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.

Eyewitness Delivers Inconsistent Testimony in Murder Trial

During a murder trial, one of the defense’s witnesses denied having said portions of a testimony that she made previously.

Kenneth Bellamy is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Michael Tyrone Jones on the 3500 block of East Capitol St., SE in December of 2015.

On May 30, one of the defense’s witnesses told the jury that she saw a man with tattoos on his face holding a gun to another man’s head. Apparently, the witness previously said that she was certain the man she saw was another suspect in the case. However, the witness denied identifying the other suspect and said the defendant was among the people on the scene.

Both Bellamy and the other suspect have tattoos on their faces, however another witness for the defense said that was a common trend among young men in the area.

A Metropolitan Police Department Detective also told the jury that there was footage of the shooting.

However, the defense later revealed that there is no actual footage of Bellamy shooting Jones.

Instead, Bellamy can be seen extending his arm and Jones can be seen getting shot, but the footage does not show the shooting.

Bellamy did not testify.

Closing arguments are scheduled on June 3.

Document: Homicide on Reed Terrace, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 4600 block of Reed Terrace, SE.

According to a press release, officers located 34-year-old Eric Marshall suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on May 29. Marshall was brought to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

Witness Contradicts Prior Testimony in Murder Trial

A witness for the prosecution contradicted another witness’s testimony during a murder trial.

Kenneth Bellamy is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two gun-related offenses for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Michael Tyrone Jones on the 3500 block of East Capital Street, SE in 2015.

The witness told the prosecution that on the day of the murder he was driving down East Capital Street when he saw his friend running “fast and frantic” in the street. Apparently, the friend got in the witness’s car and said Jones was shot.

The witness also said he called Jones’ girlfriend and told her about the shooting.

According to the defense’s theory, the friend killed Jones. Defense counsel said the friend and another individual planned to rob Jones, who had been bragging about having drugs earlier in the day.

However, Jones’ girlfriend, who testified previously, said the witness’s friend called her. The girlfriend told the jury that she never believed the friend had anything to do with Jones’ death.

The prosecution says Bellamy, 35, shot and killed Jones over stolen marijuana.

The trial is scheduled to continue on May 30.

Judge Denies Motion to Exclude Photos of Guns

During a trial readiness hearing on May 29, a DC Superior Court judge denied the defense’s motion to exclude photographs that featured a murder defendant holding what appeared to be the murder weapon.

Gary N. Proctor is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting his cousin Jerome Diggs, 47, on the 1300 block of First Street, SW in 2015.

Judge Danya Dayson denied the motion because there was reasonable probability that shell casings recovered from the murder scene could have come from bullets fired from any of the guns in the photos. Proctor, 41, is seen holding two guns in the photos.

According to the prosecutors, the guns in the photos appeared to be compatible with .40 caliber shell casings, which were recovered from the scene. Additionally, the prosecution said ammunition of the same size was discovered at Proctor’s house.

The prosecutors said admission of the photos was critical because it could connect the defendant to the homicide.

Proctor’s attorney, Steven R. Kiersh, didn’t want the items included because they were prejudicial to his client’s case.

There was another motion, filed by the defense, to exclude evidence of uncharged criminal conduct, including evidence of drug dealing and an assault against Diggs.

Kiersh argued that since the assault was three years before the shooting, it could no longer be considered as admissible evidence. Kiersh also said Proctor’s drug dealing history should be excluded because it is irrelevant to the case.

However, the prosecution argued that the assault is still admissible because it shows underlying tension between the cousins.The prosecution said that Proctor was a known drug-dealer in the community and sold drugs to a few of the witnesses.

The prosecution also said a list of names with numerical sums was found in Proctor’s car. According to the prosecution’s theory, Diggs, whose name was on the list, owed a debt to Proctor, which was a possible motive for the shooting.

The motion is expected to be addressed at the next motions hearing on June 6.

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department found Diggs suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Two witnesses testified that Diggs identified Proctor as the man who shot him. Diggs was pronounced dead at a hospital less than an hour later.

Did Witness ID Murder Defendant for Reward Money?

According to a defense attorney, a witness only identified a murder defendant after police told him about the reward money.

Kenneth Bellamy is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two gun-related offenses for allegedly shooting 23-yer-old Michael Tyrone Jones on the 3500 block of East Capital Street, SE in 2015.

Jon Norris, Bellamy’s defense attorney, said the witness named Bellamy, 35, as the shooter after the police mentioned that he could receive up to $25,000 in reward money. Norris said the witness inquired about the money before giving his grand jury testimony.

“You lied to the police, you lied to the grand jury and now you’re lying to the ladies and gentlemen of the jury,” Norris told the witness on May 28.

Norris said the witness also changed his story multiple times, including changing the location of the shooting and denied being on the scene.

In addition to the witness’s story changes, Norris said the witness violated a court order, given by DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman, to remain silent about his previous testimony on May 23. According to Norris, the witness spoke to a detective, saying he believed the defense was trying to pin Jones’ murder on him.

Norris said the detective told Judge Edelman that the witness said he was worried he was going to get into trouble.

During the prosecution’s redirect, the witness agreed that he inquired about the money but said he was telling the truth. Apparently, the witness told the grand jury, “I don’t even want that money” and that he just wanted to move on.

The trial will continue on May 29 with more testimony from the prosecution’s witnesses. The trial is expected to conclude on June 3.

Judge Approves Counsel Change for Murder Defendant

One of two murder defendants was appointed new counsel during a status hearing.

Demonte Hewitt and Kurt Hewitt , who are cousins, have been charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged role in the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Tyshon Perry. The stabbing occurred on the 1300 block of 2nd Street, NE on May 1, 2018.

During the hearing, James King announced that he was replacing Lauren Johnson as Demonte’s attorney. Because of the last-minute change, King requested extra time to familiarize himself with the case’s material. According to DC Courts, Lauren Johnson, who has been on Demonte’s case for a little more than a year, was dismissed on May 28. It is unclear why she was removed from the case.

King also said that he couldn’t obtain body-worn camera footage of the incident. He said the prosecution gave him an expired link. He requested that the prosecutor make the footage accessible to the defense.

After both attorneys scheduled a status hearing on Aug. 23, King asked if the defense could be notified of any earlier dates that become available. DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe agreed and confirmed that the defense was placed on a waitlist for an earlier date.

According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department found Perry unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Perry was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

Demonte, 17, and Kurt, 19, were arrested on May 22, 2018. Demonte is being charged as an adult.

Document: Homicide on MLK Avenue, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal stabbing on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. The stabbing is one of two homicides to occurred over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

According to a press release, officers located 44-year-old Michael Hooker suffering from laceration wounds during the evening hours on May 26. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

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