Jury Finds Murder Defendant Not Guilty

After deliberating for two days, a jury acquitted a man from murder charges stemming from the death of a 23-year-old man.

Kenneth Bellamy was found not guilty of first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Michael Tyrone Jones, Jr. on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE in December of 2015. Bellamy’s third charge for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business was dismissed during closing arguments.

As a result of the not guilty verdict, an order to release Bellamy was issued on June 5.

During opening arguments on May 22, the prosecution laid out its main theory — Bellamy, 35, killed Jones over stolen marijuana. An eyewitness for the prosecution told the jury that he saw Bellamy confront Jones about stealing his marijuana. The witness said that, as the two began to “tussel,” Bellamy pulled, what looked like, a gun out of his pocket. The witness said he started running away from the scene as soon as he heard gunshots.

However, during cross examination, the defense pointed out that the witness told police multiple versions of the story.

The witness told Norris that he initially lied to police because he was trying to protect himself. However, Norris refuted the claim, saying the witness was lying to protect someone else.

According to Norris, the witness told a grand jury that the person who shot Jones was the same person who sold him marijuana earlier that day. Norris said the witness was protecting the true shooter because if he implicated the shooter he would be implicating himself.

Instead of the marijuana story the witness testified to, Norris said the murder stemmed from PCP, a mind altering drug. Norris said Jones obtained PCP and had it stored in a mason jar. He said Jones was bragging about the PCP and intended to sell it.

Norris said the witness set Jones up to be robbed and killed. Apparently, Jones was a known drug dealer. Norris said the witness and the true shooter conspired together.

On May 30, the jury heard recordings of phone calls where Bellamy said he didn’t shoot Jones and that the surveillance video capturing the incident didn’t show him shooting Jones.

Defense counsel told the jury that the surveillance footage doesn’t actually show Bellamy shooting Jones. Instead the footage shows Bellamy extend his arm and Jones getting shot. It doesn’t show the actual shooting.

Another witness, who used to live in the neighborhood where the shooting took place, told the jury that she was leaving her residence at the time of the shooting and saw a group of boys. She said one boy, with tattoos on his face, was holding a gun to another boy’s head. Apparently, multiple boys in the group had tattoos on their faces.

The defense also highlighted the witness’s inconsistent testimony. According to the defense, the witness was previously shown a photo of Wayne Joaquin, who was another suspect in the shooting.

Apparently, the witness said Wayne was “absolutely and positively the person [she] saw.” However, during the trial, the witness denied having said this. Instead, she said she was only sure that Joaquin, who is now deceased, was one of the people she saw, but didn’t know whether he was the one holding the gun.

Bellamy didn’t testify.

Counsel’s closing arguments June 3 were almost entirely about the testimony of the eyewitness who identified Bellamy as the shooter.

The defense’s closing argument reiterated that the witness, who admitted to perjury, was unreliable because of his history of dishonesty in the case.

Even so, the prosecution relied on the witness to tie their case together because he provided the only evidence that could place Bellamy at the scene of the crime.

Bellamy’s DNA was not found on the crime scene.

May Homicides Decrease, But Still Show DC’s Gun Problem

Even though May shows a substantial decrease in homicides compared to April, it also shows that Washington, DC’s illegal gun problem is getting worse.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were nine homicides in May, 10 less than the 19 homicides recorded in April. May’s homicide number mirrors the total number of homicides that occurred in March.

Of the May homicides, eight were gun-related and one was a stabbing. The homicides occurred in Wards 5,7 and 8, according to D.C. Witness data. The victims were all male with the youngest being 15 years old and the oldest being 44 years old.

The Metropolitan Police Department has apprehended two suspects in connection to the May Homicides. Travis Russell was arrested on June 3. He is being charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Michael Hooker, 44, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. Russell, 35, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 18.

Herman Sylvester Williams was arrested on June 4. He is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 36 year-old William Boykin on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE on May 28. Williams, 28, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 20.

D.C. Witness data shows that 68 homicides have occurred in DC as of June 6, which is six more than the 62 homicides that occurred in 2018 during the same time period.

Counsel Questions Witness’s Credibility

During closing arguments June 4, the prosecution and the defense questioned the credibility of an eyewitness in a murder case.

Kenneth Bellamy is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Michael Jones, Jr. on the 3500 block of East Capitol St., SE in December of 2015. Bellamy, 35, is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The prosecution’s closing argument was dependent on one eyewitness’s testimony. Even though the witness admitted to perjury, the prosecution is relying on him to tie their case together because he is apparently the only person who can place Bellamy at the scene of the crime. The defendant’s DNA was not found on the scene, according to counsel.

Even though counsel agreed that the eyewitness is a bad liar, they questioned why the witness would try to protect another witness who is dead. The prosecution also pointed out how the defense’s closing argument relied largely on speculation such as an unsupported theory the victim’s friends and the eyewitness planned the murder.

The prosecution told the jury that, if the eyewitness was in on the crime, he would have used the six months before the trial began to come up with a better story than the one he provided in his testimony.

Bellamy had a third charge, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, but it was dismissed. The charge was dismissed after DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman questioned the legality of charging Bellamy with two crimes that covered the same offense. Apparently, the charge is covered by other charges in the case, and Bellamy couldn’t be convicted of the same crime twice.

Bellamy’s defense attorney, Jon Norris, said the eyewitness’ story did have some significance in the case, but he didn’t trust the witness’s honesty.

Norris said he didn’t find the eyewitness reliable because he admitted to perjury. Norris also said the eyewitness had a suffiecient amount of time to make up Bellamy’s involvment in Jones’ murder.

According to the defense’s theory, the deceased witness was also a suspect for Jones’ murder. Apparently, the man was closely acquainted with Jones.

The jury began deliberations on June 4.

Brooke Welsh, Nick Slater, Julia Guercio and Megan Grote contributed to this article.

Judge Postpones Hearing for 3rd Time

On June 4, a judge delayed a hearing that would determine whether the prosecution has enough evidence to bring a murder defendant to trial.

Keith Johnson, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 49-year-old Edwin Richardson. The stabbing occurred on April 5 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson rescheduled Johnson’s preliminary hearing from June 4 to June 26. This is the third time the hearing has been rescheduled.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Dominique Winters, said that she and the prosecution were still in the process of plea negotiations, and she had just made the prosecution a counter-offer.

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department found Richardson unconscious and suffering from a stab wound. Johnson was arrested as a suspect on April 24.

Evidence Issues Cause Delay in Murder Case

During a felony status conference on June 4, the defense for a murder defendant said they were having difficulties obtaining evidence from the prosecution.

Bobby Davis, 22, is charged with first-degree felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children for allegedly burning 6-month-old Brooklyn Zakiyaa Hill-Davis. The incident occurred on September 5, 2018, on the 1900 block of Valley Terrace, SE.

Dominique Winters, who stood in as Davis’ defense attorney, Ieshaah Murphy, said all evidence should have been handed over by June 4.

According to Winters, the prosecution was supposed to also turn in additional evidence as well. As a result, Winters said the defense could not proceed.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson approved Winters’ request. A new status conference is scheduled on June 26.

The prosecution also told the judge that they would not conduct DNA testing.

According to court documents, Davis was caring for Brooklyn at the time of the incident. Davis claimed he was giving Brooklyn a bath and burned her accidentally because he did not check the water temperature.

Officers of the Metropolitan Police Department responded to Davis’ 911 call and found Brooklyn inside suffering from scalding burns. She was brought to the hospital and was pronounced dead five days later.

Conflict With Attorney Causes Complications in Murder Case

During a felony status conference for three murder defendants, a DC Superior Court judge said that conflicts between one of the murder defendants and his attorney might possibly cause delays in the trial date.

Charles Young, Sean McKenzie, and Steven Robin have all been charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged roles in the shooting of Kenneth Poindexter, 29, on January 20, 2018.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said June 3 that Keven Mosley had been appointed as conflict counsel for Robin, 22, who was apparently experiencing problems with his attorney, Michael Madden. The nature of this conflict was not discussed in open court.

McKenzie’s defense attorneys said it is unlikely they will be ready for trial by Sept. 30, the date trial is scheduled to begin. Judge Eldeman said he was inclined to give the defense more time to prepare for the trial, but did not specify a new date.

A status conference to assess how the attorneys will proceed is scheduled on June 24.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Memorial Day Weekend Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested June 3 a suspect for the murder of a 44-year-old resident of Southeast, DC.

According to a press release, 35 year-old Travis Russell is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 44 year-old Michael Hooker on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE on May 26. Hooker was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

My 2018-19 Fellowship at D.C. Witness

D.C. Witness is the embodiment of transparency in a time when sensationalism is ubiquitous.

When I graduated a year ago with my journalism degree in hand, I took a look at the current state of journalism and made the realization that I wanted no part of it.

I wanted something based in truth with very little room to veer off into the hype that accompanies pay walls and politics. So, when I was offered the position as the Assistant Editor of D.C. Witness, a data news outlet tracking all of the homicides in the District of Columbia, I took it.

I previously interned at D.C. Witness and learned a lot about the attitude and reporting skills prudent to being competent and fruitful in what I believed to be my future journalistic career. So upon my return, I looked forward to expanding my portfolio with articles and projects that were based on hard data. However, in retrospect, I can honestly say I didn’t realize all that I was getting in to.

D.C. Witness is non-profit where I had the amazing opportunity to work with various batches of interns, each with their own unique backgrounds and goals.

At D.C. Witness there’s a constant exchange of knowledge and wisdom, regardless of your position. My editor taught me, with much mirth, to strive to be concise and succinct in the way I deliver language. The many interns I oversaw, made me realize how bizarre the rules of journalism are. They taught me patience and at the same time grounded me.

The first time I brought a new batch of interns to the ‎H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse for their first hearing, I felt reoriented and recalibrated. After sitting through arraignments, prelims, statuses and so on, there’s no doubt that one becomes desensitized to the cycle. But, fresh eyes always change that. The wonder and reflection that new staff brings to the table is something I will always cherish.

My interns encouraged me, they inspired me. Some of them came in among their undergraduate studies, others were taking a gap year to study for the LSAT or other graduate entry exams. And regardless of their status, each of them put in their best effort in order to make D.C. Witness their springboard.

It’s been a year since I began working at D.C. Witness and as I say goodbye I’m also saying hello to a new adventure — grad school. D.C. Witness gave me a platform to work on not only data but policy. Come the Fall, I will be pursuing a degree in public policy and management at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

If I had to sum up my year at D.C. Witness, I’d say: When I began working at D.C. Witness, I sought a way to bolster societal inefficiencies subjectivity. D.C. Witness provided a platform that not only allowed me, but also pushed me to continue that work.

Attorneys Set Future Dates in Murder Case

During a felony status conference May 31, counsel scheduled the defendant’s next felony status conference on Aug. 2.

Maurice White, 45, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill for his alleged role in the shooting of 45-year-old Timothy Pretlow and another unnamed individual. The shooting occurred on Dec. 1, 2016, on the 1800 block of Capitol Avenue, NE.

During the next hearing, a decision is expected to be made on the defense’s request for full discovery and the defendant’s release.

The prosecutor said the case is still being investigated, and she was also working toward securing an indictment.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Pretlow unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a van. A second victim was also found in the van but was conscious. The second victim survived, but Pretlow was pronounced dead at a local hospital a few hours later.

Judge Sentences Co-defendants for 2017 Homicide

Nearly three years after a man was killed in Northeast DC, a judge convicted and sentenced two men who the prosecutor says are responsible.

In April, Markale Moore and Tyrone Harris pleaded guilty in connection to the shooting death of 27-year-old Arthur Thompkins on the 5400 block of Hunt Place, NE in 2017.

According to DCCourts, Maurice Allen also pleaded guilty and was sentenced in connection to Thompkin’s death. In April, Allen pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice and was sentenced to time served.

On May 31, Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Moore, 30, to 21.5 years in prison for second-degree murder while armed. Harris, 31, was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon.

“Nothing can change the broken heart I feel every night and every day,” Thompkins mother said, addressing the court.

Thompkins’ mother said he had four children and while he had “demons” he was trying to be a better father. She said that she was especially hurt because she knows Moore. Apparently, Thompkins and Moore grew up together and Moore frequented the mother’s house.

“I have no joy and the little joy that I have is diminishing,” Thompkin’s sister said, explaining the pain she’s enduring in her brother’s absence.

Thompkins sister spoke about how smart and strong her brother was. She said that when he set a goal he would obtain it. Apparently, Thompkins went to college.

“I apologize,” Harris said addressing the Thompkin family. “ I know it’s not going to change anything but that’s all I can do.”

According to defense attorney, Michael Madden, Harris supplied Moore with the gun. However, Madden said his client didn’t know Moore would use it to kill someone.

“I want to apologize,” Moore said. “At that moment, I felt it was either me or him but, because of my drug use, I didn’t take the time to sit down and talk.”

Defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, said Moore was “thrown to the wolves” when he was a child and that he became gang affiliated at a young age. Mosley said Moore’s mother was a drug addict and that his father was incarcerated for selling drugs.

Prior to delivering her sentence, Judge Dayson said Moore was the “primary actor” and noted that while she understands why Moore was gang affiliated that he made no effort to separate himself.

Judge Dayson also said Moore has a criminal history. According to DC Courts, Moore was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in 2013.

Moore is expected to serve five years on supervised release following his sentence. Harris is expected to serve three years on supervised release after his term in prison.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request to See Newborn Child

A DC Superior Court judge denied June 3 a murder defendant’s request of a change in his confinement so that he could see his newborn.

Roscoe Jones is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Mark Mosley, 33. The shooting occurred on the 600 block of 46th Place, SE on Feb. 24, 2019.

Jones’ attorney, Blase Kearney, asked Judge Todd Edelman if Jones, 26, who has been held at DC jail since April 4, if the defendant could be placed in a halfway house so he could have some involvement in his baby’s life.

Judge Edelman acknowledged Jones’s difficult situation but denied the request. He said he had no basis to change the restrictions that had just recently been imposed by DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 7.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Mosley lying unconscious on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head. Mosley was pronounced dead on the scene less than 20 minutes later.

A felony status conference is scheduled on Sept. 6 to address if the prosecution has received an indictment on the case.

Document: Homicide on E Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 5300 block of E Street, SE on June 1.

According to a press release, officers found 39 year-old Anthony Harris suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died on the scene.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in DC. Anyone with information about this case is asked to 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.

Prosecution Seeks Indictment in Codefendant Case

During a hearing May 31, the prosecution in a murder case said she expects a grand jury to return an indictment for codefendants charged with the death of a 38-year-old man.

Dale Thomas and Donnell Mills are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged role in the death of Jelani Mohammed on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE on Nov. 8, 2018.

The prosecutor said she expects to obtain the indictment by Aug. 10. She also said that Thomas and Mills have said they are not interested in a pre-indictment plea agreement.

According to court documents, Metrobus surveillance footage, near a Benning Road bus stop, shows two individuals approach Mohammed from behind and assault him. However, a knife was not visible during the fight.

Apparently, the two individuals grabbed at the victim’s backpack in an attempt to steal it, documents state. During the investigation, police were able to identify Thomas, 28, based on his clothing in the footage. Meanwhile, an eyewitness identified Mills, 29, by name.

Thomas and Mills are scheduled for a felony arraignment on Aug. 9.

Defense Requests Change to Protective Order in Murder Case

On May 31, defense counsel for a murder defendant requested permission to change a protective order that was proposed by the prosecution.

Deangelo Thorne, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Wiliyatou Amadou on the 1400 block of W Street, NW on Jan. 8, 2017.

The defense said they wanted to change the protective order on an “ex-parte” basis, which means that if the defense were to request specific changes, the prosecution would not be notified.

The defense said they wished to change the order without notification because the current protective order makes it nearly impossible to directly access the court without the prosecution’s knowledge. Counsel said there are some circumstances under which the prosecution should not be notified of changes, but did not specify what the circumstances were.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said this was very hypothetical and did not want to make a ruling on it at the time. He said he would consider the issue if the defense actually filed a motion ex-parte.

Defense counsel said a motion would be filed if the defendant needs to be excused from complying with the protective order.

Defense counsel also expects to file a motion to suppress and a motion for statements and tangible evidence. The defense has until June 19 to file the motions. The prosecution has until July 10 to respond to the motions, according to DC Courts.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Amadou in a hallway of a building suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the hospital less than an hour later.

At the time of the murder, Thorne was wearing a GPS monitor for unrelated drug charges. The data from the monitor placed him at the scene when the incident took place.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled on July 12.

Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to 10+ Years in Prison

A murder defendant was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison on May 31.

Policarpo Casarrubias-Rodriguez, 45, who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in February, stabbed his roommate Israel Gomez, 37. The incident occurred on Sept. 9, 2018, on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW. According to court documents, an altercation occurred between Casarrubias-Rodriguez and Gomez prior to the stabbing. Casarrubias-Rodriguez was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said the sentence was a midpoint between the sentencing guidelines. He said there was no scientific way to determine the punishment because it was not going to bring the victim back.

Several of Gomez’s family members and friends filled the courtroom.

According to the guidelines, Casarrubias-Rodriguez faced a sentencing scale from 7.5 to 14.5 years prison. The judge said his ruling was made on part that Casarrubias-Rodriguez stabbed the victim in the back, which was not self defense.

The defense requested the lower end of the guidelines, saying that if Casarrubias-Rodriguez hadn’t been so heavily intoxicated at the time, the stabbing would have not occurred. The defense also told the judge that Casarrubias-Rodriguez has not had any other convictions in the United States since his arrival 20 years ago.

Casarrubias-Rodriguez openly apologized for the crime. He said he was so drunk at the time that he had no idea what he was doing.

Judge Edelman said Casarrubias-Rodriguez would receive credit for all good time served. He will also be deported to Mexico following his prison term.

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