Stabbing Defendant Considers Plea Offer

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz allowed a stabbing defendant more time to consider a plea offer during a status hearing on Feb. 20.

Christopher Moore, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on March 1, 2024 on the 700 block of 15th Street, NE. The victim sustained a stab wound to his neck and three injuries to his thigh.

Moore is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly assaulting the same victim with a stick on Feb. 27, 2024 at the intersection of 14th and H Streets, NE.

During the hearing, Moore’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, told the court that the prosecution had sent a plea offer, but Simmons had yet to discuss it with his client. Judge Kravitz and both parties agreed to schedule another hearing to give Simmons and Moore time to review the offer.

The prosecution stated the offer would require Moore to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange, for the prosecution’s dismissing the remaining charges.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution said they would request a sentence of seven years of imprisonment for the aggravated assault charge, along with an unspecified concurrent sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 3.

Judge Suspends Sentence for Stabbing Defendant, Imposes Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a defendant in a stabbing case to probation after suspending the majority of her prison term on Feb. 20.

Michelle Bowman, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing that occurred near the Suitland Parkway exit on I-295 on Sept. 24. According to prosecutors, Bowman attacked her ex-girlfriend with a knife during an argument inside a vehicle after attempting to slash the tires when the victim pulled over.

Bowman’s sentence included 48 months of confinement, all suspended except for time served, followed by 2 years of supervised probation and 3 years of supervised release. She must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violence Crime Fund, comply with an intervention plan through the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, CSOSA, and stay away from the victim.

During the hearing, the victim described the financial and emotional impact of the incident. She explained that her car was towed after she was taken to the hospital and later accidentally totaled by a private towing company. She also reported losing her personal property, including a laptop and AirPods, after the vehicle was transferred to a private towing company. The judge informed her that those losses would need to be addressed in civil court.

The prosecution requested a 60-month sentence with 20 months of supervised probation, noting the seriousness of the offense.

Defense attorney Joseph McCoy highlighted Bowman’s limited criminal history, difficult childhood, strong family support, and progress in therapy while incarcerated, proposing an 18-month sentence with time served and probation.

Bowman addressed the court,accepted responsibility and apologized to the victim. She described how she was dealing with a lot on the day of the stabbing and emphasized with the victim.

“Please consider my life, accountability, regret, and want to get better in the sentencing,” she told the judge.

After weighing the statements given, Judge Salerno stated he believed Bowman was sincere and considered her rehabilitation efforts and low likelihood of reoffending.

No further proceedings have been scheduled in this case.

Judge Finds Shooting Defendant Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld found a shooting defendant mentally competent on Feb. 23.

Bryant Russell, 48, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE on June 6, 2024. One individual sustained a gunshot wound to his arm.

According to court documents, the victim did not know Russell, claiming he’d been sitting on his porch when he was shot. Witnesses reported that Russell emerged from behind a building before threatening to kill himself. The victim allegedly told Russell to leave before a witness watched Russell enter a vehicle. That same witness then returned inside before they reported hearing gunshots.

Based on the most recent report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Dec. 11, 2025, a doctor found that Russell was competent. At the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld ruled that Russell was mentally competent and fit to stand trial. To stand trial a defendant must understand the charges and help in his defense.

The prosecution and Russell’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, both agreed with the DBH report and judge’s ruling.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 23.

Parties Question Whether Shooting Defendant Permitted to Have Gun

An officer’s former boss testified about whether he was supposed to have a gun in a shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 24.

Gerald Day, a Howard University Special Police Office, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman’s face after an altercation with a group of his friends at the intersection of O Street and Carrolsburg Place, SW on Oct. 29, 2023.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

The defense resumed testimony from Day’s girlfriend’s sister, who was present during the incident. The eyewitness said that she was Maced by the victim after the fight broke out.

According to the eyewitness, the victim said “I got something for you,” as she walked towards her car to retrieve the caustic self-defense chemical after the fight.

Day’s attorney, Steven Polin, asked the witness what it felt like to be Maced and she answered that her vision went blurry and that she moved towards her husband for help.

In the cross-examination, prosecutors showed video footage of the incident in which they asserted the eyewitness was Maced and then approached the victim multiple times after. The prosecution questioned the eyewitness’ behavior, describing it as defensive.

Polin asked the eyewitness in re-direct if her behavior could be explained by her being Maced moments prior, and she agreed.

Polin then called a commander at the Howard University Police Department, Day’s former boss.

The commander highlighted that there are two different types of police officers for Howard University, Security Officers and Special Police Officers (SPO). Day was employed as an SPO and SPOs are allowed to make arrests and carry a firearm on Howard’s campus, said the commander.

Prosecutors asked the commander if in SPOs training they go through a de-escalation training course. The commander answered that all SPOs go through that training and the protocol is to calm the subject down.

The prosecution questioned whether there were different protocols if a subject had a weapon and the commander reiterated that the goal remained to calm the subject down.

“Should a special police officer pull out their firearm if the opposing subject has Mace?” asked prosecutors, to which which the commander answered, no.

Prosecutors confirmed with the commander that Howard SPOs have the right to carry a firearm, but their jurisdiction is strictly limited to the university.

Then, prosecutors discussed the process of Howard SPOs obtaining their work firearms. The commander said the SPOs must be licensed through the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and the firearm must stay at Howard and be checked in and out after every shift.

The prosecution confirmed with the commander that Day called out sick the day of the incident. Polin later emphasized that Day was originally scheduled to work that day.

After the jury left for the day, Judge Brandt denied Polin’s motion for acquittal, ruling that the government presented enough evidence to send the case to a jury.

While the defense says Day acted in self-defense, the prosecution highlighted the video evidence and witness testimony identifying Day as the individual who approached the victim and pointed a gun.

Judge Brandt noted that the combination of witness testimony about Day’s alleged threats and his allegedly possessing an unregistered firearm was potentially enough for the jury to find him guilty on the charges.

The judge initially questioned the self-defense claim, but acknowledged that certain phrases from the victim during the incident, such as “I’ve got something for you,” noting that a jury could interpret this as a credible threat.

She emphasized that the jury remains the “sole arbiter” of witness credibility. She concluded that the prosecution met its burden. As a result, Judge Brandt denied the motion for acquittal.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 24.

Plea Deal Set in Revered Peace Corps Worker’s Fatal Shooting

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal in a case that caused the death of a Peace Corps Worker before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Feb. 13.

Dearay Wilson, 30, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for killing Jeremy Black, 50, on June 29, 2021 on the 1400 block of R Street, NW. No other defendants have been charged in the case.

Black was eulogized by the National Peace Corps Association as an individual whose life work was, “[p]romoting understanding between people” in challenging parts of the world.

According to court documents, Black, had dinner with a group that night on 14th Street but when he returned to his car on 15th Street, he was shot by four suspects. The group allegedly circled the block once before parking their vehicle and moving towards Black’s party walking down 15th Street turning to R Street. Court documents reported that after firing multiple shots, the four suspects ran back to the car and fled the scene.

“Black, the victim, was an innocent bystander walking through the area with his wife and two friends,” according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In court, Wilson accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and in exchange, prosecutors dismissed the remaining charges, including first-degree murder. As part of the deal, parties agreed to a sentence range of 15-to-21 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.

The prosecutor read out the evidence in court that they would have presented to prove Wilson’s guilt at trial. According to the prosecutor, CCTV surveillance footage of R Street showed four armed individuals, including Wilson, leaving a previously stolen Chevrolet. The suspects then approached Black and his group before firing numerous rounds, said the prosecutor.

According to an autopsy report cited by the prosecution, Black was shot once in the torso, resulting in his death. The prosecution concluded that the evidence would have proved Wilson’s intent to kill with no justification of self-defense.

Judge Kravitz confirmed that Wilson accepted the plea deal knowingly and voluntarily.
Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on April 10.

Defendant Gets Suspended Sentence For Mental Treatment in Uber Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a carjacking defendant to two years, time suspended on Feb. 13.

On Oct. 3, 2025, Shannara Macku, 38, pleaded guilty to the destruction of property $1,000 or more, first-degree theft, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for her involvement in a carjacking on Oct. 19, 2024 on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Macku crashed into the tire of a car while she was riding a bike. The driver and the five Uber passengers in the car abandoned the vehicle as Macku jumped into the driver’s seat and fled with the vehicle.

The prosecutor requested that Macku serve three years in prison given how her conduct affected the Uber driver and passengers in the car; nonetheless, acknowledging that her mental health history would make her a candidate for probation after her sentence.

Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Macku’s attorney, said that her client was on the precipice of a mental break at the time of the incident. Fullwood-Singh emphasized that no one was in the car when Macku got into the driver’s seat.

Fullwood-Singh requested that Macku serve 10 months in a structured mental health program where her needs would be adequately met and her condition improve. Instead of incarceration, “Ms. Macku has a better option,” Full-Wood Singh said and asserted that when placed in a stable, structured environment and medication readily available, Macku thrived.

Judge McLean agreed with Fullwood-Singh that because of Macku’s mental health, she would be better off receiving treatment. She sentenced Macku to 12 months for destruction of property, and six months each for first-degree theft and the unauthorized use of a vehicle. The sentences will run consecutively, all suspended, in favor of two years of probation.

Requirements of Macku’s probation include maintaining medical treatment and prescribed medications, drug testing, job training, housing assistance, and mental health evaluation. If she fails to complete the requirements, Macku will be required to serve two years of imprisonment.

No further dates were set.

‘Your Incarceration is Not to Make You a Better Person [But] Punish You For Killing Your Mother,’ Judge Says to Matricide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a homicide defendant to 26 years in prison on Feb. 13 for strangling his mother to death.

On Nov. 26, 2025 Seth Andrews, 39, was convicted of second-degree murder for strangling his mother, Hazel Evans, 67, in her home on the unit block of 35th Street, NE, on July 16, 2020.

Andrews was also charged with two counts of assault on a police officer and one count of destruction of property less than $1,000 for an altercation he had with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) on Aug. 20, 2020. According to court documents, Andrews hit a firefighter in the throat, slammed a police officer’s hand in a car door, and broke the windows of a firetruck with a wood palette.

Prior to the trial, Judge Ryan granted a defense motion to sever the murder charge from Andrews’ other charges.

At sentencing, Andrews accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to the remaining three charges. In exchange, prosecutors did not oppose concurrent sentences for the three charges.

According to court documents, Evans told people she thought Andrews was having mental health issues in the days leading up to her murder. In a 911 call on the morning of Evans’ death, Andrews said “I’m so sorry, it’s my fault mommy, I’m sorry I didn’t want to kill you mommy.”

A prosecutor described the brutal nature of the strangulation in their argument for 26 years in prison for the murder. They emphasized that fatally strangling someone requires several minutes, often with resistance from the victim. Andrews’ DNA was found under Evans’ fingernails, prosecutors highlighted.

The prosecutor also pointed out the violent nature of someone killing their own mother. “The defendant who was willing to kill his own mother, is willing to harm anyone,” they said.

Evans’ and Andrews’ family members gave several statements describing the grief and pain they experienced since her death. Evans’ sister said she retired from the postal service due to emotional issues. The sister described collapsing on the floor after learning her sister died and being unable to move for two hours.

“My crying, my mood, my sleep at night, everything is disrupted,” said Evans’ sister.

Evans’ sister also described a separate incident of Andrews grabbing his sister by the hair and beating her shortly after their mother’s death.

“At the time, I didn’t know he did anything to my sister,” Evans’ sister said, continuing, “I’m thinking he’s mad she’s gone, he’s the one who did her in.”

Evans’ sister said Andrews behaved erratically following the murder. She said he jumped from a Mercedes at the funeral and loudly apologized to her during the funeral.

According to Evans’ sister, Evans put a lot of effort into raising Andrews after his father left her and they became homeless. “There was never a question, ever, how much she loved her children. She fought hard to bring him into this world, and to know he is the reason she is no longer in this world.”

Prosecutors said Andrews was previously convicted for marijuana possession, violence against a significant other, and throwing a cash register at someone.

Andrews’ family members said his mother supported him during his previous convictions. “Everytime he had an issue, everytime he was incarcerated, she was there fighting for him and standing up for him,” Evans’ sister said.

Andrews’ sister, Evans’ eldest daughter, said she did not know why he killed her. “You got more affection and love than I could have gotten from my mom,” Evans’ daughter said. “There was always an excuse for the boys, they could never know better. I had to know better and I had to do better.”

“[Evans] constantly continued the love even if she could not do it as the most model parent,” a prosecutor said.

Evans’ family members said while she struggled with drug addiction and depression, she had largely recovered and was improving her life. Evans’ daughter said her child, Evans’ granddaughter, had no idea she ever did drugs because her life was so together. “I was proud of her,” Evans’ daughter said.

Andrews’ attorney, Kevin Irving, argued that he should receive a lesser sentence given the progress he has made while incarcerated, completing seven professional certifications.

Andrews himself noted that growing up in poverty contributed to many of his life’s problems. He called the area he grew up in as “18 and Dead,” claiming that many juveniles from the area are killed before their 18th birthday. According to Andrews, his upbringing inhibited him and his siblings.

“Because of the curse that we suffer from poverty, from violence, from growing up on 18 and Dead, from depression, from divorce, we never got to shine as bright as we could,” Andrews said. Andrews told Judge Ryan he would like the opportunity to rehabilitate himself.

Judge Ryan acknowledged the family’s struggles with poverty and violence, but emphasized the cruelty of the crime.

“It is a set of facts which seem almost in Greek tragedy,” Judge Ryan agreed.

Andrews was previously incarcerated for five years for attempted second-degree murder in Maryland and worked in information technology after release, according to Judge Ryan.

Judge Ryan sentenced Andrews to 26 years for the murder and concurrent sentences totaling 180 days for his assault on MPD and DC FEMS. Andrews’ imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.

Although Andrews had asked for the opportunity to rehabilitate, Judge Ryan said this was not a central consideration in his sentencing.

“Your incarceration is not to make you a better person. Your incarceration is to punish you for killing your mother,” Judge Ryan said.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two shooting codefendants were arraigned on a 20 count indictment before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Feb. 19.

Roland Brewer, 20, and Christian Ware, 19, are both charged with aggravated assault with grave risk while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, two counts of unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, two counts of unarmed robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, first-degree burglary while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Brewer is charged with two additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and an additional count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Ware is also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and obstructing justice.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the following incidents spanning over two months:

A shooting on the 500 block of 50th Place, NE on July 21, 2024 in which a juvenile victim sustained a gunshot wound to his upper left arm,
An armed carjacking on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on June 19, 2024,
An unarmed carjacking on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE on June 21, 2024,
An unarmed carjacking on the 4100 block of Hunt Place, NE on July 1, 2024.

Ware, who was 17 when the incident occurred, is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At the hearing, Varsha Govindaraju, Ware’s attorney, and Bryan Bookhard, Brewer’s stand-in attorney, both entered a plea of not guilty to all charges on behalf of their clients. Govindaraju and Bookhard also exercised their clients’ legal rights to a speedy trial and evidence related to the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 30.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Stabbing Food Delivery Driver

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea agreement before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Feb. 17.

Travis Cole, 37, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on the 2700 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW on Sept. 28, 2025. The victim was stabbed in the abdomen.

According to court documents, the victim was delivering food to the incident location. An argument broke out between the victim and Cole, which allagedly turned physical. Cole then brandished a knife and reportedly stabbed the victim. A witness claimed to watch Cole flee the scene down a nearby alley after the offense.

At the hearing, Cole accepted a deal offered by the prosecution that required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges and will not seek an indictment.

If the case had proceeded to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the day of the offense at approximately 4 p. m. Cole stabbed the victim over a disputed food delivery.

Judge Arthur found there was a factual basis and that Cole accepted the plea knowingly and voluntarily.

Adgie O’Bryant, Cole’s attorney, asked Judge Arthur to release Cole, citing his deep community ties. O’Bryant claimed Cole would not be a danger to the community, explaining he was trying to find housing and would be open to any conditions of release the court imposed.

Judge Arthur ruled that Cole would remain in confinement pending his sentencing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on April 24 for sentencing.

Judge Hears Testimony in 14th Street, NW Fatal Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson heard testimony and arguments at a preliminary hearing of the evidence in a fatal stabbing case that stemmed from a large fight on Feb. 18.

Shawn Conway, 50, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Jermaine Foster, 34, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW on Sept. 12, 2025.

According to court documents, officers responded at approximately 3:53 a. m., following reports of a brawl and located Foster with six wounds to his chest.–one to his heart, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. There were two additional surviving victims; one sustained a finger laceration and the other a cut to the back of their hand.

At Conway’s preliminary hearing, the prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective assigned to the case.

The detective testified that MPD officers responded to the stabbing.and later investigated a related scene at the intersection of 10th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW where they interviewed individuals involved in a fight that occurred prior to Foster’s stabbing

Video evidence included MPD crime camera footage and an Instagram video sent anonymously to the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC). The prosecution played the Instagram video in court. The detective showed a physical altercation and depicted an individual standing over Foster making downward stabbing motions while wearing a gray sweatshirt, light-colored jeans, and light-colored shoes.

The detective testified that crime camera footage showed an individual wearing clothing consistent with the person depicted in the Instagram video exiting a vehicle and walking toward the sidewalk where the altercation occurred.

The detective said that the primary witness described the suspect who stabbed Foster as the same individual who exited the vehicle and later identified Conway by name.

According to the detective, a surviving victim said they attempted to pull the suspect off Foster and described that the suspect had a knife and made stabbing motions.

The detective also testified that the day of the offense MPD received an anonymous tip that identified Conway as the suspect.

On cross-examination, Conway’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, questioned the scope and documentation of the investigation.

The detective acknowledged that not all witness interviews were recorded and that some were documented only in handwritten notes. He testified that the witness who identified Conway did not name him during their first interview and that no formal identification procedure was conducted.

Cicurel established that several individuals in or nearby the fight did not see the stabbing or a knife and that some were drinking prior to the incident.

The detective also acknowledged that the suspect’s face was not clearly visible in the Instagram video and that the witness who identified Conway from the video based their identification on clothing, build, and context rather than a clear facial close-up. He testified that he does not know the identity of the anonymous tipster or how the tipster obtained the information.

The prosecution argued there was ample evidence that proved probable cause. Both the witness statements and video evidence prove that Foster was actually attempting to break up the fight when Conway stabbed him, asserted prosecutors.

They added that witnesses placed Conway’s vehicle at the scene and the primary witness identified him as the suspect by name. They argued it was clear Conway was present because the witness’ description of his clothing matches an individual in video footage in the surrounding areas and the person making stabbing motions in the Instagram video.

Cicurel argued there was no probable cause because the prosecution had not sufficiently established identification of Conway as the person who stabbed Foster. For example, Cicurel noted that the witness did not name Conway in their initial interview and the video did not clearly show the suspect’s face.

Several individuals on scene told the detective they did not see the knife or who left the scene following the incident, Cicurel pointed out. Cicurel emphasized that witnesses were intoxicated and reluctant to speak to MPD officers. The anonymous tipster did not provide any details, reasoning, or evidence to substantiate their claim, asserted Cicurel.

Judge Dayson delayed ruling on probable cause until the next hearing at which time she’ll hear arguments for detention or release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 23.

More Victim Testimony in Shooting After a Halloween Party

Parties heard testimony from the victim, a detective, and an eyewitness in a shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 23.

Gerald Day, 34, Special Police Officer, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman after a fight on Oct. 29, 2023, at the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, 32-year-old Paul Poston, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

The victim, who the prosecutors called to continue her testimony, said during cross-examination that Day pointed a gun at her. According to the victim, her arm was at her side holding mace and she did not say anything to Day before he pointed the gun at her.

The victim’s friend and eyewitness also testified, describing the fight leading up to the assault while looking at surveillance footage.

The victim’s friend said the victim met her after a party and they started driving away together, before the victim saw a group of people, including a man she had a casual sexual relationship with.

According to the victim’s friend, the victim yelled at the man and got out of the car to approach the group, who proceeded to “beat her up.” The victim attempted to mace the group, her friend said in court, but she did not see the chemical weapon make contact anyone.

When Day approached the victim and allegedly pointed a gun at her, the victim was not macing anyone, the friend testified.

During questioning from Steven Polin, Day’s attorney, the victim’s friend said she was not positive she saw a gun in Day’s hand but thought he hit the car the victim was in with the gun before the victim drove away.

The victim’s friend said during cross-examination that the victim appeared angry and confrontational during the fight and her interaction with Day.

Prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who interviewed Day on Nov. 7, 2023. He testified that Day did not initially disclose he was carrying a firearm during the incident but later acknowledged being armed during a meeting with another detective and Day’s work supervisor.

According to the detective, Day said during the second interview that he pulled his gun after the victim yelled, “I got somethin’ for y’all,” and sprayed mace. Prosecutors played CCTV video footage showing the mace deployed before Day entered the frame.

The detective also testified that he confirmed that Day’s license to carry a firearm expired between June and September 2023, prior to the incident.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Polin questioned the detective about Day’s authority as a Howard University Special Police Officer (SPO). The detective said SPOs have limited authority but may carry firearms while on duty.

Polin referenced a recorded interview in which the detective told Day, “As one law enforcement officer to another, I would have done the same thing under those circumstances.”

Prosecutors objected, and after a discussion outside the jury’s presence, Judge Brandt cautioned against Polin taking the comment out of context before allowing the recording to be played.

Then, Polin played the video for the jury.

After the prosecution rested its case, the defense called Day’s girlfriend’s sister, who was present during the incident..

The witness testified that after leaving a Halloween party, the victim approached her family aggressively, leading to a fight. She said the victim yelled, “I got something for y’all,” and sprayed her in the face with mace. Polin then showed the jury surveillance footage of the altercation.

Outside the jury’s presence, Judge Brandt questioned the defense’s argument that Day acted in self-defense, noting the footage appeared to show Day’s girlfriend’s sister, not Day, as the target of the mace.

The trial is set to resume Feb. 24.

Defendant Won’t Get Another Attorney in Jail Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Ryan denied a jail stabbing defendant’s request to dismiss his attorney at a hearing on Feb. 18.

Ovid Gabriel, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer for his alleged involvement in stabbing a correctional officer on Aug. 3, 2025, inside the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The officer sustained nine stab wounds, a collapsed lung, and a lacerated intestine.

At the hearing, Gabriel’s attorney, Kevin Irving, asked Judge Ryan to grant his request to withdraw because Gabriel wanted new counsel.

The prosecution opposed Gabriel’s request for new counsel and argued to the court that he had asked for new counsel on multiple occasions. According to the prosecutor, this was Gabriel’s fifth or sixth attorney. According to court records, Gabriel only had two attorneys in this case, but he has other pending cases.

Judge Ryan then asked Irving and Gabriel to approach the bench, where they conferred privately about whether Irving would remain on the case.

After the discussion, Judge Ryan decided Irving would continue to represent Gabriel in the case.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 4, 2027.

Felony Murder Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing in Backback Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson accepted a first-degree murder defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence on Feb. 20.

Javier Montgomery, 18, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of Jermaine Durbin, 18, at the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE on Oct. 3, 2025. Durbin died from one gunshot wound to his face.

According to court documents, a witness reported that Montgomery took Durbin’s backpack because it contained marijuana. Durbin followed him when Montogomery allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him.

Another witness reportedly told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Montgomery called a former partner and told them that he shot and killed someone. According to court documents Montgomery said something to the effect of “it was an accident, and it wasn’t supposed to happen.”

At the hearing, Montgomery waived his right to a preliminary hearing that would have determined whether probable cause existed for the charge against him. Judge Dayson questioned Montgomery to ensure that he knowingly and willingly waived his right.

Montgomery’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, submitted a medical alert to the court to request mental health treatment for her client, which Judge Dayson granted.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.

Homicide Defendant Acted As, ‘Judge, Jury, and Executioner,’ Prosecutor Says

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz accepted expert testimony Feb. 18 from a forensic psychologist that a defendant was not suffering from PTSD during his alleged involvement in a shooting.

Khalid Claggett, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Isaac Aull Jr, 30, on the 1600 block of Franklin Street NE, on June 11, 2021. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Claggett’s release for another offense.

A forensic psychologist testified that she conducted a court-ordered evaluation of Claggett’s mental health and did not find any evidence of PTSD symptoms through his responses or body language. In addition, his results for other personality and emotional functioning tests, according to the psychologist, were not clinically significant or indicative of a PTSD diagnosis.

After reviewing footage of the incident, the psychologist said she does not believe Claggett experienced post-trauma symptoms during the shooting. She described his actions as “reactionary” and “purposeful.”

Claggett’s attorney, Howard McEachen, cross-examined the expert witness by asking her the likelihood of symptoms going away in two months. She said that it is possible, but very unlikely.

Two months prior to her evaluation, another psychologist diagnosed Claggett with PTSD. She testified that she was surprised by his diagnosis since he did not request to review any records, a crucial step in determining someone’s condition.

After the cross examination, the prosecution urged jurors to find Claggett guilty for all charges, emphasizing exhibits and witness testimonies allegedly showed the defendant did not act in self-defense but rather made a deliberate decision to use deadly force.

The prosecutor told the jury, during closings, that each witness mentioned they saw Claggett shoot the victim or walk past them in the direction of the victim. This proves Claggett was not using self-defense and acted voluntarily, the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor expressed that Claggett testified as a witness stating that “It is to his benefit to make up a story.”

The incident video was presented an additional time to the jury.

The prosecutor mentioned that Clagget acted as the “judge, jury, and executioner.” Claggett decided to take matters into his own hands, instead of letting the law and police fix it, the prosecutor said. The prosecutor concluded statements by asking the jury to find the defendant guilty of all charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 19 when the defense is expected to give a closing argument in the case.

Carjacking, Robbery Defendant Detained After Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied release for a carjacking defendant after he waived his preliminary hearing on Feb. 19.

Da’Andre Pardlow, 31, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and kidnapping while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in seizing a motor vehicle from a victim while armed on Sept. 13, 2024 at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast.

According to court documents, the victim and Pardlow reportedly met in the park for a sexual encounter. Pardlow allegedly threatened to shoot the victim while forcing him to surrender his phone. Then, Pardlow allegedly forced the victim into the passenger seat of his car, Pardlow drove the vehicle to a bank, and allegedly withdrew money from the victim’s account.

Pardlow decided to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence and Judge Hildum agreed.

Defense attorney Patrick Nowak argued that Pardlow should be released to home confinement due to his extensive ties in the community. Nowak said Pardlow was employed for most of his adult life, most recently at several moving companies and Amazon. Additionally, Nowak noted that Pardlow’s family was present at the hearing and he could stay with his parents if released.

The prosecution asked that Pardlow remain in custody to protect community safety. They emphasized the “egregious” nature of the crime and that Pardlow had a criminal history that included robbery and other firearms offenses. In addition, the prosecution claimed to have an overwhelming amount of evidence to convict Pardlow, including surveillance footage.

After reviewing his criminal history, Judge Hildum decided to keep Pardlow in jail. Though he has yet to be tried on the current charges, the judge stated, “many people have already been endangered by his [Pardlow’s] actions.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 12.

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