Document: Police Arrest Woman for Homicide in March

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested May 2 a woman they believe is responsible for fatally stabbing a man in March.

According to a press release, police arrested and charged 53 year-old Barbara Laverne Sanders, a resident of Northeast DC, with second-degree murder while armed. She allegedly stabbed 59-year-old Thurman Knight on the 500 block of Montana Avenue, NE on March 17.

Knight, who was also a resident of Northeast DC, died at a local hospital.

Document: Homicide on D Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 3300 block of D Street, SE.

According to a press release, during the evening hours on May 1, officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the men, 23 year-old Dajuan Donald Hart, died on the scene. The other was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Up to a $25,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in 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.

Counsel Delivers Closing Arguments in Murder Defendant’s 3rd Trial

During closing arguments in a murder trial the defense and prosecution told the jury two very different stories about a fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy.

Derryck Decuir is charged with first-degree murder while armed and obstruction of justice, among other charges, for the death of Malek Dayvon Mercer on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE in 2015. The trial marks the third time Decuir’s guilt in Mercer’s homicide is being questioned. The two previous juries could not render a unanimous verdict.

On May 1, a defense attorney said the victim was armed and the witnesses were unreliable.

The defense attorney, Dana Page, said the prosecution was trying to appeal to the jury’s emotions by focusing on Mercer’s age and size in comparison to Decuirs’ stature and age. But, Page said none of that mattered. She said the only thing that mattered was that Mercer pulled a shotgun out of his bag and her client reacted.

Page said there was “no question” that the gun was in Mercer’s bag, but that there was an attempt to cover it up. She said one of the eyewitnesses, a friend of Mercer, gave multiple versions of his story to police and all of them included him returning to the scene without a shirt. Page said it was possible that the friend took his shirt off and grabbed the gun.

The defense also noted that another witness said he knew Mercer was known to carry a shotgun, but didn’t tell police because he didn’t want the defendant to be able to claim self-defense.

Page also told the jury that the police failed to fully investigate the matter. She said the police’s lack of investigation was a “slap in the face to justice.”

However, the prosecutor said this was not a case of self defense. Instead, the defense was blaming Mercer for being out late.

According to the prosecution, Decuir became enraged after an encounter with Mercer and another juvenile at a bus stop during the late evening hours. Apparently, the defendant complimented Mercer’s belt after which Decuir’s friend made homophobic remarks towards him. Court documents state that Mercer and his friend “snickered” in response. All of the individuals involved in the crime exited the bus later at the same bus stop.

Mercer got off at that bus stop with the intent to go home. However, Decuir had no business getting off at that stop and that his only intent was to harm Mercer, the prosecutor said.

The prosecution also said the murder weapon had an extended clip and that Decuir couldn’t have held it in his pants, as the defense alleges. Instead, the prosecution said he had the gun in his backpack, which means he had to take conscious actions to get the gun.

In addition to Decuir’s conscious actions, the prosecutor pointed out that Decuir tried to cover up the murder while in jail. Apparently, he asked friends to get rid of the murder weapon. He also attempted to get witnesses to lie for him, but when they told the truth to investigators, prosecutors said Decuir was forced to admit to the shooting.

The jury began deliberating on May 1.

Thamar Bailey contributed to his article.

Document: Police Search for 2 Suspects in Homicide on 14th Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is searching for two suspects they believe are connected to a homicide that occurred on April 28.

According to a press release, 18-year-old Xavier Dontrell Culbreth is wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant for first-degree murder while armed. Culbreth is described as a black male who is 5’7″ tall and 145 pounds. He has brown eyes, dreadlocks and a dark complexion.

The second suspect, 18-year-old Jada Jena Smith, is wanted for armed robbery. She is described as a black female who is 5’1″ tall and 110 pounds. She has brown eyes, blonde hair and a light complexion, the release said.

Police believe the two are connected in the alleged stabbing of a man on the 700 block of 14th Street, SE around the midnight hour. the victim, 40-year-old Jamal Ferrell,died at a local hospital.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any homicide committed in the District of Columbia. 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.

Document: Police Still Search for Suspect in Baby’s Death

The Metropolitan Police Department is still looking for a man they believe played a role in the traumatic death of a 3-month-old child.

According to a press release, police are searching for 25-year-old Cornell Delvonte Holton. He is is wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant for first-degree murder – felony murder for his alleged role in the death of Skylar Newman on the 4300 block of G Street, SE. Newman died at the hospital on March 19, three days after police found her unconscious in a residence.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Holton or who has knowledge of the incident should call police at (202) 727-9099 or text the Department’s Text Tip Line — 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide in DC.

Document: Homicide in Simple City

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred during the afternoon hours on April 30 in Southeast DC.

According to a press release, a little after 1 p.m. officers found 22-year-old Devante Moody suffering from a gunshot wound on the 4400 block of G Street, SE. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Police are 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 is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

Judge Transfers Four-Defendant Murder Trial to Another Judge

A DC Superior Court judge transferred April 30 a murder trial to another judge’s calendar after the defense said they would not be ready for trial in 2019.

Derek Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed, and his co-defendant, Ronnika Jennings, is charged with conspiracy, among other charges, for their alleged roles in the death of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter at the intersection of Wheeler Road and Upsal Street, SE in 2017.

After hearing from the defense, Judge Craig Iscoe scheduled the trial to begin on March 23, 2020, and moved it to Judge Juliet McKenna’s calendar. According to DC Courts, the trial was moved to Judge McKenna’s calendar because the only available trial date on Judge Iscoe’s calendar was in 2021.

The trial was initially scheduled to begin on June 3, 2019.

Judge Iscoe said the new trial judge would rule on outstanding issues, including a motion to sever the four defendants.

According to DC Courts, as of April 30, neither the prosecution nor the defense filed any motions to sever the defendants.

Defense attorney, Dorsey Jones, also argued for Jennings, 40, to be released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP). Jones said the prosecution’s theory alleges that Jennings abused her job as a clerk with the Metropolitan Police Department to find relevant legal documents. Jones said Jennings is not a danger to the community because she no longer works with MPD.

However, the prosecution argued that, because of Jennings’ knowledge with MPD and the legal system, she could continue to aid violent criminals in covering up their crimes.

Judge Iscoe said he would decide whether to release Jennings by May 2.

Marshay Hazelwood and Duan Hill, are also charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy in connection to McPhatter’s murder. Both defendants are released on personal recognizance.

According to court documents, Turner, 27, was a member of the Wahler Place neighborhood gang, which had an ongoing feud with the Trenton Park neighborhood, which McPhatter was a member of.

A status hearing is scheduled on July 12.

Document: Police Search for Suspect in E Street, SE Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department is searching for a man who is wanted in connection to a homicide that occurred on April 22.

According to a press release, there is an arrest warrant out for 20-year-old Keonte Johnson for first-degree murder while armed. Johnson is wanted for allegedly shooting 24-year-old Deandre Hawkins on the 5300 block of E Street, SE.

Johnson is described as being 6-feet tall and 150-160 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. Johnson should be considered armed and dangerous.

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

Document: Arrest Made in Southern Ave, SE Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested April 30 a man in connection to a homicide that occurred about two weeks ago.

According to a press release, 29-year-old Terrance Barnes, a resident of Southeast DC, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 57-year-old Barry Holmes on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Holmes was a resident of Temple Hills, Md.

Follow D.C.Witness for updates on the case.

Teenager Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

During a hearing April 26, an 18-year-old murder defendant pleaded not guilty after prosecutors secured an indictment.

Bernard McKinney is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in the death of 24-year-old Daymond Chicas on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE in 2018. McKinney is also charged with attempt to committ robbery while armed and assault with intent to committ robbery while armed.

During the arraignment, defense attorney, Eugene Ohm, requested an earlier trial date. He told the judge that McKinney’s trial date is currently set in 2020.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said there was a waitlist, but if an earlier date became available he would contact counsel.

The prosecution did not object to the request.

According to court documents, a witness told police that he was at a public pool with Chicas when two juveniles stole Chicas’ cell phone and ran away. The witness said he and Chicas chased the juveniles when they came in contact with the defendant and an unidentified man. Apparently, the unidentified man shot Chicas.

Police have not arrested anyone other than McKinney in connection to the homicide.

McKinney is scheduled for a status hearing on August 23.

Judge Enacts Murder Defendant’s 8-Year Sentence

A DC Superior Court judge enacted April 30 a murder defendant’s sentence after the defense said he finished an educational program at DC Jail.

In October of 2018, Rodney Baggott pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting 44-year-old Donald Franklin Bush on the 2300 block of 15th Street, NE in 2015. He was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed and other gun possession offenses.

Judge Judith Bartnoff sentenced Baggott, who is now 51 years old, to eight years in prison on Jan. 11. However, she delayed the actual implementation of the sentence in order to give Baggott time to finish a class in fiber optics at DC Jail.

During the hearing, the prosecution reminded the judge that, as part of the plea agreement, an unrelated murder charge for the death of 23-year-old DeAngelo Barr in 1995 would be dismissed.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Baggott excelled in programs at the jail, including a reading and writing program for inmates called the Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop.

Upon his release, Baggott will also be required to serve five years on supervised release.

Read more on Baggott’s sentencing, here.

Document: Fatal Stabbing on Capitol Hill

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a stabbing that occurred on the 700 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to a press release, officers discovered an unconscious adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The victim’s identity is being withheld until a family member is notified.

The police 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 is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

Check in with D.C. Witness for updates on the case.

‘I Didn’t Want to Kill Him,’ Defendant Says

On the ninth day of a murder trial, the defendant told a jury that he didn’t want to shoot and kill a teenage boy.

Derryck Decuir is charged with first-degree murder while armed and obstruction of justice, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 15-year-old Malek Dayvon Mercer on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE. There have been two mistrials in the case after the juries could not come to a unanimous decision.

Decuir, 26, told the jury April 29 that he was with two of his “cousins,” at a family gathering before the shooting. He said the gathering was a remembrance ceremony for his father, who passed away unexpectedly the day before.

After the gathering, Decuir said he was waiting at a bus stop with his cousins to go home. He said the group was planning to stop at a local 7/11, first. Decuir said Mercer, along with another young man, were also waiting at the bus stop.

“I remember me making a comment about Malek’s belt. I told him, ‘I’ve got a belt just like that,’” Decuir said. He said he didn’t know the boys’ names at the time.

Decuir said one of his cousins said, “Why you looking at that man’s butt?” Decuir told the jury it was a joke and he laughed it off.

The defendant said he got on the bus and sat in a “sideways seat in the back” behind Mercer. He said he didn’t sit there for any particular reason.

When the boys got off the bus, Decuir said he followed one of his cousins who stood up to get off. He said he was not following the teenage boys and didn’t know there was a bus stop closer to the 7/11.

Decuir told the jury that after he got off the bus, he went to relieve himself.

“I was walking. Malek and [his friend] were in front of me. As I’m walking, they looked back. The second time when they looked back again, Malek had a shotgun in his hand,” the defendant said.

D.C. Witness previously reported that a shotgun shell was found on the crime scene.

“I panicked. I pulled out my gun and shot him before he could shoot me. It happened very fast,” Decuir said. “I didn’t want to kill him, I just wanted to stop him from shooting me.”

Decuir said he lied in his initial interview with police because he didn’t understand the law and didn’t know he could claim self-defense.

“I feel bad. It’s not easy to live with. I feel sorry for his family. I am very sorry he’s not here anymore and there’s nothing I can do to bring him back,” Decuir said.

The prosecution, however, said Decuir was enraged because Mercer “snickered” at his comment about the belt. The prosecution said the joke his cousin made also contributed to the defendant’s anger.

In addition to the comment about the belt, the prosecution also played a video recording from Decuir’s phone where he talked about homosexual posts that were coming up on his social media. Decuir said the posts didn’t make him uncomfortable, but they “irritated” him.

The prosecution also said Decuir’s self-defense story didn’t make sense because Mercer was shot in the back of the neck.

The trial is scheduled to continue on April 30.

Prosecution Plans to Conduct DNA Testing in Homicide

A prosecutor in a murder case gave the defense a list of items that she plans to submit for DNA testing.

Jessie Taylor is charged with second-degree murder while armed and two gun offenses for his alleged role in the shooting death of 49-year-old Bernadette King on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE in 2018.

In response, Taylor’s defense attorney, Eugene Ohm, challenged the prosecution’s plans , requesting April 26 that the judge prevent the prosecution from submitting items for DNA testing. Ohm’s reasons for why he was challenging the testing were not discussed.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe denied the motion and gave the defense until the next hearing on July 19 to decide whether Taylor, 43, will submit items to be independently tested.

D.C. Witness previously reported that the prosecution intended to test multiple items, including a box cutter, a taser, a cartridge casing, two cell phones and two keys.

According to court documents, Taylor and King were in a romantic relationship when police found her with a bullet wound in her apartment, which Taylor said only he and King had access to.

There was also record of domestic abuse in the relationship.

Judge Reschedules Murder Trial at Prosecution’s Request

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>During a status hearing April 29, a DC Superior Court judge granted the prosecution’s request for a continuance. Now the trial is scheduled to occur nearly two years after the date of the homicide.

Larry Brown is charged with second-degree murder while armed and two gun-related offenses for his alleged role in the death of 33-year-old Derrick Wright on the 1300 Block of Florida Avenue, NE in March of 2018.

Brown, 32, is now slated to go to trial on March 16, 2020. He was originally scheduled to go to trial on Nov. 18.

Against the defense’s objection, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted the prosecution’s request, saying she believes the prosecution is acting in “good faith” and is not attempting to strategically delay the trial.

D.C. Witness previously reported that the prosecution notified the court on April 9 that he had a scheduling conflict with the previous trial date.

According to court documents, surveillance video captured an altercation between two unknown individuals near the scene of the crime. Witnesses said a man was seen carrying a thin black object and yelling, “I love to kill, I love to kill.”

An unidentified informant told police via the text-tip line that Brown was the assailant.

Brown is scheduled for a status hearing on May 31.