Judge Mulls Possible Halfway House For Infanticide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman suggest an infanticide defendant be sent to a women’s halfway house on April 24 to receive drug treatment.

Christian Borden, 37, is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children with grave risk for her alleged involvement in the death of her five-month-old child Kenneth Walton at the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW on Feb. 11, 2023. Walton died from multiple blunt force injuries.

Borden’s attorney, Megan Allburn requested Judge Edelman order Borden’s release to Samaritan Inns, an organization that helps the homeless and individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Allburn argued Borden is ready for the opportunity, reporting she recently completed a 120-day drug treatment program at the jail and is considered a mentor in the program.

“We are turning to optimism and hope,” Allburn said.

In the past Allburn said Borden was not successful in completing the treatment programs due to broken relationships. However, since her recent treatment “[Borden has] held her head high,” Allburn said.

The prosecution opposed Borden’s release, concerned she would not complete the treatment and would return to her previous habits.

“She looks a lot better,” Judge Edelman said. But, meaning no disrespect, he acknowledged her history of being “deeply addicted.” In the past, she was “lying to me and herself about what she was doing,” Judge Edelman said.

Judge Edelman expressed his concern about her lack of compliance with release conditions. He said the severity of the offense and danger attached to her addiction raise concern.

As an alternative, he suggested Borden’s assignment to Fairview Halfway House, a women’s facility under the supervision of the Department of Corrections’ (DOC). Judge Edelman gave the parties more time to consider his proposal.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 6.

Judge Denies Request to Dismiss Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a defense attorney’s request to dismiss his client’s non-fatal shooting case during an April 24 hearing.

Alonzo Hinton, 39, is charged with simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 20, 2025 on the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, Hinton’s attorney, Ferguson Evans, asked for dismissal given the lack of evidence and because the casae was not progressing to trial. Evans also noted that the case was initially charged as a felony but is now reduced to a misdemeanor.

Judge Hertzfeld denied the request, stating that the case had already moved forward. She also questioned why the matter was before her, noting that it was previously assigned to Judge Pipe and that she had expected the defense to work toward resolution.
The parties are slated to reconvene on May 18 to set a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Judge Allows Stabbing Defendant to Serve Sentence in Halfway House

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld amended a domestic stabbing defendant’s sentence to allow her imprisonment at a halfway house during an April 24 hearing.

Latanya Leonard, 56, was sentenced on Feb. 27 to 360 days incarceration, all but 180 suspended, followed by one year of probation for simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, and two counts of contempt for her involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing on the 300 block of N Street, NE on Jan. 13. Leonard cut her boyfriend’s arm with a kitchen knife.

At the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld stated she permitted Leonard to serve the remainder of her sentence in a halfway house. According to court records, Leonard’s incarceration started on Jan. 14. Therefore, her 180 day sentence would end on July 13.

Louis Kamara, Leonard’s attorney, requested his client’s release to home confinement at her mother or grandma’s residence, but the judge denied the request. Judge Hertzfeld stated that the halfway house placement was the only approved option.

No further dates were set.

‘I Don’t Want To Be Judged By a Piece of Paper’ Says Teen Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a teen carjacking defendant to 18 months of probation with special conditions on April 24.

Antonio Gaither, 17, pleaded guilty on Aug. 29, 2025 to unarmed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery for his involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2024 on the 800 block of P Street, NW.

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

At sentencing, the prosecution argued that Gaither, even though he had no prior experience with the criminal justice system, should serve seven years in prison for carjacking, five years for possession, and five years for each robbery charge, all concurrently. They said the incident traumatized the victims and the community.

Two victim statements were read by the prosecutor, one victim forgave Gaither for what he did, but the other victim was so frightened the person may not be able to return back to DC.

Quiana Harris, Gaither’s attorney, argued for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed with successful completion of requirements and potentially offers sentencing flexibility.

Harris said the YRA would allow Gaither to grow up without having his whole life tarnished by the incident because he was 15 when he started committing crimes. She stated that Gaither would be able to be on probation, graduate from high school, apply to colleges, and receive therapy.

Harris stated that prison was not a place for Gaither to become a man. At the Youth Service Center (YSC), for juvenile detainees, Gaither received the highest grades in all of his classes and received recognition, showing a picture of Gaither smiling in front of all of his more than 30 certificates. “[Gaither] is not shy about how smart he is,” said Harris. Harris mentioned that Gaither has the skills to be a leader, doctor, teacher, lawyer, or any profession he desires.

After hearing both parties’ arguments, Judge Di Toro allowed Gaither to addres the court. Gaither apologized for his mistakes that affected the victims, the community, and his family.

He wants to get beyond the indictment.

“I don’t want to be judged by a piece of paper,” said Gaither as he has b een working on himself to get better. He mentioned that he has earned A’s and B’s in all of his classes, referencing his certificates.

Judge Di Toro said that Gaither will be sentenced under YRA because of his age, having no prior interaction with the criminal justice system, and how well he has done at YSC.

She told Gaither that she wanted him to understand that if he got sentenced to the mandatory minimum of his crime, he would not be released from prison until he was 30, taking away his time with his family.

Judge Di Toro, sentenced Gaither to four years imprisonment for carjacking, four years for possession, and two years for each robbery charge. All time suspended, in favor of 18 months of probation, asking Gaither to refrain from using drugs and alcohol, specifically THC. She also ordered that Gaither would do 90 hours of community service to give back to the community on his probation.

If Gaither fails to complete the requirements of his probation, Judge Di Toro can require he serve the prison time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 17 for a probation review hearing.

‘I Am No Killer,’ Homicide Case Driver Says At Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson sentenced the driver in a homicide case to five-and-a-half years in prison for obstruction of justice on April 24.

On Jan. 13, Daniel Bangura, 22, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Donald Childs, 46, on July 30, 2023 on the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW. Childs sustained a gunshot wound to his chest.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence of four-to-eight years imprisonment, subject to Judge Dayson’s approval at sentencing.

Iesha Marks, 31, also pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to second-degree murder while armed for her involvement in the same incident. Marks is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12.

According to court documents, Bangura drove the vehicle as Marks fired multiple shots that shot and killed Childs and then drove away from the scene.

The prosecution requested the highest possible sentence of eight years after reading a statement written by Childs’ mother. She wrote that his death “had lasting emotional effects” on her and the rest of Childs’ family, including his five children who were greatly impacted by the loss and struggled to adjust to life without him.

The prosecution also emphasized that, after Childs’ murder, Bangura was involved in additional gun possession and assault charges in Maryland. They argued that Bangura’s new charges showed that he had not learned from his actions and continued to engage in concerning behavior. The prosecution said Bangura was already sentenced to time in prison for both Maryland incidents.

Bangura’s attorney, Peter Odom, asked Judge Dayson to consider Bangura’s age of 19-years-old at the time of the incident before imposing a sentence. Odom also informed the judge about a drug addiction that Bangura struggled with since he was 16-years-old, and asked her to take into account Bangura’s remorse.

Odom said that Bangura should not face consequences for Marks’ actions, and argued that he did not know that a shooting would occur when he drove the vehicle with Marks riding inside.

Bangura’s mother gave a brief statement in which she said he “had a good heart” and was “loved by many.” She also asked Judge Dayson to consider Bangura’s age because his brain had not fully developed. Bangura’s mother also expressed her sympathy for Childs’ family.

Bangura apologized for his actions and briefly mentioned his struggles with his drug addiction. He said he engaged in peer recovery programs in Maryland in an effort to get help with his addiction and said his family was supportive.

Bangura told Judge Dayson, “I am no killer,” and asked for a reduced sentence so he could spend time with his younger brother and grandmother.

Judge Dayson acknowledged a request from the defense to sentence Bangura under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would allow him to have his conviction sealed after successful completion of his sentence and offers sentencing flexibility. However, due to the seriousness of the case and because Bangura was involved in multiple incidents afterwards, the judge declined to exercise the option.

Bangura was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF), and Judge Dayson said that this sentence will be consecutive to any sentences for his cases in Maryland.

No further hearings were scheduled.

Judge Conditionally Releases Suspect in Assault, Knife Attack

DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan released an assault defendant on GPS monitoring with a stay-away order on April 21.

Jordan Clarke, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to injure or kidnap a person for her alleged involvement in an incident at the unit block of 42nd Street, NE on April 18.

According to court documents, Clarke was arrested on scene after she allegedly threatened one of the victims and approached them with a knife. During the altercation, a victim disarmed Clarke and both victims restrained Clarke on the ground. During the altercation, Clarke allegedly bit one victim on the back upper arm, the other victim on the forearm, and Clarke sustained injuries to her hands.

At the hearing, Clarke’s attorney, Daniel Kovler, informed Judge Nolan that Clarke chose to waive her preliminary hearing, thus acknowledging probable cause she commited the crime.

Kovler requested Judge Nolan release Clarke on GPS monitoring. He stated Clarke has no prior criminal history, family and friends she can stay with, and cares for her four children. Clarke is willing to stay away from the two victims and the location of the incident if granted release. Kovler said Clarke previously resided in the apartment where the incident occurred.

According to Kovler, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived on scene and found “[Clarke] was held down and was being beaten.” Kovler notes that Clarke sustained a number of cuts during the incident.

The prosecution argued that Clarke should remain held, because of the seriousness of the offense. One of the victims was a juvenile and the other was over the age of 65. The prosecution stated they have strong evidence, including video footage of Clarke allegedly yelling and throwing things at the victims before she can be seen brandishing a knife and approaching them.

Judge Nolan decided to release Clarke on GPS monitoring. He ordered her to stay away from both victims and the location of the incident, but she is allowed to retrieve her belongings from the location with a police escort. She is required to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) in person two times a month.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 27.

Parties Clash Over Late Strangulation Witness in a Murder Trial

The prosecution objected to a late defense motion to introduce its own expert witness on strangulation before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 23.

Juan Guerra, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 32-year-old Peter Miller III on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW, on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.

In the last moments of the hearing, the prosecution asked defense attorneys Kevin Mosley and Diana Yu if they intended to bring forward any expert witnesses at trial. Mosley said they may bring forward their own forensic pathologist expert.

The prosecution, visibly upset by the notice, objected. According to the prosecution, the defense’s deadline for expert notice passed two months ago, Feb. 23, and it would be inappropriate to file so near to the trial date, May 26.

Mosley responded, stating they intend to call the forensic pathologist if the prosecution goes through with calling a strangulation expert witness. The defense filed a motion against the use of the strangulation expert on March 25, claiming that he is not qualified enough to give an expert testimony.

Additionally, Yu argued the strangulation expert’s opinion contradicts the autopsy report. The report stated Miller’s cause of death was asphyxiation and blunt force trauma to his head and neck.

Yu said that if prosecutors had the strangulation expert testify that they would be, “taking two bites of the same apple,” because the medical examiner and the strangulation expert would be referencing the same cause of death.

The prosecutor argued the testimony was important as the defense theory is reportedly based on the cause of death.

The strangulation expert, according to the prosecution, performed thousands of autopsies as an assistant. His report and testimony would serve to inform the jury of the specifics of strangulation, adding to the autopsy report not contradicting it.

The parties agreed to having the strangulation expert appear at a motion hearing May 11 to decide whether he can be a witness at trial.

Defendant Rejects Plea Offer After Bus Ride Leads to 2 AM Murder

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz in a hearing on April 24.

Orlando Anderson, 32, 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 greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jeremy Johnson on Feb. 12, 2024 on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW. Johnson sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and chest.

According to court documents, Anderson and another individual boarded a Metrobus around two a. m, Johnson boarded the bus shortly after. Johnson reportedly followed them off the bus as they left and for a few blocks, before Anderson turned around and allegedly fired two shots and then fled the scene.

Prosecutors read aloud the plea agreement that they had extended which would require Anderson to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, prosecutors would limit their sentencing request to 13 years in prison and dismiss any greater or remaining charges.

Gemma Stevens, Anderson’s attorney, told Judge Kravitz that her client rejected the plea offer and that they would be going forward with the scheduled trial in May 2027.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 28.

Homicide Defendant Refused Court Appearance, Proceedings Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed a status hearing for a homicide defendant since he wouldn’t leave the jail to appear in court on April 24.

Jordan Therman, 27, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, first-degree felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of 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 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood. The incident occurred on Aug. 4, 2023 on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW.

Therman is also charged in another case with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and endangerment with a firearm in a public place for his alleged involvement in a separate non-fatal shooting. This incident occurred on Feb. 7, 2024 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, injuring one person.

Judge Dayson informed the parties that Therman wasn’t present. A US Marshal stated that Therman refused to be transported from the DC Jail for unknown reasons.

The prosecution briefly addressed matters related to DNA evidence, saying that they needed additional time to test hair and a jacket collected from the scene. The hearing was delayed to allow time for the DNA analysis and for Therman to be present in court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 24.

‘Think About Your Family,’ Judge Tells Repeat Stabbing Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a defendant who stabbed a delivery driver to 28 months imprisonment on April 24.

Travis Cole, 37, pleaded guilty on Feb. 17 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 2700 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW on Sept. 28, 2025. The victim sustained a stab wound to the left abdomen.

According to court documents, the victim was an Uber Eats driver delivering food to Cole when they engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical.

Judge Arthur sentenced Cole to two years-plus and three years supervised release.

During the hearing, the prosecution argued for a sentence of 32 months of imprisonment. Prosecutors stated that Cole was a repeat offender, and this was not the first time Cole had stabbed an individual.

Cole’s fiancée spoke during the hearing, stating that they had been together for 13 years and have been through a lot. According to Cole’s fiancée, he is not a violent person, but he does struggle with mental health issues.

The victim was allegedly upset about not receiving a tip, according to Cole’s fiancée, and had struck Cole first before Cole became violent. Later in the hearing, Judge Arthur stated that Cole’s fiancée was in the wrong for blaming Cole’s reaction on the victim.

Adgie O’Bryant, Cole’s attorney, argued for a sentence of 14 months imprisonment, all suspended, in favor of a period of probation. O’Bryant stated that Cole took responsibility for the incident, and was willing to receive mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Judge Arthur stated that the victim was just doing their job when the incident occurred, and Cole’s response to the situation was dangerous. In addition, Judge Arthur stated that Cole’s response to a situation should not be as impulsive even if the person is “dead wrong.”

Cole had a criminal history that involved a previous stabbing case in 2015 and an assault case in 2017, stated Judge Arthur. In both cases, Cole was given a suspended sentence, and proved to Judge Arthur that even with probation and services Cole has not learned from his past.

“Think about your family.” Judge Arthur told Cole before imposing his sentence.

No further dates have been set in this case.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Takes ‘Full Accountability of [His] Actions’ at Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted responsibility for his actions and received a seven year prison sentence before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 24.

Demarco Bates, 29, pleaded guilty on Feb. 10 to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE on April 10, 2024.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a seven-to-eight year prison sentence, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.

Prosecutors requested an eight year sentence for Bates because of his “extremely reckless behavior” at the scene. They showed footage of Bates firing 10 rounds at a white sedan that instead struck a Metrobus and a nearby apartment building, shooting a woman in the foot and ankle.

The driver of the Metrobus prepared a victim impact statement that was read by prosecutors. In his statement, he questioned why this happened and whether he could prepare for another similar moment in the future. He requested that the judge sentence Bates to the maximum penalty because of the severity of his crime.

Alvin Thomas, Bates’ attorney, said Bates shot at the white sedan out of fear because he saw the car drive by him multiple times that day. Thomas argued that a seven year sentence was sufficient because Bates “wasn’t trying to shoot the bus or the woman.”

Bates prepared a letter saying, “I am Demarco Bates and I take full accountability of my actions.”

Judge Kravitz believed a seven year sentence was sufficient to deter Bates from further crime, while also maintaining the safety of the community.

The judge sentenced Bates to 42 months for each assault charge and a concurrent 60 months for the possession charge. Bates will serve a total of seven years of imprisonment, but he will earn credit for his two years of time already served and have three years of supervised release after his sentence ends.

No further dates were scheduled.

Judge Allows New DNA Footprint Testing in 20-Year-Old Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a prosecutor’s request to test footprint evidence from a 2005 homicide during a motion hearing on April 23.

Michael Wells, 54, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Makia Mosby on Nov. 24, 2005, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

Judge Park addressed a motion filed by the prosecution on April 15 requesting a court order for Wells to comply with having his footprint taken, so that it could be tested against a footprint found on a retail bag collected from the crime scene. The judge asked the prosecution why this motion was only being filed now and how long it would take for this testing to be conducted, since Wells’ trial is scheduled to begin on May 26.

The prosecution said that they initially missed the footprint information in the information provided by Wells’ attorneys, Molly Bunke and Hannah Claudio, but that the testing should be concluded within two weeks.

Claudio argued against the request, saying that the prosecution should have been more diligent in asking to test the evidence, and that this motion was filed too close to the trial. She asserted that missing the mention of the footprint on an initial read of the defense’s letter was not an appropriate excuse for the lateness of their request.

Judge Park agreed with Claudio’s position about when the motion was filed. The judge said that while he was inclined to allow the prosecution to test the footprint, he might not allow them to use it as evidence due to the proximity to trial.

The prosecution said that if the motion was granted, they could have Wells’ footprint taken after the hearing. Claudio and Bunke maintained their opposition to the motion, but said that if it was granted, they would not object to that as long as they could have an investigator observe the process.

Judge Park granted the motion and agreed with having the testing take place after the hearing.

Bunke briefly addressed some defense issues with additional evidence, particularly a cigarette lighter collected from the scene that had not yet been transported to the defense’s lab for testing. The prosecution explained that this issue was due to shipping problems acknowledged by an official from the United States Postal Service (USPS).

Bunke also said that she and Claudio were missing photographs from the crime scene, but the prosecution said that they had already sent all of the photos they had to the defense.

Judge Park acknowledged these issues and said hopefully parties could find a solution before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Shooting Defendant in Multiple Cases Waives Preliminary Hearing, Remains Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied release for a shooting defendant who waived his right to a preliminary hearing, thus establishing probable cause he committed the crime in hearing on April 17.

Denzel Hollonquest, 33, is charged with endangerment with a firearm while armed, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 17 on the 3100 block of Chestnut Street, NE. There were no injuries reported but officers located two shell casings.

According to court records, surveillance footage allegedly showed Hollonquest removing the victim from a car and threatening to shoot her. Hollonquest reportedly fired two shots in the air before fleeing the area with the victim in the car.

The charges also stem from Hollonquest’s alleged involvement in another incident on Feb. 17 on 1200 block of 18th Street, NE that left one victim with facial injuries.

According to court records, Hollonquest got into an argument with two individuals, one was the victim involved in the later shooting. Hollonquest allegedly struck both victims.

Hollonquest allegedly fled Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers in a third incident on Feb. 17 going from the 2600 block of Evarts Street, NE to New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court records, MPD officers were on the lookout for Hollonquest’s car when he allegedly began fleeing officers. Reportedly, Hollonquest stopped on the right shoulder of New York Avenue, NE before officers detained him.

During the hearing Hollonquest’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested his release without making a specific argument.

Judge Raymond denied the request, based on the probable cause already determined and her belief that no set of conditions could ensure the community’s safety.

Prosecutors said they would be requesting a buccal swab warrant, a warrant that allows law enforcement officials to collect DNA from the inside of the defendant’s cheek.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.

Defendant Sentenced to 42 Months For Stabbing Juvenile

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a defendant to 42 months in prison for stabbing a juvenile in the hand on April 21.

Anthony Nowlin, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in the non-fatal stabbing of a juvenile in the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW on Aug. 26, 2025. The victim sustained lacerations to their right hand.

Nowlin pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to assault with a dangerous weapon. The prosecution agreed not to seek indictment on any greater charges and dismiss a separate misdemeanor case.

The prosecutor requested Nowlin be sentenced to four years in prison. The prosecutor said Nowlin approached the juvenile on the train, made comments to them, and touched them. The victim rejected Nowlin’s advances and, when he did not stop, they punched Nowlin, according to the prosecutor. The prosecutor said Nowlin then chased the victim and stabbed them in the right hand.

The prosecutor said Nowlin tested positive for cocaine, PCP, and fentanyl at the time of the incident. They said he was previously charged with attempted robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge McLean noted Nowlin was only on release for two months when this incident occurred.

Nowlin’s attorney, Derrick Page, requested Nowlin be placed in mental health treatment. He said Nowlin had significant emotional problems left untreated when he was homeless during the time of the incident.

Page said Nowlin performed better and was not a risk to the community with treatment. He said, while incarcerated, Nowlin had access to medication through the New Hope Health Services program, a DC agency that focuses on mental health for individuals above 18-years-old. However, Page said he lost access when he could not provide documentation of his release while homeless.

Page also noted Nowlin’s mother struggled with mental health issues and addiction. In addition, Nowlin’s father was absent and Nowlin did not receive any aid in school.

“My client started out behind the 8-ball” Page said.

Judge McLean asked Page how this information should be incorporated into determining Nowlin’s sentence.

“My prayer and my hope is that when he is released, the therapeutic part happens sooner rather than later,” Page said.

Nowlin apologized for his actions and said he behaves better when he has access to medication.

“I did not know [the victim] was underage,” Nowlin said. “When I’m on my meds, I don’t act like that.”

Judge McLean sentenced Nowlin to 42 months in prison and required him to undergo in-patient substance abuse and a mental health treatment program immediately following his sentence.

“I hope you can continue to use your time with the good attitude you have had,” Judge McLean said.

No further dates were set.

Prosecution Transfers Shooting Case to US District Court

Prosecutors informed DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 21, that they dismissed all charges in a shooting case, transferring them to US District Court.

Taron Johnson, 30, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 800 block of Bladensburg Road, NE on March 3. No injuries were reported.

According to court records, Johnson allegedly demanded the victim owed him money in an argument on the phone. The victim stated Johnson reportedly showed up to his apartment and fired one shot at him.

During the hearing, the prosecution stated they would be dismissing all charges against Johnson in his non-fatal shooting case. The prosecution filed intent of Nolle Prosequi, meaning they will no longer pursue the case. Although, according to prosecutors and court records, they filed a complaint in US District Court against Johnson for charges relating to the shooting. The move could result in a tougher sentence if convicted under federal jurisdiction.

In DC Superior Court, Johnson is charged in an unrelated case with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Nov. 6, 2025 on the 800 block of Bladensburg Street, NE. The victim sustained a stab wound to his left shoulder.

Parties are slated to reconvene for the stabbing case on May 19.

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