Shooting Defendant’s Hearing Delayed by New DC Jail Stabbing Charge

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan delayed a hearing on Nov. 14 after the defense reported newly filed stabbing charges against the defendant.

Rodney Bennett, 20, is charged with two counts of endangerment with a firearm offenses committed during release, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence offenses committed during release, five counts of robbery while armed offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm offenses committed during release, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition offenses committed during release, four counts of assault with intention to kill offenses committed during release, five counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle offenses committed during release, first degree theft offenses committed during release, robbery offenses committed during release, and three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business offenses committed during release.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 28, 2024 on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. No injuries were sustained.

During the brief proceeding, defense attorney Michael Madden informed Judge Ryan that Bennett had been charged two days earlier in a separate felony matter.

According to court records, Bennett is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 12 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries.

The stabbing occurred outside a jail cell. Bennett was allegedly engaged in a verbal dispute with another inmate when he allegedly assaulted and struck the inmate with a homemade shank. The stabbing caused lacerations, stab wounds, an abrasion and bruises to the victim’s head, neck and upper body.

Citing this new case, Madden requested that the status hearing be continued to allow the defense additional time to assess the recent charge and its potential impact on the current proceedings. The prosecution agreed to the continuance, noting that it was not yet clear whether the prosecution would move to indict Bennett. Judge Ryan granted the request.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 16, 2026.

Judge Denies Self-Representation Bid in DC Jail Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a stabbing defendant’s motion to represent himself on Nov. 14, after struggling to demonstrate a basic understanding of how a criminal trial works.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on Aug. 3. An officer was injured during the incident.

According to documents issued by the court, Gabriel allegedly stabbed the officer nine times after the officer had ordered him into his cell.

Gabriel filed a motion to represent himself after claiming dissatisfaction with his current attorney, Raymond Jones. The defendant said he mailed the motion to the court a week earlier.

Judge Ryan claimed he had not received it, prompting Gabriel to provide the court with a physical copy. The motion was reviewed by the prosecution and Jones, and then, the judge.

The prosecution noted it had no objection to Gabriel representing himself, citing his self-representation in another case.

Judge Ryan questioned Gabriel extensively to determine whether he had the capacity to represent himself in a criminal trial. Gabriel informed the court he had a high school diploma, identified himself as an entrepreneur in tattoos and fine arts, did not use drugs or medication, and understood the charges and possible penalties. He said he had been studying case law for six months but could not recall specific cases when asked.

Judge Ryan pressed Gabriel on his practical understanding of trial procedures, asking him what a jury determines, what evidence is presented in a criminal trial, how to proceed if a witness does not appear, and how cross-examination works. Gabriel was unable to provide correct or confident answers, telling the court he still had “a lot to learn.”

The judge emphasized that his concerns were professional rather than personal, explaining that he believed Gabriel lacked the fundamental knowledge needed to represent himself in a criminal trial. He warned Gabriel not to rely on advice from other detainees about self-representation.

Although Gabriel did not dispute the judge’s assessment, he reiterated that he was not comfortable continuing with Jones as his counsel. Judge Ryan replied that self-representation and dissatisfaction with counsel were two “different issues.”

Gabriel then withdrew his motion to represent himself. The judge granted the withdrawal, and Gabriel submitted a new motion requesting new counsel. Judge Ryan approved the request.

The prosecution outlined the procedural history of the case, noting that it originated as a less serious felony matter before Gabriel was later charged in a separate and more serious case.

They said the overlapping cases had left the current matter pending for several months. The prosecution also told the court that the prosecutors had extended a plea offer in August, which the defense initially considered.

The plea offer, which expired at the close of the hearing, required Gabriel to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for dismissal of all remaining charges and the prosecution not seeking an indictment. The prosecution described the expiration as a “fork in the road” and said no future offer would be more favorable.

Jones confirmed he had discussed the plea with Gabriel, which Gabriel also acknowledged. Judge Ryan then questioned Gabriel to ensure he was knowingly rejecting the offer.

Gabriel claimed he did not recall seeing body-worn camera footage, though Jones attempted to jog his memory.

Gabriel stated he did not want to plead guilty, effectively rejecting the plea offer.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Elvans Road Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 27-year-old Corey Noble, alleged suspect in the fatal shooting of Tre’von Norman, 25, on March 20 on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. Noble has been charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed-Felony Murder.

Workplace Shooting Defendant Receives Partially Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a defendant involved in a workplace dispute shooting to 60 months in prison, with all but 36 suspended, during a Nov. 14 hearing.

On Sept. 12, Michael Alexander, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 block of S Street, NE, on Feb. 21.

According to court documents, Alexander’s co-worker sustained superficial wounds to his left ear after Alexander shot him during an argument about a delivery order.

During the Nov. 14 hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Edelman to sentence Alexander to five years in prison. They argued that the defendant shot at the victim’s head and “narrowly missed a homicide,” which should be reflected in the length of his sentence.

The prosecution argued that the defendant should not be considered under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows for young defendants’ convictions to be sealed if they successfully complete sentencing requirements. The prosecution argued that the severity of Alexander’s offense makes the the YRA an inappropriate remedy.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah argued that Alexander falls squarely under the YRA and advocated for straight probation. Amissah explained that Alexander was just 19-years-old when he committed the crime and that his age should make rehabilitation the sole focus of the court.

Amissah asked the court to consider Alexander’s past experiences. He was robbed and attacked in prison, but has had little contact with the criminal justice system. He also has a record of mental health issues and attended school for children with disabilities.

Amissah argued that the victim was the aggressor of the dispute, explaining that the victim chased Alexander across the street. Amissah argued that Alexander felt scared and reacted poorly as a result.

He shared that Alexander has a daughter who was born while Alexander was in jail. Alexander has reflected on the pain he has caused his family and wants to avoid being an absent parent like his father.

Judge Edelman sentenced Alexander to 60 months in prison, with all but 36 suspended, and three years of supervised release. Alexander was sentenced under the YRA as well.

Judge Edelam agreed with the defense that Alexander should be considered under the YRA because of his young age and the immaturity reflected in the crime. Alexander also demonstrated a strong potential to change– he has participated in programming in the DC Jail and has a long work history supported by several letters of recommendation from co-workers.

Jude Edelman recognized that Alexander pleaded guilty before being indicted for the crime and agreed with the defense that Alexander had no significant history with the criminal justice system.

However, Judge Edelman explained that a probationary sentencing would be inappropriate for the crime committed. As he saw it, the workplace violence resulted in Alexander shooting a single bullet at the victim’s head. While the victim provoked what happened, he never assaulted or touched Alexander.

Parties are not slated to reconvene.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Fatal Hit and Run Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 32-year-old Jalen McLendon, alleged to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash. The incident occurred on Aug. 31, 2024, when a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop struck and killed 25-year-old Alpha Oumar Kake, who was riding a moped in Washington, D.C. McLendon has been charged with Second-Degree Murder while Armed.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 12.

Osmin Ulises Vanegas Alvarez, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Dec. 29, 2024, at an apartment complex located on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Vanegas Alvarez and the victim were reportedly involved in a dispute inside the building before the defendant allegedly followed him to the second floor and stabbed him inside a cleaning room. The victim sustained lacerations to the left tricep, left side of the chest, and left side of the neck.

During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Vanegas Alvarez’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 7, 2026.

Homicide Defendant Competent to Stand Trial, But Not to Represent Himself

A homicide defendant asked to represent himself in court despite a finding he was incompetent to do so in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 14.

Marcus Barringer, 34, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, six counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and two counts of unlawful firearm possession with a prior conviction, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, obstructing justice via harassment, and obstructing justice by influencing a witness or officer.

These charges stem from Barringer’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Rashad Davis, 32, on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE, on May 6, 2022.

During the hearing, Judge Kravitz discussed a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report, which stated that Barringer was competent to stand for trial, but not competent to waive his right to counsel and represent himself. Judge Kravitz said he would authorize court funds to reevaluate competency if Barringer disagreed with the finding.

Barringer responded that DBH was corrupt and racist. “I’m being harassed at this point,” he told the judge, and said that the court was trying to violate his rights.

He said that he represented himself in previous cases in Virginia and Maryland. He claimed it was pointless to wait for an expert to evaluate him.

Judge Kravitz gave the defense time to decide if they wanted to challenge the DBH report and allow Barringer to waive his right to counsel.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30.

Document: MPD Investigating Deanwood Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Nov. 17 in the Deanwood neighborhood. Officers encountered 25-year-old David Warren Childs, who was armed and fled when approached. During a subsequent struggle, Childs reached for his waistband, prompting an officer to discharge their weapon, resulting in Childs’ death. The incident is under review by the Internal Affairs Bureau and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Homicide Suspect Denied Court Appearance For Banned Drawings on Shoes

The US Marshal Service told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that they turned away a homicide defendant for wearing prohibited clothing in a hearing on Nov. 14.

Mark Price, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, armed burglary, four counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Andre Young, 47, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE, on July 30, 2018.

This hearing marked the third delay in Price’s case. He had previously failed to appear in a hearing on March 14 for medical reasons, and refused to come to court on Sept. 26, citing mistreatment by the court.

During the hearing, defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh alerted the court that Price was not present. She explained that Price had attempted to attend court but was “rejected” by the US Marshal Service.

When questioned by Judge Kravitz, Marshals confirmed that Price was rejected, citing a new clothing policy they had implemented to no longer accept clothing featuring drawings. They claimed that Price was “not abiding by that policy.”

Fullwood-Singh further explained that Price was “artistic,” and that he had drawings on his shoes. The prosecution requested that Price return for future hearings with different footwear.

Judge Kravitz postponed the hearing to give Price a chance to return with appropriate attire.

Parties are set to return on Dec. 19.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide L. Herrmann on Nov. 14.

Mark Henry, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 10 near the intersection of Sycamore and Oak Drives, SE.

According to court documents, Henry allegedly stabbed the complainant multiple times after a verbal confrontation escalated. The victim sustained two puncture wounds and a laceration to her left torso and was transported to George Washington University Hospital for treatment.

During the hearing, Edward Joseph, Henry’s defense attorney, formally waived the preliminary hearing.

The prosecution requested that Henry remain detained, and the court ordered he continue to be held without bond.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 15.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Nov. 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum. Jamari Prophet, 24, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an Oct. 25 carjacking on the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, the victim reported that a man opened their car door, pulled them from the vehicle, and drove away in their Nissan Sentra.

During the hearing, Prophet’s attorney, Gemma Stevens, informed the court of Prophet’s intent to waive the preliminary hearing.

Judge Hildum accepted the waiver and continued the case.

Parties are slated to return to court on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.

Judge Says DC Agency Violated Subpoena in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found that the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) violated a subpoena by not giving evidence to parties in a murder case on Nov. 14.

Jerome Dukes, 34, and Justin Borum, 36, are charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE, on Feb. 21, 2023.

Dukes’ defense attorney, Brandi Harden, alerted the court that she had not yet received evidence from the prosecution regarding a witness’ licensing as a Special Police Officer (SPO), even after Judge Park issued a subpoena for the evidence.

The prosecution said that the DLCP has been having technical issues with retrieving and sending the information. A prosecutor also said getting responses from the agency has been an ongoing problem throughout this case.

Judge Park ordered representatives from DLCP to appear at the next hearing because the agency has not complied with the initial subpoena.

During the hearing, Harden also asked for un-redacted files so she could have access to the contact information of witnesses. She said she has reason to believe some of them are lying about their licensing with DLCP.

“I have a right to investigate this,” Harden said.

Judge Park did not rule on the matter, telling parties to resolve it among themselves.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 3.

Shooting Defendant’s Family Claims Arson Retaliation

The stepdaughter of a shooting defendant testified on Nov. 13 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that members of the victim’s family attempted to set her apartment building on fire two days after the shooting.

David Pena, 49, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges are in connection to Pena’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Maurice Robinson on the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE, on June 12, 2023.

Lawyers for David Pena, Dana Page and Gail Engmann, called his stepdaughter to testify about the brawl that led to Robinson’s death as well as an attempted arson at Pena’s apartment building two days after the fight, which Page and Engmann allege was committed by Robinson’s family.

The witness testified to being home the day that her stepsister, Pena’s daughter, got into a fight with a former friend. She said that the family of the other girl came to their apartment complex and goaded her stepsister into a fight.

“They came to our house and people came to our door and they started banging,” she said.

The witness described a chaotic scene as she went out to retrieve her younger siblings and bring them inside, away from the conflict.

“People were fighting and people were trying to stop the fight as well,” she said. “There were kids that were getting maced and they [Robinson’s family] proceeded to jump her.”

The witness also said that when she tried to intervene and break things up, a man grabbed onto something in his waistband and told her to back off.

“I guess I thought it was a gun,” she said.

During their questioning, prosecutors pointed out that she had not said anything about someone flashing a gun at her until this month despite being interviewed by the police several times. It was not clear during her testimony if the man in question was Robinson.

Page also asked the witness about an attempted arson that took place at the witness’ apartment building two days after the shooting. Prior to his arrest, Pena had also lived in the building, along with some of the witnesses’ family.

The witness said that at around 2 a.m. she heard what sounded like water splashing outside her apartment.

“People came and they poured gasoline around the building,” she said. The witness testified that she saw one person’s face and recognized her as the lady who allegedly maced her young siblings on the day of the brawl. When asked how she could recognize her, the witness said that she was wearing the same shoes at the brawl and the arson.

Prosecutors challenged the witness’ version of events and played the 911 call she made the night of the arson. During the call, the witness said that she did not know and could not identify any of the people committing the arson.

In response to prosecutors’ questioning, the witness described it as a “frantic call.”

Jurors also heard testimony from the lead detective in this case.

The detective interviewed the mother of Pena’s biological daughter, who identified Pena as the shooter, according to the detective.

However, the detective said that no weapon was found in the apartment where Pena lived.

In fact, no murder weapon has been recovered in this case and ballistic evidence was not recovered from the scene of the shooting, according to the detective.

Judge Dayson denied a motion from the defense to discuss the prosecution’s failure to investigate the arson incident in front of the jury.

“This is where the trial within the trial really becomes an issue for me,” Dayson said.

Dayson did, though, allow the defense to reopen cross-examination an earlier witness, Robinson’s mother. Based on testimony from Pena’s stepdaughter, Robinson’s mother allegedly maced children during the brawl and participated in the arson incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 17.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to indictment charges during his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 14.

Rodney Whiting, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Feb. 14 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE.

According to court records, Whiting was actually indicted on Nov. 12. During the hearing, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Additionally, defense attorney Matthew Davies requested evidence from the prosecution that would potentially be exculpatory.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 17 to discuss evidence and set a trial date.

Questionable Urine Samples Jeopardize Parole Status for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe considered sending a former stabbing defendant back to jail on Nov. 12, after she submitted drug tests inconsistent with human urine.

On June 9, Sharae Hicks, 52, pleaded guilty to simple assault and attempted felony violation of the bail reform act for her involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of 12th Street, NW on July 29, 2024.

The stabbing occurred after a night of drinking and smoking in the victim’s apartment when Hicks and the victim allegedly struggled over a knife. During her sentencing on June 9, Hicks told the court that she grabbed the knife in self-defense after the victim refused to stop messing with her and touching her face, according to earlier reporting from DC Witness and court documents.

On June 9, Judge Pipe imposed a suspended sentence for the charges and two years of probation, opting not to send her to prison.

During the Nov. 12 hearing, though, Judge Pipe nearly decided to revoke Hick’s probation status for her non-compliance in drug testing and for failing to show up to court on time. Hicks arrived hours late to her morning probation hearing.

In her absence, her probation officer informed the court that, recently, she had not been compliant with drug testing. The officer noted that she missed several tests in October and one in November, and had submitted some samples that were not consistent with human urine.

Parties reconvened later when Hicks arrived at court and her probation officer noted that though she had missed drug tests, she was in compliance with mental health services, according to court documents.

Judge Pipe allowed her to remain on release and prove her compliance until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 16.

Search