Judge Agrees Shooting Defendant Mentally Competent

A shooting defendant was found mentally competent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on March 17.

Natalie Bisher, 25, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of Evarts Street, NE on Nov. 27, 2025. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen that required surgery.

According to a report filed on March 16 from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Bisher was mentally competent. To stand trial, a defendant must have sufficient mental competence to understand the charges against them and be able to help their attorney defend the case.

At the hearing, neither party had any objections to DBH’s findings and Judge Pipe certified the result.

According to the DBH report, during Bisher’s competency evaluation she expressed concerns about her then attorney, James Ryan. After a brief discussion, Judge Pipe appointed Michelle Lockard to represent Bisher moving forward.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.

Released Stabbing Defendant Rejects Prosecution’s Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea offer for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on March 16.

Shamika Crawford, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to injure or kidnap a person, and destruction of property less than $1000 stemming from her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Jan. 6 on the unit block of Anacostia Road, SE.

Crawford allegedly had a verbal dispute with the victim, who she was in a relationship with at the time, that led to physical violence. According to court documents, police reported to the scene earlier in the day for the dispute, but were unable to contact Crawford inside the house.

After an hour the police returned to the same address in response to a call about a fight, allegedly involving Crawford and the victim. Court documents stated that the victim was seen with lacerations on his left arm, which he claimed were inflicted by Crawford. Crawford also allegedly sliced his tires with the same weapon.

The prosecution extended an offer that required Crawford to plead guilty to one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange the prosecution would dismiss all other charges.

Crawford declined the plea offer, and stated she would like to move towards a trial.

However, John Machado, Crawford’s attorney, stated he is open to continuing negotiations with the prosecution pending indictment. The deadline is Oct. 7. Machado recently received body-worn camera footage from the incident and intends on filing a counter offer after speaking with Crawford.

Machado requested a change in release conditions for Crawford, citing her full compliance and lack of a criminal record. The change would remove the current GPS monitoring, but keep the stay away order in place for the complainant.

Judge Pipe granted the motion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Suspended Sentence in Domestic Violence Stabbing, Defendant Pleads Guilty

A domestic violence stabbing defendant pleaded guilty and was given a suspended sentence by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on March 17.

Dameera Williams, 25, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a domestic violence stabbing on the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on Jan. 8. The victim was stabbed in the back.

In court, Williams accepted an offer from prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to simple assault. She understood that the maximum penalty for this charge is 180 days imprisonment. In exchange, she would not be charged with the more serious offense.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that, “Williams got in a verbal altercation with the victim, and once the victim turned his back away from her, she grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the back.”

After accepting Williams’ guilty plea, Judge McLean allowed the prosecutors to read a victim impact statement that supported rather than criticized her.

in summary, wrote that Williams is his significant other and that his family is struggling without her. It has been hard being a single father to their two young children, and in their 14 year long relationship, she had never been violent toward him or their children once, he said.

On the other hand, prosecutors said Williams’ crimes were unnecessary and horrific. The victim suffered a collapsed lung and a required blood transfusion in the ambulance. Furthermore, Williams lied to police officers that the victim had fallen on the knife in an open dishwasher, asserted the prosecution.

Prosecutors requested a 180 day sentence, suspending all but 120 days in hopes of preventing further harm.

Theresa Jenkins, Williams’ attorney requested a fully suspended sentence and one year of probation.

Williams told Judge McLean that she wants to go home and be with her kids.

Judge McLean sentenced Williams to 180 days, suspending all but time served, and one year of supervised probation. She is required to complete anger management courses and take part in mental health assessments.

Following the hearing, Williams will be released from the DC Jail. If she fails to meet the requirements of her probation, Judge McLean can require her to complete the required jail time.

No further dates are set for the parties.

Case Acquitted: Detective Says Obstruction Defendant Claimed Responsibility for Homicide

Editor’s Note: Aillayh Carter was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 19, 2026.

A detective testified that an obstruction defendant took responsibility for a fatal shooting she didn’t commit in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 18.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice for her alleged attempt to influence two witnesses in a homicide case.

Carter’s case was severed on Feb. 20 from her fiancé, Robert Carpenter, 37, who is 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 conviction. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 42-year old Tremaine Nicholson on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024. Nicholson sustained four gunshot wounds.

Before the jury entered the courtroom, Carter’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, asked Judge Ryan to require the prosecution to refrain from calling the incident a “murder” and instead call it a “killing.”

Copeland claims that the prosecution is, “proceeding in this case as if it is a murder case” which it is not because Carter is not charged with murder.

Judge Ryan agreed with Copeland and asked the prosecution to be more careful with their language going forward because “words matter.”

In the video evidence provided by the prosecution that showed the outside of Carter’s apartment, the lead detective on the case pointed out a truck that belonged to Carpenter, proving he was at Carter’s apartment on the day of the homicide.

After the incident, the detective said body-worn camera footage showed an interview between him and Carter in which the detective said Carter would constantly be crying and then go silent. The detective testified Carter told police that Carpenter was there to drop off a pack of cigarettes at her apartment and left right after, having no involvement in the homicide.

According to the detective, throughout the interview, Carter consistently took responsibility for shooting Nicholson and questioned why the detective kept asking her about Carpenter.

The detective discussed additional body-worn camera footage in which an officer encountered Carter crying outside her apartment and “claimed” to the officer that she was injured.

During cross-examination, Copeland challenged the detective’s use of the word “claimed” when talking about Carter’s injury. He pointed out that Carter went to the hospital due to hyperventilation after the shooting. In response, the detective said that they use the term “claimed” when referring to statements that are made by any suspects in a case.

A forensic medical examiner described Nicholson’s multiple gunshot wounds that determined the cause of death was a homicide. The witness detailed four gunshot wounds: one to the left shoulder, one to the left lower back, and two to the back of his head and neck. They confirmed Nicholson had high levels of marijuana in his system when he died.

The prosecution reviewed DNA evidence obtained from a swab of Carter’s cheek and remnants from from her clothing. The witnesses confirmed there were no errors made in analyzing her DNA.

A DNA analyst verified the integrity of the test results showing Carter’s DNA was likely in the clothing she wore during the incident that Carpenter’s DNA was probably present as well.

A ballistics specialist testified that after examining the shell casings recovered from the scene and comparing them to other shell casings, he concluded that they were consistent with bullets fired from the gun in evidence. According to court documents and past testimony, the gun was recovered from Carpenter’s truck.

Parties will reconvene on March 19.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Stabbing His Child’s Mother

A defendant pleaded guilty to stabbing his child’s mother before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 17.

Mark Henry, 38, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for a stabbing at the intersection of Sycamore and Oak Drive, SE on Nov. 10, 2025.

According to court documents, Henry and the victim have a 14-year-old child together. The victim sustained two puncture wounds and one laceration to the left side of her torso.

At the hearing, Henry said he did not believe the number was accurate because he only recalls swinging the knife once. However, he could not confirm how many wounds he believed the victim received.

“I didn’t see any wounds,” Henry said.

Henry accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecutors agreed to limit Henry’s sentence to the bottom third of the sentencing guidelines and to not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Despite the disagreement, Henry confirmed with Judge Hertzfeld that the prosecution would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he stabbed the victim after a verbal argument if the case went to trial.

Henry’s defense attorney, Tonya Harris, requested that Henry’s mental health history, which the defense wants to argue in support of a lesser sentence, be considered separately from his competency to stand trial. To go on trial, a defendant must understand the charges and be able to help his attorney.

Judge Hertzfeld said Harris would need to submit a request to the pre-sentence report writers.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on May 18.

Plea Deal Expires for Homicide Defendant

A plea deal expired for a defendant accused of fatally shooting a man who struck his girlfriend before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 13.

Aaron Jones, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Bobby Addison at the 3200 block of 28th Street, SE on July 28, 2024. Addison sustained eight gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, a witness reported seeing Jones and Addison arguing outside of their apartment complex. The witness said Jones’ girlfriend came outside and was struck by Addison and fell to the ground. Jones then allegedly fired around 10 shots at Addison, said the witness.

The prosecution notified parties that a deal was previously extended to Jones. If Jones accepted, he would have pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to dismiss the greater and remaining charges against him.

The prosecution reported there was no response from the defense and the pending plea offer expired.

Afterwards, defense attorneys, Diana Yu and Christen Phillips, waived the right to independent DNA testing on Jones’ behalf.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 10 to schedule trial dates.

Case Acquitted: Eyewitnesses Testify They Were Told to Lie About Homicide

Editor’s Note: Aillayh Carter was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 19, 2026.

Two witnesses testified they were told by a defendant to claim to police she was the perpetrator of murder instead of the actual suspect in a proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 17.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstructing justice of a witness or officer for allegedly attempting to influence two witnesses in a murder case.

Carter’s case was previously severed on Feb. 20 from her fiancé, Robert Carpenter, 37, who is 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 conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson on May 7, 2024 on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE.

According to the prosecution and court documents, Carter allegedly attempted to take responsibility for the murder.

A witness to the crime, who identified herself as Carter’s godmother the previous day in trial, testified that she told detectives that Carter committed the crime because Carter asked her to “tell them that I did it because that’s what I told them” during a phone call after the incident. One of Carter’s charges stems from allegedly attempting to influence her godmother.

“She will always be my goddaughter,” the witness said.

Carter’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, attempted to determine whether Carter and her godmother spoke before or after the godmother was initially interviewed by detectives. However, the godmother stated that she was unsure when exactly this conversation took place.

The godmother, who was getting her hair done by Carter at her apartment and the location of the offense, said that she did not witness the shooting but did see Nicholson enter the apartment “huffing and puffing” and asking where his son was. Nicholson was the father of Carter’s child.

The prosecution also called Carter’s godmother’s husband who was also present during the incident and Carter allegedly attempted to influence.

During questioning from the prosecution, the husband told the jury that Nicholson entered the apartment and demanded to see his son. With balled fists, said the husband, Nicholson paced back and forth repeating “I wanna see my son, I wanna see my f***ing son.” Their son was not in the apartment at that time, but Carter was “yelling historically for him to leave,” said the husband.

Subsequently, the husband said Nicholson lunged at Carter’s neck. “He was this close from choking her out,” the husband stated he saw before he heard gunshots.

He didn’t recall seeing any firearms before, during, or after the incident. When asked, he said he didn’t see who fired the shots because he was more concerned with his, and his wife’s, safety.

The husband said Carter told him “handle ya’ll business,” and “I’ma handle this,” after the shooting. He and his wife left the scene without calling 911.

The next day, the husband said Carter called his wife. He overheard the call because it was on speaker, and heard Carter ask them to say she was the shooter. “I told [Carter] it was a stupid idea, but go with it,” the husband said.

The prosecutor asked if the husband lied about who the shooter was. He said, when detectives interviewed him, he didn’t think they would believe what happened, and instead would assume it was a “lovers’ quarrel,” therefore he lied.

However, “the police didn’t buy it,” the husband said and then he told them Carpenter shot Nicholson.

On cross-examination, Copeland insisted it was the husband’s decision to lie because Carter never specified who to tell that she was the shooter or to lie to police, detectives, or in a trial.

A crime scene analyst with the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) also testified that he recovered a firearm from the interior of a vehicle registered to Carpenter which he swabbed for DNA material. According to court documents, Carpenter reportedly drove this vehicle the day of the incident.

Further, a forensic scientist with DFS testified about retrieving a buccal sample from the Homicide Branch of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Court documents show that this swab was reportedly used to tie Carpenter to the crime and exclude Carter.

The trial is scheduled to continue on March 18.

A ‘Trove of Surveillance’ Turned Over Two Weeks From Murder Trial

The defense in a murder case alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan a “trove of surveillance” evidence was “disturbingly” turned over just two weeks prior to the trial on March 13.

James Lewis, 48, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, and three counts of contempt. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 30-year-old Brenea Franklin at the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE on Jan. 30, 2021. Franklin sustained a laceration to her neck.

Mani Golzari, Lewis’ attorney, said the prosecution recently turned over 80 hours of surveillance footage just two weeks before the start of the trial, putting the defense at an unfair advantage.

“There was a trove of surveillance that we didn’t know about,” Golzari said.

The evidence reportedly contained footage of the hours before and after the incident. A camera angle allegedly capturing Franklin walking into a liquor store, which Golzari described as vital to the investigation.

Previously, the defense requested the prosecution ensure they had provided all existing evidence. The prosecution confirmed they provided everything at the time, according to Golzari.

Golzari filed a motion to address the recent surveillance turnover and possible problems that could hinder the defense, because the material came in so late.

Immediately after, the prosecution reportedly revoked a plea agreement which Golzari claimed he did not have a chance to review with Lewis.

The prosecutor said the plea deal would have required Lewis to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and they would dismiss the remaining charges. They also would request a sentence in the bottom half of the guidelines.

Golzari characterized the sudden surveillance reveal and plea revocation as “disturbing.”

“I will not insult anyone’s intelligence in this courtroom,” Golzari stated, frustrated by his belief that the prosecution did not adequately resolve the apparent disadvantage placed on the defense. “I have now spent days trying to figure out what other evidence is lurking.”

Golzari asked, “Is there any other surveillance video the [prosecution] has that has not been turned over to the defense?”

The prosecution said they do not believe it is appropriate to “go tit-for-tat” with questions, then asked “has the defense ever watched [the footage]?”

According to the prosecution, they had sent only 10 additional hours of film and revoked the plea because the agreement was contingent that the defense would not file any further motions.

Judge Ryan ordered the parties to file motions articulating their positions to settle the dispute.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.

Hearing Rescheduled After Judge, Defense Disagree About Release Terms

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel disagreed with a defense attorney regarding a stabbing defendant’s alleged pre-trial release violations during a hearing on March 16.

Julius Miller, 56, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1900 block of Gale Street, NE on July 17, 2025.

According to court documents, the victim was walking towards a 7-Eleven when Miller reportedly came out and started an argument. During the exchange, Miller reportedly pulled out a small, folding knife and as the fight progressed allegedly stabbed the victim in his back and abdomen.

At the hearing, Judge Israel mentioned that upon release, Miller went “frolicking” around the city and didn’t get home until 7 p. m. Miller’s attorney, Bruce Cooper, argued that his client was not under home confinement at the time, but Judge Israel disagreed since she was under a different impression. She stated the parties needed to review the documentation of Miller’s release and reconvene.

Due to inclement weather, the hearing was rescheduled for March 17.

Defense Claims Prosecution May Have Mishandled Evidence

A murder defendant’s attorney criticized the prosecution’s handling of the evidence, heightening the risk of contamination, but DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan was skeptical of the claim in a hearing on March 13.

Andre Chillous, 19, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old David Bailey at the Lamond Recreational Center on the unit block of Tuckerman Street, NE, on Aug. 1, 2024. Another juvenile victim sustained injuries from the shooting but survived.

Chillous, who was 17 at the time of the incident, is charged as an adult under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for serious offenses.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that the evidence tested by U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) likely contained no DNA connecting Chillous directly to the murder.

Madalyn Harvey, Chillous’ attorney, stated she still needs to view the evidence. Based on her experience in an unrelated case, presided over by the same prosecutor, Harvey accused the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and USAO of improperly handling evidence during viewings increasing the risk of contamination.

Harvey said in the other case, the prosecutor kept the evidence in paper bags which require “x-ray vision” to view the contents. She wanted to see what was in the bags without police and prosecutors present.

“[The defense] doesn’t get to choose how they get to view the evidence,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecution told the court the issue Harvey raised about the other case was resolved once she waived her client’s right to contamination. Harvey was then allowed to open the bags.

Judge Ryan said he didn’t see an issue but told the parties to return with more definitive information.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15.

Judge Releases Shooting Defendant, Held on Other Gun Charges

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld released a defendant for his alleged involvement in a shooting, but he is being held on charges related to a separate incident on March 16.

Tyjuan Liggins, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Jan. 11 on the 1200 block of I Street, SE.

According to court documents, no injuries were reported but ShotSpotter technology detected 13 fired rounds.

Liggins’ attorney, Matthew Covert, requested his client’s release. Judge Hertzfeld said there was no basis to justify holding Liggins on the current charges, but Liggins remains held on unrelated gun possession charges.

The prosecution mentioned an outstanding global plea offer which would include charges from both cases. This offer is contingent on Liggins waiving his rights to a preliminary hearing, noted prosecutors.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed to set a later hearing for Covert to have time to discuss the offer with Liggins.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Fatally Shooting 7-Year-Old’s Mother

A defendant accepted a plea deal for a fatal shooting that killed a mother before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 16.

Dion Lee, 26, was initially charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Pamela Thomas on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Feb. 9, 2022. Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

Rashod Dunbar, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact to assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the same homicide.

According to court documents, Thomas was in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle with her seven-year-old son on their way to a birthday party when a stray bullet struck Thomas in the back of the head.

During the hearing, Lee pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed as part of a plea agreement, which holds a maximum penalty of 70 years in prison.

The parties agreed to 19-to-21 years in prison as part of the agreement. Judge Park will accept or reject this recommendation during sentencing, and should he reject it, Lee may rescind his guilty plea.

After finding Lee understood he waived his rights including to a trial Judge Park accepted his guilty plea, pending his evaluation of the sentence agreement.

The prosecution stated if the case went to trial, they would be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Lee fired five rounds at a male target, one of which shot through the back window of a vehicle and struck Thomas.

Carrie Weletz, Dunbar’s attorney, requested Judge Park modify Dunbar’s release conditions because he has been compliant. According to court records, Dunbar was previously subject to GPS monitoring and a curfew, which the new conditions would remove.

Judge Park said he expects to grant Weletz’s request but wants to consult the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) before ruling. He said Dunbar had issues with drug testing in December 2023, so that condition will remain regardless.

Lee’s sentencing is scheduled for June 26. Parties for Dunbar are slated to reconvene on July 1.

Defense Claims Prosecutor ‘Slow Rolled’ Evidence in Homicide Case

A defense attorney expressed frustration that he has not received prosecution evidence in a timely fashion in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 13.

Deangelo Goldston, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his father, 61-year-old Darryl Smith on Feb. 4, 2025 on the 1000 block of First Street, SE.

At the hearing, Goldston’s attorney, Kevin Mosley asked Judge Kravitz to inquire if the prosecutor provided him with all evidence they are required to share. Mosley described the evidence he received as “minimal” and said it was frustrating to discuss the case with Goldston’s without all of the information.

For example, Mosley said United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers were among the first to arrive on scene. However, Mosley received no documentation involving the USCP. The prosecutor said she provided Mosley with all body-worn camera footage from the USCP but, to her knowledge, there were no notes. At Judge Kravitz’s request, the prosecutor said she would look into whether there was paper documentation from the USCP.

According to Mosley, there were at least six Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives on scene but he received notes from only one. “It’s just not possible in homicide cases,” said Mosley.

Mosley asserted he had not dealt with anyone from the United Stated Attorney’s Office (USAO) who “slow rolled” the evidence like the prosecutor in the case. According to Mosley, the prosecutor had a history of sharing evidence late in Goldston’s case.

The prosecutor said Mosley was “mischaracterizing things” and “what [Mosley] said is not true.”

Judge Kravitz encouraged Mosley to file a motion that clarifies the exact evidence he believes he did not receive and parties will schedule a prompt motions hearing.

Judge Kravitz said he did not understand the “personality dynamic” between Mosley and the prosecutor but encouraged them to improve communication to avoid “unnecessary fights.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 26 unless Mosley files a motion before then.

Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Shooting at Victim 15 times

Two co-defendants in a shooting case that left a victim in critical condition accepted plea deals before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 16.

Kenneth Johnson, 32, and Vance McIlwain, 34, were initially charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and endangerment with a firearm in a public place. Johnson was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year.

The charges stemmed from their involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of Chesapeake Street, SE, on Nov. 8, 2024.

In court, Johnson and McIlwain accepted plea agreements that require Johnson to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and McIlwain to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all remaining charges in this case against both defendants and dismiss a pending criminal misdemeanor case against McIlwain.

Parties agreed to six years of imprisonment for Johnson and 10 years for McIlwain. Judge Park will accept or reject the agreement during sentencing, and should he reject them, the defendants may rescind their guilty pleas.

The prosecution stated if the case went to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Johnson provided McIlwain with a firearm. They said McIlwain then fired 15 shots at the victim, hitting them on the right ear, left arm, chest, and twice to the abdomen, causing serious injuries, before Mcllwain returned the firearm to Johnson.

The prosecution said these actions were voluntary and not in self-defense. They said Johnson knowingly conspired with McIlwain.

After finding Johnson and McIlwain understood their rights, Judge Park conditionally accepted their guilty pleas, pending his evaluation of the sentencing agreements.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 15.

‘All I Knew Was The Streets,’ Says Carjacker, Sentenced to 10 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a young armed carjacking defendant to a term below mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison on March 13.

Eric Woods, 18, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2025 to armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred at the intersection of Hanover Place and North Capitol Streets, NW on Oct. 11, 2024.

Woods was charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed not to pursue charges against Woods for ten other incidents.

Judge Salerno sentenced Woods to 10 years of imprisonment and five years supervised release for armed carjacking and five years in prison and three years supervised release for possession of a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently and Woods must register as a gun offender in DC upon his release.

The prosecution asked for 15 years of imprisonment for armed carjacking and seven years for possession of a firearm, to run concurrently. They said their request factored in the severity of the carjacking, because the firearm was an AR style rifle and the victim was a random individual. Woods also ran from the police during the incident, emphasized prosecutors.

Prosecutors argued against the use of the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant, younger than 25 years-old at the time of the offense, to have their record sealed following a successful completion of their term and gives the judge sentencing flexibility.

Woods’ attorney, Gregg Baron, argued for a sentence of seven-and-a-half years in prison for armed carjacking and three years for possession of a firearm, to run concurrently. Baron argued strongly for the YRA, saying that Woods’ brain was not fully developed when he committed the offense. A short prison sentence would allow Woods’ to mature, argued Baron.

Baron stated that Woods’ pursued his high school studies while incarcerated, and has been in complete compliance with the rules at the Youth Services Center (YSC) at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS).

Woods’ apologized to the victim and explained his behavior was due to his upbringing. He stated he did not have a stable family and was not a “man” when he committed the carjacking.

“All I knew was the streets,” Woods stated.

“I know what kind of person I want to be.” Woods finished his statement, “I know I can do better.”

Judge Salerno stated that a lengthy period of imprisonment is needed for Woods because carjacking’s were a “regularity” for Woods.

Ultimately Judge Salerno did not sentence Woods under the YRA due to Woods’ extensive criminal history and a warrant for his arrest in Maryland. Judge Salerno also noted the firearm used in the incident was an AR military style rifle, holding up a photo of the firearm to show the court.

Judge Salerno sentenced Woods under a separate code that allows for a defendant who committed an offense when they were under 18-years-old to be sentenced under the mandatory minimum. In DC, the mandatory minimum for armed carjacking for adults is 15 years imprisonment.

No further dates were set.

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