The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on April 7 on the 3900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.
According to a press release, officers found 21-year-old Brea Moon suffering from a gunshot wound.
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 be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.
There has been no change in the number of homicides in Washington, DC from February to March, according to D.C. Witness data.
The data show that there were 11 homicides for both February and March. All of Marches homicides were gun-related. There was one trauma-related death and 10 shootings in February.
According to D.C. Witness data, the March homicides increased in three wards. The homicide count in Ward 8, which had the most homicides for the month, increased by three homicides. Homicides also increased by one in Ward 6 and Ward 1.
The average age of the victims, which included two women, were around 31 years old.
The Metropolitan Police Department has arrested three suspects in connection to three homicide cases.
On March 29, police arrested Gary Massey, charging him with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-oldGregory Mayo on the 700 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Massey, 24, is pending a grand jury. He is scheduled for a felony status conference on June 1.
According to court documents, the victim was shot twice in the back while sitting in a Ford Expedition at a traffic light. A witness said Massey’s sister was allegedly in an abusive relationship with Mayo.
Another suspect, 19-year-old Khamri Perkins, was arrested for allegedly shooting 18-year-old Naseem Simpson on March 15 on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW. Perkins is pending a grand jury. He is scheduled for a felony status conference on May 29.
The third suspect is still pending a first appearance in DC Superior Court.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting on the 3400 block of 22nd Street, SE.
According to a press release, 28-year-old David Deandre Young was located April 3 suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
A juvenile victim was also located at another hospital, receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
The department is offering 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 is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411.
As concerns over the COVID-19 virus continues to build, the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus despite it already having found its way into Washington, DC’s correctional facilities.
As of April 2, eight inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. Another 10 inmates are awaiting their results, according to a representative from the DOC.
The representative said the DOC is currently isolating those who have tested positive away from other inmates in a section of the Correctional Treatment Facility part of the jail.
The facilities are also being cleaned more often.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is taking its own measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
According to a MPD press release, officers will request to speak to all complainants outside when possible and adhere to the public health recommendations to maintain a safe distance away.
The release also said that MPD has expanded criteria that district stations will use to determine which arrestees will be released pending a future court date instead of being held for a presentment hearing.
Editor’s Note: D.C. Witness will provide updates to COVID-19 cases in DC’s correctional facilities and court and DOC procedures during the pandemic.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested and charged 35-year-old Travis Littlejohn with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5, 2019, on the 3500 block of Clay Place, NE.
According to MPD documents, the suspect was involved in a dispute with four individuals at the location. During the dispute, the suspect discharged a firearm striking the four victims, entered a vehicle, and fled the scene. All four victims were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the death of a child that occurred on April 1.
Officers responded to the 900 block of Division Avenue, NE, after getting a call about an unconscious person according to a press release. On the scene officers found 2-year-old Gabriel Eason unconscious. After all life-saving efforts failed, the decedent remained on the scene until transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
An autopsy was performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. As a result, the cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
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 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.
Judges didn’t release as many homicide defendants in 2019 as they did in 2018, data shows
According to DC Code, Washington, DC criminal defendants cannot be held in jail from an inability to pay bail. The specific DC code language states that the decision to release a defendant falls to a Superior Court judge:
A judicial officer shall order the pretrial release of a defendant subject to:
(A) Condition that the person not commit a local, state, or federal crime during the period of release; and
(B) Least restrictive further condition, or combination of conditions, that the judicial officer determines will reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required and the safety of any other person and the community.
These conditions can include maintaining or seeking employment, maintaining or beginning an educational program, or restrictions on personal associations, travel or residence among others.
Several homicide defendants are released to the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). The program monitors defendants who are determined to be high safety risks or present the appearance of a flight risk and need an increased level of supervision through:
weekly contact,
drug testing,
and/or location monitoring.
HISP can include defendants who are on:
home confinement,
in a halfway house,
in a work-release program.
Defendants who are not high risk can be released subject to other supervision programs under the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA), according to the agency’s website. Defendants who are in violation of release conditions can be stepped-back to either home confinement or jail.
Pretrial Release Data
D.C. Witness data shows a 33 percent decrease in the number of murder defendants who were granted pretrial release in 2019 compared to 2018.
Breakdown
There were 179 homicides committed in 2019 and 163 homicides in 2018, according to D.C. Witness data. The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 97 murder suspects in 2019 compared to 112 suspects in 2018.
Data shows a decrease in the number of homicide-related arrests, 15, compared to an increase in the number of homicides, 16, from 2018 to 2019.
Of the suspects arrested in 2019, judges granted pretrial release to 16 defendants. Five of the 16 defendants were released in 2020.
Judges granted pretrial release for 24 defendants who were arrested in 2018. Not all of the defendants were released in 2018. According to D.C. Witness data, eight defendants were released in 2019 and two defendants were released in 2020.
As of April 1, 11 of the released defendants arrested in 2019 do not have a trial scheduled, while two defendants are scheduled for trials in 2020.
Twelve of the released defendants arrested in 2018 are still waiting for trial, as of April 1. Three defendants trials have not been scheduled, according to DC Courts. One defendant was found guilty.
Reoffenders
Two homicide defendants, who were arrested and released before trial in 2018,reoffended while released. Both defendants were charged with sexual solicitation and one defendant was also charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm.
Two defendants, who were arrested in 2018, were also sent back to jail because they were not compliant with the terms of their release.
No defendants, who were arrested in 2019 and granted pretrial release, reoffended.
Of the defendants who were granted pretrial release in 2018, judges dismissed four of the cases. Judges did not dismiss any of the cases that were granted pretrial release in 2019.
According to D.C. Witness data, some defendants, who were granted pretrial release, were also offered plea agreements.
For 2019, there were a total of 16 pretrial release defendants. Out of those cases, ten homicide defendants were not extended a plea offer, three defendants accepted a plea offer, two defendants have not given a response and one defendant rejected a plea offer.
For 2018, there were 24 pretrial release defendants. Of those cases, 18 defendants are still undergoing court proceedings and six defendants’ cases have been closed.
Of the 18 defendants whose cases are still open from 2018, ten defendants were not offered a plea agreement, five defendants rejected a plea offer and three defendants accepted plea offers.
Fenner, 49, was charged on Dec. 4, 2019, with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shootingJonathan Hernandez on the 100 block of T Street, NE on May 18, 2019. Fenner is currently pending a felony status conference, which is scheduled to occur on June 19.
As part of the terms of Fenner’s release, he was ordered to 15-days of home confinement, followed by a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Judge Iscoe ordered that Fenner be allowed to go to work and make two shopping trips per week. He also told Fenner that he must clear all other activities with pretrial services.
Homicide Defendant Tylek Dunkins
Judge Heide L Herrmannreleased Tylek Dunkins on personal recognizance with PSA supervision on Oct. 25, 2019. He was arrested the day before.
Tylek Dunkins, 18, is charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of 15-year-old Amoni Richardson on the 2900 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Dunkins allegedly struck Richardson while she was walking outside of a marked crosswalk from the south side of the street to the north side.
As part of Dunkins’ release conditions, he has to be tested for a number of substances including synthetic cannabinoids and marijuana.
He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 5.
Myles, 21, was charged Nov. 29, 2018, 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.
D.C. Witness reported that even though Judge Edelman said that Myles had no prior convictions and was less likely to pose a threat to the community while released, he ordered that the defendant stay away from the crime scene. According to court documents, the scene was described as a “communal hallway.” It is unclear why Judge Edelman ordered the defendant to stay away from the crime scene.
The prosecution indicted Myles on Sept. 30, 2019, with three charges, including second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business.
Myles’ trial readiness hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13.
Homicide Defendant Terica Younger
Terica Younger pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault for her involvement in the death of 43-year-old Talata Williams on the 2400 block of Good Hope Road, SE in 2017. Younger, 43, was arrested on Oct. 3, 2018.
Younger was granted release under personal recognizance under the supervision of PSA. After Younger failed to appear at a pretrial show cause hearing on June 7, 2019,Judge Milton C. Lee issued a bench warrant for her arrest. Once apprehended Younger will be held without bail, according to DC Courts.
On Oct. 13, 2018, Younger was charged with a misdemeanor for attempted threats to do bodily harm. The defendant was released in the case, according to DC Courts. Younger was also charged with sexual solicitation on May 21, 2019. A cash bond of $500 was placed on another bench warrant that was issued for the defendant’s failure to appear at a June 19, 2019, status hearing.
Homicide Defendant (Juvenile)
Judge Errol Arthur released a juvenile on HISP with global position system (gps) monitoring on June 4, 2019.
The juvenile pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.
The juvenile was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for allegedly being involved in the shooting of 23-year-old Jamal Kwame Crump on the 1300 block of Monroe Avenue, NW on Feb 27, 2019.
On Oct. 11, 2019, the juvenile was sentenced to two years in prison.
Homicide Defendant Mason Binion
On March 12, 2018, Mason Binion was released to HISP by Judge Judith Bartnoff. Per the terms of his release, Binion was placed on GPS monitoring, given a curfew, and required to report for drug testing. He was charged with first-degree murder while armed after allegedly shooting Michael Francis Taylor, 21, on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW on June 22, 2008.
Binion, 33, and Taylor were allegedly friends.
On Feb. 12, a jury found Binion guilty of first-degree murder while armed.
In response to Binion’s defense attorney’s motion for emergency release to home confinement under HISP, Judge Ronna Beck granted the motion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 1.
According to court documents, between June 22, 2008, when Binion shot Taylor, and Jan. 25, 2018, when Binion was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed, he was also charged for other felonies, including possession with intent to distribute marijuana in February of 2011, a bail violation in April of 2011, possession of a controlled substance in July of 2014 and a complaint for violations of obligations of tenancy or other grounds for eviction in February of 2015.
The tenant violation was dismissed in March 2015.
Binion did not incur any other charges during the time he was released to HISP while undergoing court proceedings for the murder case.
Homicide Defendant Darrise Jeffers
On April 15, 2019, Judge Iscoe released Darrise Jeffers to home confinement under HISP. He was also ordered to stay away from the Clay Terrace and Wellington Park neighborhoods as well as other defendants in the case.
Jeffers, 20, along with nine other defendants are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the shooting of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on the 300 block of 53 Street, NE on July 16, 2018. Quanisha Ramsuer, who is also charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the shooting, was also granted pretrial release in the case. According to court documents, the shooting resulted from a neighborhood rivalry.
On Oct. 16, 2019, Judge Beck told Jeffers that he violated the terms of his release. She ordered that he wait for his trial, which is scheduled to begin in 2021, at DC Jail.
According to Judge Beck, Jeffers left his house multiple times late at night. He had been released under home confinement.
She said, after he had broken the rule the first time, a social worker told him to stop leaving the house. However, he continued to violate the terms of his release.
Davis was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree child cruelty for his alleged involvement in the death of 6-month-oldBrooklynn Zakiyaa Hill-Davis on Sept. 10, 2018. Davis was arrested on Oct. 5, 2018.
Davis’ case was dismissed in November of 2018.
Homicide Defendant Victor Carvajal
Binion’s co-defendant, Victor Carvajal, was also released under HISP on Dec. 4, 2018, by order of Judge Bartnoff. Per the terms of his release, Carvajal was also placed on GPS monitoring, given a curfew, and required to report for drug testing.
On May 7, 2019, Carvajal was taken off of HISP and his GPS monitor was removed due to interference with his work. He still had a curfew and had to report for drug testing until his jury trial.
The 33-year-old was charged with first-degree murder while armed after Joshua Massaquoi, another defendant charged in Taylor’s murder, told police that Binion shot the victim and that Carvajal hit Taylor in the head with a rock.
Carvajal was arrested on Oct. 31, 2018. His case was dismissed the day before opening statements.
Massaquoi, 32, who was not granted pretrial release, was being held at St. Elizabeth’s hospital. As of March 24, Massaquoi was placed on home confinement with gps monitoring. His defense attorney filed an emergency motion for release from custody because of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 19. Massaquoi sentencing was rescheduled from March 30 to July 7.
On Sept. 3, 2019, James, 46, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for fatally striking 61-year-old Monica Adams Carlson and 85-year-old Cora Louise Adams while they were in the crosswalk at the intersection of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on Dec. 19, 2018. He was arrested eight days later.
According to court documents, James was using his cellphone when he allegedly struck the two women.
James’ sentencing for March 19 was rescheduled to May 7, due to a change in court proceedings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This report was written by Corrine Simon and Katlyn Richardson
On Mar. 26, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 19-year-old man in connection to a homicide that occurred in the Fairlawn area of Washington, DC.
According to a press release, Mequan Carthens a resident of Southeast, DC was charged, with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 36-year-old Lagioria Brinkley on the 1900 block of 16th Street, SE on Mar. 20, 2020.
Priestley, who was a resident of Southeast, DC died on scene.
This case remains under investigation. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.
The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 19 year-old Khamri Perkins, a resident of Southeast, DC, on March 26.
According to a press release, Perkins is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 18-year-old Naseem Simpson on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on March 25.
Officers responded to the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW, after hearing sounds of gunshots, according to a press release. On the scene officers found 21-year-old Marquis Osborne suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead
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 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.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Wednesday morning.
Officers responded to the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE after hearing sounds of gunshots, according to a press release. On the scene officers found 28-year-old Kriston Robinson suffering from a gunshot wound. She died on the scene.
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 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.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday evening.
Officers responded to the 1900 block of 16th Street, SE after hearing sounds of gunshots, according to a press release. On the scene officers found 36-year-old Lagioria Brinkley suffering from a gunshot wound. She died on the scene.
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 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.
A murder defendant’s ex-girlfriend admitted that she helped a murder defendant relay a message to a key witness via Instagram.
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 shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.
One of Everett’s ex-girlfriends testified March 16 that she sent a message to another one of Everett’s ex-girlfriends, who testified during the week of March 9, through Instagram, a social media app, saying, “don’t do him like that.”
The witness testified that Everett gave her the name of the ex-girlfriend’s’ Instagram handle during a video visitation.
“I just did him a favor. I didn’t really care about the situation. I was just helping him,” she said.
A third ex-girlfriend was also called to testify about a letter she received from Everett in May of 2017.
In the letter, Everett wrote that his cousin and his friend were pulled over by the police while driving his car. The letter said that when the police stepped out of their vehicles the two men drove off. He said he was arrested because the car’s license plates were in his name.
The ex-girlfriend said she did not know until later about why Everett was really arrested, but she said she did not fully believe what he wrote in the letter because of a “gut feeling.”
DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring instructed the jury not to count the testimonies of the two women towards their deliberation of Hewitt’s innocence or guilt because he was not involved in this particular case of obstruction of justice.
The prosecution said they intend on finishing their case by March 18.
On March 18, the prosecution completed arguments and the defense rested. Trial is scheduled for closing arguments on April 8.
During a murder trial, a defense attorney called a witness a liar March 13 based on his previous testimony.
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 shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.
Hewitt’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, said that a key witness for the prosecution, who was a former cellmate of Hewitt, lied on the stand on March 9 when he told the court that Hewitt asked him to contact another witness who was corroborating with police to ask her to stop.
Lotze tried to impeach the witness’s testimony.
“Did you not testify for this case and another case so that you could get a benefit from the government?,” said Lotze.
Lotze mentioned that the witness was currently under arrest for 2018 charges, including kidnapping, attempted armed robbery and carrying a pistol with a prior felony.
She said the witness was facing between 60 and 104 years in prison before cooperating with the prosecution because he had a high criminal history score.
She also said the witness pleaded guilty to kidnapping but was pending sentencing because the prosecution agreed to recommend a sentence based on his level of cooperation.
The witness said he was hoping to not spend a long time in prison but that ultimately he cooperated because his wife, who was not the woman he said he asked to contact another witness, asked him to do what he needed to do so he could go home to his family.
The witness said March 9 that he asked a woman, who was his girlfriend at the time, to contact the girl and then told her to tell the girl to stop talking to or cooperating with the police.
“Did you take care what I needed you to?” the cellmate asked his girlfriend over a jail call. She answered, “Yes.”
The witness said he and Hewitt knew each other before they became cellmates. He said that he and Hewitt grew up in the same area together.
Hewitt allegedly told the cellmate that at the time of Heard’s murder, he was with two people and they were trying to set up “Fat Daddy,” who is a guy that he and the cellmate grew up with. He said they were trying to set up a fake drug deal.
Hewitt told his cellmate that he used a texting app to disguise his phone number. They set up a location to meet, “Fat Daddy” struggled and the other individual that Hewitt was with allegedly shot him. Hewitt allegedly told him that it was only him, Everett and “Fat Daddy.”
Hewitt did not mention where the girl was at the time. The witness said Hewitt told him that he was standing right there when “Fat Daddy” was shot.
DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring instructed the jury that the cellmate’s testimony was only against Hewitt and not Everett. She told the jury to ignore the testimony when determining whether the prosecution proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for Everett’s case.
Trial continued with testimony from Everett’s ex-girlfriends on March 16.
A murder defendant asked for a new attorney and questioned why his current attorney was not present, during a status hearing on March 13.
Jerome Alexander, 26, is charged with felony murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Richard Washington, 28, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Dec. 19, 2019.
Alexander, who is currently being represented by Public Defender Service’s Madalyn Harvey, asked DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring why Harvey was not present in court.
“She hasn’t come to see me, and she hasn’t done her job,” said Alexander.
He said that he want a new attorney that was not Harvey or anyone who is part of her team.
Judge Josey-Herring explained to Alexander that the pubic defender service is a service that uses the same resources and therefore while Harvey may be removed from the case, he will likely see the same investigators and other resources used as before.
Judge Josey-Herring also said that Harvey was not available for court and therefore the judge accommodated her.
Judge Josey-Herring said she would assign Alexander a new attorney and schedule a status date so the new attorney could get caught up instead of rescheduling his preliminary hearing at this time.
A felony status is scheduled for March 17 which could be rescheduled due to COVID-19 and DC Courts potentially rescheduling cases.
