The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking a suspect in a stabbing incident that occurred in Navy Yard on Jul 25. Officers responded to the 1100 block of First Street Southeast and found an adult male victim with a stab wound, who was transported to a hospital conscious and breathing. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage, and the MPD is requesting public assistance in identifying the individual.
A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 24.
John Miller, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that took place at the 5100 block of Call Place, SE on May 1.
According to court documents, officers responded to the scene after the victim’s mother called 911. The victim allegedly told officers that as she left a residence at the incident location, her ex-boyfriend fired a shot at her. She identified him as Miller.
During the hearing, Miller accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to dismiss a domestic violence case against Miller – the details of the case were not discussed. The prosecution also agreed to cap their sentencing request at 24 months.
Parties are slated to reconvene for Miller’s sentencing Sept. 26.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the apprehension of 36-year-old alleged suspect Kareem Thomas in connection with a 2024 homicide on Kentucky Avenue, Southeast. On Oct. 21, officers found 23-year-old Jakele Allen deceased from gunshot wounds. Thomas was arrested in Mount Vernon, NY, and will be extradited to Washington, DC, to face charges of Second Degree Murder while Armed.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz modified release conditions for a murder defendant on July 25.
Oliver Gomes, 55, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Thomas Gray, 61, who died after being struck with a wooden plank on Oct. 14, 2022 at the intersection of 11th and L Streets, NW.
Defense attorney Sara Kopecki told the court that Gomes, who was released in home confinement, wants to visit his mother in Maryland, attend in-person addiction treatment meetings twice a week and attend in-person job interviews. Kopecki argued that he has been compliant with his release conditions since February. She also emphasized that he is doing well with current addiction treatment, but wants to be in-person.
“Even though he’s been keeping up with his appointments, it’s not the same,” Kopecki said.
Gomes is also seeking employment from home to help him pay rent, but has been unsuccessful.
The prosecution, however, believed that since he has only been out of jail for five months, he could still be a danger to the community if he is allowed step back release. They also questioned why he needed to visit his mother, who he was originally supposed to live with while on home arrest.
According to Kopecki, Gomes’ mother kicked him out of her house after an argument about gardening. Explaining the dispute, Kopecki described his mother as “persnickety.”
Judge Kravitz allowed Gomes to visit his mother one afternoon over the weekend, attend one in-person addiction treatment meeting per week and confirm in-person job interviews. He said that he believes the requests are legitimate, but thinks the court should move incrementally.
Judge Kravitz also told Gomes that even if he gets an outside job, he may not grant a work modification but would consider it. Judge Kravitz encouraged Gomes to find remote work.
The prosecutor also noted that Gomes has been involved in several violent or threatening incidents on Metro buses and once was ordered to stay away from them. However, he will need to rely on them to travel.
Kravitz warned Gomes that if he is involved in another incident on a Metro bus, he could go back to house arrest or jail.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 3.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a mass shooting defendant release on July 25.
Rennwel Mantock, 30, is indicted on six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 14 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on April 26, 2024, on the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave, NW outside of the Decades DC night club.
Mantock’s defense attorney, Christen Romero Philips, argued that he should be released pending trial due to his lack of a criminal history and strong community ties, given he has three children. Philips also noted that several family members were present in court to support Mantock.
The prosecution read two victim impact statements to the court. One has persistent nerve pain, depression and experienced post-traumatic stress disorder since the incident. The victim also said it was difficult to care for their children and run their business because of the injuries.
Another victim suffers from insomnia and nightmares after being shot in the back of the leg.
“This is not a man who should be released,” the victim wrote.
Judge Kravitz decided that even though Mantock does not have a criminal history, there is sufficient evidence that he would be a danger to the community if released.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 20, 2026.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on July 20 in Southeast, Washington, D.C. Officers discovered the remains of 65-year-old Charles Granger at a residence on the 4600 block of B Street. The manner of death was determined to be a homicide.
DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee continued a probation hearing on July 28 for a defendant who allegedly violated probation guidelines.
Be’Shon Tyler, 24, was charged with possession of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 100 block of Irvinton Street, SW on May 9 2023. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with 12 suspended, 18 months of probation, and three years supervised release.
During a July 28 hearing, Judge Lee wanted to follow up on Tyler’s case because his performance during probation had reportedly been inconsistent – with an alleged violation on June 9 and June 11.
According to Tyler’s probation officer, Tyler has improved since the last hearing. He has attended two out of ten required anger management classes, completed multiple home visits, and has consistently tested negative for drugs. Tyler is set to finish his anger management classes in October.
Judge Lee directly questioned Tyler about his employment history. Tyler admitted he has never held a formal job and has only worked “under the table” jobs sporadically. Judge Lee reminded Tyler that at 24 years old, it is imperative he find legitimate employment to support himself and work toward independence and successfully completing probation.
The prosecution supported continuing the hearing, noting a desire to see long-term improvement from Tyler in terms of compliance and stability.
Judge Lee agreed to continue the case, instructing Tyler to attend all scheduled classes and appointments and to secure employment before the next hearing.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 20.
DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel issued a bench warrant on July 25 for the arrest of a carjacking defendant who lost contact with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and failed to appear in court.
Manuel Alvarado, 42, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1500 block of 7th Street, SE, on April 26, 2023.
According to arrest documents, the victim told police he stopped his car to help the defendant, who was rolling around in the middle of the street, apparently under the influence of drugs. The defendant allegedly jumped into the victim’s car and drove away.
Court documents state that a Vienna Police Department officer observed the car later the same day, crashed in the front yard of a residence in Vienna, Virginia. An hour and a half later, Fairfax County police found Alvarado a mile and a half from the crash, suffering from multiple broken bones.
At a hearing on June 2, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrman released Alvarado from custody so he could respond to a warrant for his arrest in Virginia while receiving drug testing and mental health assessments under the supervision of PSA.
PSA subsequently reported to the court that Alvarado was not complying with his release conditions and they had lost contact with him.
When Alvarado missed his July 25 hearing, the prosecutor requested a bench warrant, which Judge Israel granted.
Parties will reconvene when Alvarado is taken into custody.
The defense attorney in a shooting case won a delay of his client’s sentencing from DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on July 25 in order to investigate recordings of jail calls involving a witness in the case.
Diamond Early, 32, was found guilty on March 11 of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stemmed from her involvement in a shooting that left one woman injured in the leg on July 31, 2023, on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.
Before the hearing, Early’s defense attorney, Antoini Jones, filed a motion asking for Early’s sentencing to be delayed. Jones wasn’t able to attend the hearing, so attorney Marnitta King stood in on his behalf to provide counsel to Early.
The prosecutor explained that Jones was requesting a delay because he needed time to review more than 90 recordings of jail calls between a witness in Early’s case and a defendant in another case. The prosecutor said she shared the recordings with Jones after discovering they appeared to discuss Early.
According to the prosecutor, Jones was scrutinizing the calls for evidence that the victim lied in her testimony in Early’s trial. If he found any, he would file a motion objecting to the use of that testimony to convict Early.
Judge Israel agreed to delay the sentencing but warned she won’t reschedule again at Jones’ request, since she previously rescheduled the sentencing to accommodate Jones’ court schedule in Maryland.
“Absent an emergency–which won’t be another court hearing, in my mind–we’re not having another continuance. We’re going forward with sentencing,” Judge Israel said.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10.
Despite his attorney’s objections, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno ordered a mental competency exam for a defendant following his unruly court behavior in a hearing on July 22.
Erik Schleehauf, 43, is charged with assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on April 15 on the 1100 block of New Jersey Avenue, SE.
The defense and prosecution don’t think mental competency is a concern in the case even though Schleehauf does. He disagreed with Judge Salerno’s denial of an earlier defense motion to suppress evidence, an issue that he raised at the current hearing.
“How about a screening for the evidence? How about we release it to the media?” Schleehauf asked the court. At times he was yelling during the hearing.
The judge raised the competency issue at Schleehauf’s preliminary hearing in April, and repeated his concerns about Schleehauf’s ability to work with his defense attorney, Amanda Epstein based on Schleehauf’s in court demeanor.
“Does he understand he doesn’t just blurt out and raise his voice whenever he wants to?” Judge Salerno asked.
In order to stand trial, a defendant has to understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney defend the case; otherwise he’s not considered mentally competent.
Schleehauf continued to interrupt the proceedings, asking how the parties will address his concern about the evidence. Judge Salerno said the argument for a mental health evaluation became more obvious as Schleehauf kept interrupting the court.
Judge Salerno spoke with Schleehauf privately about the evidence issue.
Ultimately, Judge Salerno requested a mental competency exam and notified the parties that the trial date will be moved to the following week.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25 for a mental observation hearing.
A forensic psychologist testified before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park that a suspect accused of assaulting an infant wasn’t mentally fit to stand trial in a hearing on July 21, that despite of an earlier finding he was competent.
Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s alleged involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
Wright is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder with a depressive factor and underlying verbal rigidity or mutism. In that state, an individual would have disorganized thinking distinct from reality as well as feelings of low esteem and difficulty communicating.
According to testimony, the defense expert has been involved in Wright’s competency case from July 14, 2020, shortly after the incident. Thus, he concludes Wright’s competency cannot be restored.
Twelve evaluations later, the expert said Wright has shown improvement in his factual understanding of his case; however, he still shows deficits in rational knowledge and his ability to engage with counsel–the legal standard for standing trial.
As such, his opinion is that Wright, after five years, remains incompetent and is not restorable.
In response to defense attorney Patrick Nowak’s questioning, the expert explained that Wright has hallucinatory symptoms, which have diminished with treatment but remain present.
He also noted that Wright shows strong indications of cognitive confusion and difficulty thinking clearly.
The expert focused on Wright’s symptoms of limited emotion or flat affect and behavior suggesting social withdrawal stating the patterns are “more notable and prominent” than is typical. He said Wright is “relatively isolated… he’s less engaged,” when referring to his behavior in the ward.
The expert stated that Wright seemed to genuinely struggle answering questions but conceded to the prosecution’s possibility that he was simply unwilling.
The prosecution maintained that Wright has factual and rational understanding of his case, referencing an argument from another psychologist who used Wright’s ability to teach chess as an indication of his competency.
The prosecution also highlighted that the expert has never physically met with any of the doctors who have worked with Wright, nor has he ever spoken to Wright’s mother or grandmother to get a better understanding of their observations.
The expert has only worked from notes and records from Wright’s doctors, the prosecutor said.
Parties are set to reconvene on July 25 for a continuation of the arguments.
DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelmann found probable cause July 22 in a double homicide of two teen-agers that prosecutors say could be gang-related.
Sean McFadden, 23, and Royale McGlenn Jr, 19, are charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 23 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. Royell Walker, 16, and Jamar Jackson, 19, were found dead along with a 14-year-old surviving victim.
The prosecution called the lead detective to testify who explained that when he arrived on scene, he initially found Walker and Jackson approximately 100 yards away from each other. The surviving victim was already being taken to the hospital to treat his injuries.
According to the detective, several casings of different calibers were found on scene, indicating that three different guns were used. One gun and a 9mm casing were found near Jackson, which the detective said indicates that Jackson was armed at the time.
After reviewing CCTV footage the detective noticed the victims on scooters circling around the area of the shooting. The video shows two individuals on either side of the street waiting for the scooters to reapproach, then suddenly muzzle flashes show indicting shots are fired.
The detective testified that during the investigation family members were shown photos of McGlenn and McFadden and allegedly identified them as the shooters. Additionally, McGlenn is reportedly linked to a shooting that occurred on May 17, where he was wearing nearly identical clothing. The only difference the detective was able to point out were the shoes the shooter was wearing as the May 23 suspect.
Defense attorney Carrie Weletz questioned the detective about McGlenn’s identification, A witness, who claimed to identify McGlenn as the shooter has a criminal history and substance abuse issues.
The detective stated that he had no knowledge of any substance abuse issues and that the witness appeared sober during the interview.
The witness was also very hesitant while answering during the interview, stating several times that the person did not recognize the individual shown and expressing frustration about the relationship with McGlenn, saying “I don’t like that little boy.”
Several neighborhood criminal street gangs or “crews” in the area are “beefing,” according to the detective, including the 4th and 6th Street crews. He also explained that the 4th Street crew is on the north side of the street, while the 6th Street crew refers to the Cascades apartment complex.
Weletz argued that McGlenn was not associated with either crew, although prosecutors clarified that McGlenn’s girlfriend lives in the area. The detective also stated that one does not have to live in a certain neighborhood to be associated with it.
Defense attorney Howard McEachern argued that McFadden is not seen in the video footage at the time of the shooting. The only thing that is seen is a figure dressed in black that is allegedly McGlenn and several muzzle flashes. In CCTV footage, you can see the two shooters jump back as if something startled them.
McEachern stated that ShotSpotter alerted police of 18 shots fired, while there were 16 casings found, insinuating that shots could have been fired from somewhere else.
Judge Edelman explained that the probable cause standard is very low, but family member identifications, testimony from the detective and McGlenn’s potential involvement in another shooting were enough to meet that standard. He found probable cause despite acknowledging that there are several weaknesses in the case, stating “the motive is vague at best.”
Judge Edelman also determined that there are no conditions or combination of conditions of release that would protect the community, even though McGlenn is only 19, working towards his GED and McFadden has a son.
Both defendants are detained pending trial.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 17.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause in a preliminary hearing for a fatal shooting defendant in spite of a self-defense claim on July 23.
Maurice Gaskins, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Deandre Lewis on June 27 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. Lewis was found on the threshold of a building with a bullet in his left temple.
According to court documents, the incident occurred in the hallway of the defendant’s former apartment building. The victim was leaving the building accompanied by the only eyewitness who was carrying the child she shared with Gaskins when the defendant approached with a firearm and allegedly delivered the kill shot.
Defense Attorney Kevin Mosley said the defendant was clearly saying, “stop” as he moved forward.
The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that he conducted a three-hour interview with the eyewitness, where she claimed that she heard the Gaskins say, “stop reaching,” as he approached the two individuals allegedly firing outside of the view of surveillance cameras.
In addition to the detective’s testimony, the prosecution also admitted a crime scene photo of Lewis’ body showing a firearm with the gun’s magazine visible above his waistline.
The detective admitted that he did not know if the firearm was moved or if it was found in the same position as it was at the time of the shooting.
One 9mm casing was found on scene but no additional rounds were located.
During the cross examination of the detective, Mosley focused what was not captured by surveillance cameras.
While one video appears to capture the defendant walking toward the victim and the witness, there is nothing that shows what Lewis was doing when he was the shot saying he acted in self-defense of his family.
Lewis was allegedly standing next to Gaskins’ son and the child’s mother, while reaching for something in the waistband of his pants. The defendant sprung to action, according to Mosely, to protect his family.
The prosecution argued Gaskins should be charged with second-degree murder while armed in that the evidence does not support mitigating circumstances or self-defense, noting that there was no apparent argument or dispute that led to the shooting.
Mosley focused on Lewis’s possession of a weapon and Gaskins was telling Lewis to “stop reaching.” He stated that a person does not have to wait for a gun to be out to be acting in self-defense.
Judge Park found probable cause ruling that while there is some evidence to support the notion of self defense, the weight of evidence indicates a jury is likely to convict Gaskins of the crime.
Judge Park ruled Gaskins will remain detained.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 17.
A defendant with a long substance abuse history was released again on July 23, following execution of a bench warrant for multiple missed hearings.
Billy Williams, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and panhandling-aggressive for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 7, 2023. The incident occurred at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, NW.
Williams has a history of avoiding court appearances particularly skirting drug monitoring as part of his pre-trial release requirements.
“I am not going to stop using,” he said at the last hearing he attended.
The prosecution had asked for a step-back on Williams’ previous conditions, with a return to custody prior to trial. But, the defense said that Williams’ age and underlying health conditions were grounds for his release.
DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe made the decision to grant Williams’ continued release, after being held without bond for less than 24 hours. She cited Williams’ scant criminal history with only one notable prior offense that dated back to 1973.
However, she made sure Williams understood that prior conditions on his release would still be imposed, including GPS monitoring.
“You need to be aware of your release conditions,” said Judge Pipe.
Judge Pipe returned the case to DC Superior Court Jennifer Di Toro, whose cases she had been handling on a stand in basis.
“I am not going to do any running, you can find me,” said Willimas as he was escorted by marshals and helped up the stairs to the holding area outside of the courtroom.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug 6.
Two defense motions that could influence the outcome of a non-fatal shooting case were granted by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on July 23.
Daquawn Lubin, 30, and Jonathan Young, 35, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence.
Lubin is also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. These counts stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE, on July 24, 2023.
Both motions, filed by Kevin O’Sullivan, Lubin’s attorney, asked for the exclusion of evidence and witness testimony.
The first motion involved Lubin’s supposed flight from detectives a few days after the shooting was granted with no argument from the prosecution. According to the motion, Lubin was not aware that he was a suspect for the July 24 shooting when detectives followed him in an unmarked car.
The detectives also did not approach Lubin at the time.
The other motion to strike witness opinion testimony was also granted. The defense claims the officers, who received the 911 phone call in response to the incident weren’t familiar enough with Lubin’s appearance to reliably identify him.
The defense supported the claim with surveillance footage that showed the “suspect’s appearance in the video is so hopelessly obscure”.
The prosecution is planning to call an expert witness to testify about cell site location and GPS data from the day of the shooting which has been subject to delay.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 28.
