A murder defendant’s former roommate admitted, during a jury trial Nov. 21, that she lied during her grand jury testimony.
Sean Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th St., SE on Jan. 31, 2016. Baker is a transgendered woman. She was initially charged with assault with the intent to kill.
A key witness for the prosecution, who was Baker and Wiggins’ roommate leading up to the murder, said she lied about having contact with Baker during her grand jury testimony because she felt pressured by the prosecution.
During a meeting with detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department and the prosecution, the witness initially said she did not talk to Baker after the murder. The witness said she only messaged Baker on Facebook.
She said the detectives and prosecution kept asking her about her contact with Baker.
“At first I told them the truth. That I did not have contact with Ms. Baker outside of the messages but, they kept telling me they felt like I wasn’t telling the truth,” said the witness.
She then told the jury that she had a history of mental illness and that she began to cry during that meeting.
“I suffer from anxiety and I was ready for it to be over so I felt like if I told them what they wanted to hear I would be able to get this over with faster.”
She said she told the prosecutor and detectives that she had a phone conversation with Baker after the Public Defender Service hired investigators to search for the murder weapon.
She said once she told that lie to the parties, she was escorted to the grand jury room where she lied under oath. The witness testified in front of the grand jury in July of 2016.
The witness said she was not living in the apartment at the time of the murder.
The witness said she was not close with Baker or Wiggins.
The witness said she only lived with the couple for four days. She said that she would always try to stay out of Baker and Wiggin’s relationship.
Texts between Wiggins and ‘Keke’ were also read to the jury.
“After I cop this shit, I promise we going fight,” Keke, which is Baker’s nickname, said.
“I’m about to show you how crazy I’m about to get,” read another text ‘Keke’ sent Wiggins on Jan. 17, 2016.
Baker’s trial is scheduled to continue on Nov. 25 with testimony from two or three more witnesses for the prosecution.
During closing arguments of a trial, the defense said the investigation of a murder defendant was based on “hunches”
Leonard Smith, 33 is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Leonte Butler, 26, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE in 2017. According to court documents, Smith and two other individuals were seen on surveillance footage, covered in blood and changing clothes after the incident.
Smith’s defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, said the entire investigation was based on, “hunches,” because the only source all the information came from was an eyewitness, who Matthews said, became the prosecution and police’s source after tests showed no evidence of Smith’s DNA.
“No one even saw the blood on Mr. Smith’s hand, not even the eyewitness to the crime saw blood,” said Matthews.
Matthews said both the prosecution and the police department needed a witness to corroborate the “hunches.”
He said the prosecution did not ask any of the witnesses that knew Butler if he actually had a stutter that would corroborate the prosecution’s theory that Smith stabbed Butler because Butler stood up for himself after Smith continually bullied him that night.
The prosecutor said that, according to the eyewitness, Smith had been picking on Butler the entire night because Butler had a stutter.
He also said that when Butler finally had enough of the teasing, so he and Smith got into and argument which turned physical. When Butler tried to break free of Smith’s grip, he hit Smith in the face which, then cause Smith to stab Butler more than 45 times.
The prosecutor said there were six reasons why Smith should be convicted of first-degree murder while armed and those reasons were the eyewitness testimony, the apparent motive; video footage of Smith with what the prosecution called “a bloodied hand;” blood on the eyewitnesses’ jacket, which the prosecution said comes from Smith putting his hand on the witnesses’ back and the possible murder weapon being discovered in Smith’s possession.
The prosecutor also said the eyewitness’ testimony was all the jury needed to convict Smith because the witness had proven himself credible. The witness told the jury exactly what he recalled from the night of the murder, including not recalling Smith with bloody hand.
>A murder defendant told a DC Superior Court judge that he wanted to plead guilty to stabbing a man in 2018.
Dazmine Anderson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for stabbing Jean-Claude Jackson on 30-year-old Jean-Claude Jackson on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE on Oct. 7, 2018. Anderson, who was 16 at the time of the crime, is being charged as an adult. He was initially charged with second-degree murder.
According to the terms of the plea agreement, Anderson, who is now 17 years old, could be sentenced from five to six years in prison. The prosecution would drop the carrying a pistol outside of a home or business charge.,/p>
If Anderson had gone to trial, he could have received a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison or a fine of $250,000.
According to court documents, Anderson was being chased, along with three other juveniles, by a group of people, including Jackson, after the juveniles allegedly robbed a person near Ketcham Elementary School in Southeast, DC.
After being cornered by one of the members of the group of residents chasing the juveniles, Anderson allegedly ran into a house on the 1300 block of T street, SE.
As the victim began to walk away, Anderson came out of the house shirtless, and stabbed the victim with a kitchen knife, documents say.
During the hearing, Anderson told Judge Milton Lee that he had stabbed Jackson. However, the defense disagreed with the prosecution’s proffer of fact that stated that Anderson stabbed the victim from behind.
Anderson is currently being held at a facility under the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services. He is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 14, 2020.
October continued Washington, DC’s all too common tale of loss and death.
According to D.C. Witness data, 19 people have been killed by homicides during the month, three more than the number of homicides in September. There was also one traffic fatality in October.
Fourteen males and one female lost their lives to gun violence during the Fall month. According to D.C. Witness data, the victims ranged in age from 15 years old to 36. Suspects were apprehended in three of the deaths and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department is searching for a suspect wanted in connection to a shooting in Northeast, DC.
Data also shows that three men were killed from stabbings and one woman was killed in a vehicular homicide. The police have arrested suspects for five of the homicides as of Nov. 20.
Kevin Better
Thomas Johnson
Of the 15 gun-related homicides, the first in the month was 24-year-old Kevin Better. Better was fatally wounded by multiple gunshots on Oct. 8 on the 5200 block of Sheriff Road, NE. The next day 15-year-old Thomas Johnson was killed near his home on Oct. 9 on the 1300 block of Half Street, SE near Nationals Park. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
According to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Peter Newsham, Johnson was targeted. A suspect has not been apprehended even though police released a photo in early October.
Devon Miler
Lekelefac Fonge
The third and fourth gun violence deaths in the District were 24-year-old Devon Miler and his caretaker 27-year-old Lekelefac Fonge. Miler suffered from autism. It seems that both men were killed in a robbery attempt on Oct. 9 on the1600 block of Rosedale Street,NE.
Police are searching for Davon Payton in connection to a double homicide on Oct. 9
Police arrested 27-year-old Davon Peyton in connection to the murders. Peyton is being charged with first-degree murder while armed. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 22.
Thirty-six-year-old Marcus Williams was shot on Oct. 10 on the 1200 block of I Street, SE. A suspect has not been apprehended in connection to Williams’ death.
Jonathan Jones was shot on Oct. 11 on the 1900 block of 16th Street, SE. Lamar Hicks was charged with second-degree murder while armed. However, the charges were dismissed.
Jaquar McNair
On Oct. 12, 15-year-old Jaquar McNair was fatally stabbed on the 300 block of 1st Street, SE. The juvenile charged for the murder is set to go to trial on March 2, 2020.
Shaquille Simmons , 24, was shot on Oct. 12 on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE. Police have not apprehended a suspect in connection to Simmons’ death.
Dilcia-Rodriguez
The only woman who was shot and killed in October was Dilcia Rodriguez. Rodriguez, 32, was killed on Oct. 16 on the 700 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. Police have not apprehended a suspect in connection to her death.
Juwaun Robert Smith
Deron Leake
Other gun-related deaths in October, in which police have not apprehended any suspects, include 27-year-old Deron Leake, who died on Oct. 17 on the 4200 block of 6th Street, SE; 30-year-oldChristopher Parks on Oct. 19 on the 2400 block of Hartford Street, SE; 23-year-old Juwaun Robert Smith on Oct. 22 on the 4400 block of Ponds Street, NE; 19-year-old Alvin Barnes on Oct. 23 on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE; Johnathan Mayrant, 28, on Oct. 26 on the 1700 block of R Street, SE and Aaron George, 22, on Oct. 26 on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.
Alvin Barnes
Gregory Antwan Washington
Police are searching for Gregory Antwan Washington who is wanted in connection to the shooting death of Alie Labay on Oct. 24 on the 900 block of 21st Street, NE.
Police arrested a 17-year-old juvenile for the one vehicular homicide that occurred in October.
According to the police,15-year-old Amoni Richardson was struck and killed while crossing the street located on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, SE. The juvenile who struck Richardson is being charged with second-degree murder. The juvenile is scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 22.
In addition to the gun-related a vehicular homicides, there was also two stabbing that occurred toward the end of the month.
Shevon Ronford Turner
Arthur Randolph
Shevon Ronford Turner and Arthur Randolph, died from stabbings on Oct. 28.The police have not apprehended any suspects in connection to their murders.
The wards with most homicides in October were Wards 6 and 8, according to D.C. Witness data.
There was also one traffic fatality in October.
On Oct. 2, Oliver Romain, a resident of Highland, Md., died in a crash involving a SUV and a motorcycle at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Kansas Avenue, NW on Oct. 2.
According to a press release, during the morning commute, a motorcycle traveling on Kansas Avenue, NW and struck the front passenger door of a Nissan Rogue. The rider on the motorcycle was ejected. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Rogue sustained non-life threatening injuries.
A defense attorney raised concerns about a lead detective misgendering a murder defendant during her police interview.
Sean Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th St., SE on Jan. 31. Baker was initially charged with assault with intent to kill. She is a transgender woman.
Defense attorney John R. Fowler said he was concerned that the lead detective in this case, as well as another detective who is also working on the case, violated a Metropolitan Police Department policy regarding handling interactions with transgender individuals.
The detectives referred to the defendant as a male even though they were aware that she identified as female.
Video evidence from the police interview showed one detective saying, “You are a grown fucking man, you can do whatever you want”.
Fowler said the MPD officers were being prejudice towards Baker.
The defense also said the lead detective in this case failed to look into Wiggin’s past assault charges. Wiggins had a history of gathering sharp objects that could be used for protection, and then beating and abusing transgender women within the household.
Baker’s friend of 19 years spoke about troubles the couple displayed.
This witness told the jury that Baker, at one point, became so enraged with Wiggins that she said “Ima kill him” three times because Wiggins was not answering her phone calls.
The witness said Baker and Wiggins were always arguing about infidelities with other women.
However, the witness said Baker never disclosed any domestic abuse. But, the witness said he knew the couple had a volatile relationship.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Nov. 21.
This article was written by Danuellys Diaz
A murder defendant asked a DC Superior Court judge to schedule sentencing in June 2020, so he could obtain his high school diploma.
Dearren Robert Dawkins and 18-year-old Titus Iracks are charged with felony murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, robbery while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed and conspiracy while armed for their alleged involvement in the shooting of 43-year-old Larry Harrell on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE on June 13, 2018. Iracks is a Title 16 youth being held at DYRS.
Both Iracks and Dawkins pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Nov. 19.
Iracks is currently enrolled in a special program at Maya Angelou Public Charter School through DYRS. For this reason, his defense attorney, Ronald Resetarits, asked DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson to delay sentencing until June so that Iracks can receive his diploma.
The prosecution said that a seven month delay was too long and wanted the judge to consider the victim’s family.
The prosecutor also said that since Iracks is technically 18, he should be removed from DYRS as quickly as possible and placed with adult offenders.
Judge Dayson did not agree with the prosecutor.
“Just because Mr. Iracks committed an offense does not mean he should be denied his education because when he is released from prison he will still have a manslaughter charge on his record and having his diploma might make it easier for him to become a productive member of society.”
According to court documents, on June 13, 2018, Iracks and Dawkins attempted to rob Harrell near a Circle 7 in Northeast DC with a gun.
When Harrell pulled out a gun of his own both he and the defendants began exchanging gun fire. One shot struck Harrell in the head.
Video survielance caught Iracks and Dawkins leaving the Circle 7 in a yellow Dodge Challenger.
When police searched Iracks house they found guns and bullets that matched the shell casings left at the scene of the crime.
Iracks sentencing is scheduled to occur on June 19, 2020.
A defense witness said she heard the only eyewitness to a crime tell the victim to “drink his last drink,” before he died.
Leonard Smith, 33 is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Leonte Butler, 26, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE in 2017. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Smith and two other individuals were seen on surveillance footage, covered in blood and changing clothes after the incident.
The first witness the defense called testified said she was at the house partying with Smith, Butler and others the night of the murder.
She said everybody was drinking and smoking that night but, at one moment, in the night she said she over heard the only eyewitness to the murder ask Butler if he had kids.
When Butler responded no, the witness said she heard the eyewitness tell him, “if you don’t have any kids by now, you won’t,” then told Butler to “drink his last drink.”
She said even though she was intoxicated she thoroughly remembered the conversation because “even if you’re intoxicated you can still recall information accurately and I remember what was said.”
Defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, asked the witness how she was connected to Smith, the eyewitness and Butler.
The witness said she lived with the eyewitnesses’ cousin and that same cousin was Smith’s girlfriend at the time.
The medical examiner who performed Butler’s autopsy said she believed a sharp object with a bladed edge was the murder weapon. However, she said she could not explicitly say it was a knife.
Defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, was also expecting another witness to testify about a video recording on the night of the murder, but the witness did not show up.
DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson issued a bench warrant for his arrest Nov. 19.
Both the prosecution and defense rested their cases.
Closing statements are expected to be held on Nov. 21.
This article was written by Jaylin Hawkins
The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 19 year old in connection to a homicide that occurred in Shaw.
According to a press release, Adrian Vinson is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 19 year-old Tahlil Byrd, a resident of Southeast, DC on the 600 block of S Street, NW on Sept. 29.
Byrd, who was suffering from a gunshot wound through his left abdominal region, according to police, was transferred to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
According to court documents, officers were on patrol when they heard multiple gunshots. A 9mm handgun, five 9mm casing and a black moped were found on the scene.
Vinson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 25.
Shackled and dressed in an orange jumpsuit from the department of correction, a 54-year-old man pleaded guilty to killing a man in 2018.
Jose Luzunaris is charged with first-degree murder for stabbing 56-year-old Gregory Monroe on Feb 3, 2018, at the Judiciary House Apartments on the 400 block of H Street, NW. Luzunaris was indicted on first-degree murder while armed offenses committed during release, possession of drug paraphernalia offenses committed during release, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On Nov. 20, Luzunaris pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. The lesser charges were dropped.
According to the terms of the plea agreement, the defendant could face up to six years in prison for the crime.
Luzunaris is scheduled for a sentencing on Feb. 21, 2020.
According to court documents, the victim suffered from stab wounds to the side of his neck and right ear.
During a status hearing on Nov 19, a murder defendant was not present.
Dazmine Anderson is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 30-year-old Jean-Claude Jackson on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE on Oct. 7, 2018. Anderson, who was 16 at the time of the crime, is being charged as an adult.
Anderson’s defense Attorney, Madalyn Harvey , told DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee that Anderson would not be present due to a lack of information to Anderson’s holding facility, New Beginnings.
New Beginnings is a maryland-based juvenile facility where Anderson is being held. The facility was not aware of Anderson’s hearing which resulted in his absence.
Judge Lee decided to continue the hearing on Nov 21.
Anderson is being held without bond.
This story was written by Demetria Tymus
A defendant on trial for murder became tearful when video of her police interview was played in front of a jury.
Sean Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the Jan. 31 stabbing death of 35-year-oldRobert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th St., SE. Baker was initially charged with assault with intent to kill. She is a transgender woman.
Baker cried when the jury saw video of an interview she had with police. In the video, Baker told the cops about the incident that led to the stabbing. She began to shake her leg and wipe her tears while hearing herself ask police if Wiggins was still alive, and if she could visit him at the hospital.
During the police interview, the lead detective said he saw injuries on the defendant’s body. However, during his testimony in court on Nov.19, the detective said he never saw injuries on Baker or any evidence that her hair had been pulled out.
Baker said she had been wrestling with Wiggins when she stabbed him. Photos shown to the jury did not show any cuts or bruises on the defendant.
“I was in survival mode, I did not want to stab him.” Baker said during her police interview.
The prosecution also called a DNA analyst to testify as an expert witness on biological material. The DNA analyst concluded that the blood found on the knife, which is the suspected murder weapon, matched the DNA of Robert Wiggins.
According to Baker, she grabbed the murder weapon when Wiggins collected all the knives in the house, and one happened to fall out of the backpack he placed them in.
The trial is scheduled to continue on Nov. 20 when the defense is expected to cross examine the lead detective.
This article was written by Danuellys Diaz.
During trial Nov. 19, a crime scene technician testified that a search of a murder defendant’s house was not conducted by him.
Leonard Smith, 33 is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly stabbing Leonte Butler, 26, on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE in 2017. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Smith and two other individuals were seen on surveillance footage, covered in blood and changing clothes after the incident.
Defense attorney, Anthony Matthews, asked the technician if he found the suspected murder weapon, a knife, while doing the search. The technician answered that he did not conduct the search and was told everything to take picture of.
Matthews also asked the technician about the bag the knife was found in and if it were a bag that could be potentially be used for carrying food items and utensils because of its apparent insulated lining.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Nov. 20.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on the Unit block of H Street, NE.
According to a press release, 39 year-old Hubert Hinds was stuck Nov. 15 by a 2015 green Ford Mustang as he was crossing the street outside of the crosswalk. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he died on Nov. 19.
The driver of the mustang fled the scene of the crash and subsequently struck a DC Circulator bus with no passengers. The mustang also hit a parked vehicle on the Unit block of H Street, NW.
Anyone who has knowledge of the incident call police at (202) 727-9099 or text a tip to the department’s Text Tip Line –50411. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for a crime committed in the District of Columbia.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 2400 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.
According to a press release, officers found 24-year-old David Rogers in a hallway of an apartment building, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Another man, who was in an adjacent building located at the 2900 block of Stanton Road, SE, also suffered from multiple gunshot wounds.
Rogers was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The status of the second victim is unknown at this time.
The police department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in DC. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information can also be sent to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.
A defense counsel told the jury that a victim has a long history of physically and mentally abusing transgender women.
Sean M Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Robert L. Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. Baker is a transgender woman.
During a jury trial on Nov. 18, defense attorney John Fowler told the jury that Wiggins had a history of gathering sharp objects that could be used for protection, and then beating and abusing transgender women within the household.
Fowler showed the jury a picture taken in early 2016 of Baker beaten and bruised, which Wiggins had done, he said.
Fowler said Wiggins was attacking Baker and that she made a split second to grab one of the knives Wiggins had collected and stabbed him while he was on top of her. The defense said she did it out of fear for her own life.
“Mrs. Baker had grown up in foster homes and was taught not to trust police,” said Fowler, explaining why Baker lied about Peanut.
However, the prosecution said Baker stabbed Wiggins intentionally after she discovered that he was cheating on her. The prosecutor said Baker made up a fake assailant named “Peanut,” who she claimed came in and stabbed Wiggins.
Only after Baker thought Wiggins was alive did she changed her story to say the two were wrestling over a knife after he had been abusing her, said the prosecution during opening arguments.
According to the prosecution, Baker said she accidentally stabbed Wiggins.
In addition to the opening arguments, the prosecution showed video footage of Baker being interviewed at the police station by the detective.
DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman told the court there was four hours of footage to go over and they would reconvene the following day.
The jury trial is set to continue on Nov. 19.
