on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE on Dec. 23, 2017.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he wasn’t going to rule on the plea offer, which stipulates a sentencing range between 5-8 years in prison, until sentencing. He said he is planning to hear more from counsel and family members before he makes a decision.

Judge Edelman also said that if he decides a 5-8 year sentence range is inappropriate, he would allow the defendants to reconsider whether they want to plead guilty.

Coffin’s mother told Judge Edelman that the plea agreements presented to both defendants were not severe enough. She said a video of the incident showed the defendants willfully and intentionally killed her son. “This is not justice,” she said.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Coffin inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the hospital three days later.

Surveillance footage shows Hart exit a gas station and proceed to shoot at Coffin and another individual. The footage also shows Washington driving a Lexus near Coffin’s stopped vehicle, where he began to fire shots at Coffin’s car.

Hart and Washington are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20.

Defense Claims Protective Order is Too Restricting

A murder defendant’s attorney objected June 21 to terms put in place for his client’s protective order, which he said hindered his ability to adequately utilize evidence.

Elhadi Babacar Ndiaye, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Travis Deyvon Ruth. The shooting occurred on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, SE on Jan. 18.

Ndiaye’s attorney, Blase Kearney, said 20-25 percent of the statement made by Detective Wilson was redacted from a document provided by the prosecution. Kearney argued that it looked as though key pieces of information had been hidden.

The prosecutor said the statements were redacted because Kearney would not agree to most of the protective order. She said that if she and Kearney could come to an agreement on the protective order, she would be happy to provide him with the unredacted statements.

However, Kearney said Ndiaye already knows the witnesses’ identities, so the prosecution’s goal of protecting witnesses does not justify so many redactions. He said he would not agree to certain portions of the protective order, including not showing the statements to Ndiaye and destroying the document afterwards.

Because counsel could not agree on the protective order, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he would compare the redacted and non-redacted copies to determine if the redacted information was actually important for the defense’s case.

The prosecutor also said she was making progress in the indictment but was still waiting for responses for a few outstanding warrants.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Ruth unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body.

Another felony status conference is scheduled on Aug. 23.

Judge Sets Two Trial Dates to Accomodate 10 Murder Suspects

During a status hearing on June 20, a DC Superior Court Judge divided 10 co-defendants for a murder case into two groups. Each group was given their own trial date.

Quentin Michals, Qujuan Thomas, Quincy Garvin, Gregory Taylor, Mark Tee Price, Marquell Cobbs, Darrise Jeffers, Antonio Murchison, Isaiah Murchison, and Saquan Williams are all charged with first-degree murder, plus additional charges, for allegedly shooting 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting occurred on July 16, 2018, on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE. According to court documents, the shooting was spurred over a neighborhood rivalry.

The prosecution suggested the ten suspects be divided into two different groups: Garvin, 19, Williams, 17, Thomas, 20, Michaels, 21, Taylor, 23, and Price, 24, were placed in one group. Jeffers, 19, Cobbs, 17, Antonio Murchison, 26, and Isaiah Murchison, 19 were placed in another group.

The first group was given the original Aug. 5 trial date and the second group was scheduled for trial on Jan. 5, 2021.

According to a press release, during the evening hours, four masked males exited a black vehicle and began shooting. Makiyah was playing in the area near Marvin Gaye Park and KIPP DC Quest Academy Public Charter School. She and several other adults were shot.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department officers found Makiyah unconscious and not breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound to the body. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Makiyah was the only fatality in the shooting.

All ten suspects are scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 1.

Judge Modifies Protective Order in Murder Case

During a status hearing/felony arraignment on June 20, a DC Superior Court judge changed a modification provision of a protective order despite objections from one of the defense attorneys.

Quentin Michals, 21, Qujuan Thomas, 20, Quincy Garvin, 19, Gregory Taylor, 23, Mark Tee Price, 24, Marquell Cobbs, 17, Darrise Jeffers, 19, Antonio Murchison, 26, Isaiah Murchison, 19, and Saquan Williams, 17, are all charged with first-degree murder, plus additional charges, for allegedly shooting 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting occurred on July 16, 2018, on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE.

Jeffers’ attorney, Veronice A. Holt, said she was concerned about the modification of provisions in the order but didn’t specify what the provisions said.

Despite concerns, Judge Ronna Lee Beck said she would change the modification provision to read that the order could be modified with the permission of the court. Holt is expected to file a statement by June 29 about whether she agrees to the protective order as modified.

Judge Beck also denied the motion to sever 10 of the 11 defendants charged in the murder. Quanisha Ramsuer’s case was severed from the other defendants. She has been charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the murder. Ramsuer, 26, is released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

She is scheduled for trial scheduled on Feb. 3, 2020.

According to a press release, during the evening hours, four masked males exited a black vehicle and began shooting. Makiyah was playing in an area near Marvin Gaye Park and KIPP DC Quest Academy Public Charter School. She and several other adults were shot. The shooting is believed to have been spurred by a neighborhood rivalry.

All ten suspects are scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 1.

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