Defendant Pleads Guilty to Jail Stabbing

A convicted murder defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 30.

Bernard Eddy, 25, was charged with assault with a prohibited weapon after his involvement in an inmate stabbing inside the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street SE on March 6, 2023.

Eddy’s attorney, Julie Swaney, informed Judge Arthur that Eddy accepted a plea offer from prosecutors. Eddy pleaded guilty to one count of simple assault and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon. In return, prosecutors dismissed more serious charges and agreed not to seek an indictment. Judge Arthur informed Eddy that the maximum penalty was 180 days or a $1000 fine.

Eddy was previously found guilty in April of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The conviction stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

The prosecution asked Judge Arthur to consider the murder charge, as well as a previous count of unlawful possession of a firearm in deciding the sentence. The prosecution pointed to Eddy’s record as proof of an escalating criminal history, requesting the maximum sentence of 180 days.

Defense attorney Swaney asked Judge Arthur to instead consider the difficulties of being in jail as well as the fact that Eddy was taking responsibility as mitigating the need for the maximum penalty. Swaney also noted that Eddy could receive a sentence of more than 14 years for his involvement in the homicide.

Judge Arthur sentenced Eddy to 120 days in jail along with his current sentence.

No further dates are to be held.

An ‘Imperfect Self Defense’

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel who accepted the pleas on July 2.

Jonathan Arevalo Blanco, 23, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on March 25. The incident happened on the 900 block of L Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim initiated a fistfight with the defendant who took out a knife, and stabbed the victim 11 times.

The plea deal for simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon reduces the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor.

The prosecution argued that Arevalo Blanco’s response exceeded self defense, calling it “an imperfect self defense,” but noted that the victim requested the defendant not face any jail time. The sentencing request was for the maximum penalty, suspended for both charges.

Arevalo Blanco’s attorney, Damon Catacalos, responded with a request for the minimum sentence, also suspended for both charges.

Judge Israel noted that Arevalo Blanco had no criminal history, and had been “as compliant as anyone I’ve ever seen.” She sentenced Arevalo Blanco to 45 days suspended for both charges, with probation for six months.

Judge Israel also noted that Arevalo Blanco was eligible to for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements. To qualify, Arevalo Blanco must complete at least 90 hours of community service.

Arevalo Blanco thanked his attorney and Judge Israel, saying “you can count on me.”

No further dates were set.

Judge Grants Youth Act Sentence in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced Ralph Price on June 20, following his conviction for a firearm-related offense.

Price, 20, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a July 27, 2023 shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

A jury trial verdict on June 2 concluded with Price being found guilty of two counts: possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

During sentencing, both parties acknowledged that Price had no prior criminal history and had maintained a clean record since the incident. Judge Pipe also noted that Price was only 18 years old at the time of the offense and determined that sentencing him under the Youth Act was appropriate. This gives Price a chance at rehabilitation by offering the possibility of having his convictions set aside if he successfully completes 90 hours of community service, helping him avoid a lasting criminal record.

Price was sentenced to 180 days for each count, both fully suspended and set to run concurrently. He was also placed on supervised probation for one year.

In addition, Price was informed of his obligation to register as a gun offender for two years.

No objections were raised by either party during the hearing.

Judge Pipe concluded the proceedings by advising Price of his right to appeal within 30 days.

No further dates were set.

drugs and alcohol could cost Carjacking Defendant his probation

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean expressed concern for the defendants continued lack of compliance regarding substance abuse treatment during a hearing on June 23.

Damian Lea, 24, pleaded guilty on Jan. 18, 2022 to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an armed carjacking on July 28, 2020 on the 100 block of Piece Street, NW.

According to court documents, Lea sold someone a car then immediately drove off with the car and the money used to purchase the vehicle.

During the hearing, Lea’s probation officer notified the court that he violated conditions of his probation because he tested positive for fentanyl on May 5 and June 10, tested positive for alcohol, and failed to appear for multiple drug tests. Lea’s probation officer also noted Lea attempted to cheat on drug tests and demonstrated avoidance and dishonesty.

Lea’s probation officer switched him from out-patient treatment to in-patient treatment in response to his lack of compliance but he still failed to appear for treatment. The probation officer added that Lea’s mother has also been trying to encourage him towards substance abuse treatment.

The prosecution requested the revocation of Lea’s probation agreement, which would mean he would have to serve his 42 month suspended sentence.

Lea’s attorney, Howard McEachern, countered that Lea showed up to in-patient treatment on Friday, claimed that he is not avoiding treatment, and noted a transportation issue for one of Lea’s absences. McEarchern argued that Lea was attempting to handle treatment on his own and is now ready to address the problem. He asked for Lea to be given substance abuse treatment and said he would comply with drug testing.

Judge McLean questioned why McEachern did not ask for substance abuse treatment before the hearing. She stated that Lea was previously given the benefit of the doubt in an attempt to sort out issues with his substance abuse treatment.

“This is not sorted out, this is concerning,” said Judge McLean. She scheduled a probation revocation hearing on July 30.

Domestic Shooting Defendant’s Release Request Denied, For Now

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a defense attorney’s request to release a defendant in a non-fatal domestic shooting case during a July 1 hearing.

Bernard King, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the incident on June 7 on the 1900 block of 18th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim is the mother of King’s children.

During the hearing, defense attorney Karen Minor requested the release of King with GPS monitoring and highlighted that he has been compliant during the case and has no bench warrant history.

Judge Di Toro and the prosecuting attorney asked Minor to file a motion for release and that it would be considered at the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 17.

Judge Denies Disabled Defendant’s Request For Release

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a defendant, who is in a wheelchair, requests for release and new representation during a hearing on June 26.

Delonte Brown, 30, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting injuring one person that occurred on June 7 on the intersection of 11th and U Streets, NW.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, requested that Judge Pipe consider releasing Brown and order him to home confinement, given his physical state.

Judge Pipe denied the request, stating that there could be no conditions for his release that would ensure the safety of the public due to the seriousness of the crime.

At the end of the hearing, Brown demanded a new lawyer stating, “I don’t want her.” However, Judge Pipe stated that she would not consider the request at this time, but told Brown that she would reconsider his request for new representation at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 23.

Good behavior earns resentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean resentenced a shooting defendant on June 23 based on his exceptional compliance with probation.

Joseph Robinson, 26, pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2021 to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business. The charges stem from his involvement in two incidents – an attempted armed robbery outside a gas station on May 8, 2021 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, and a shooting in a hotel room which injured one victim on July 8, 2021 on the 1200 block of 13th Street, NW. The victim later died of gunshot wounds.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Robinson on May 19, 2022 to 60 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and 15 months for carrying a pistol without a license. Judge O’Keefe suspended all but 24 months of Robinson’s sentence.

During the probation show cause hearing, Robinson’s probation officer highlighted his engagement in community activity.

Prosecutors requested Robinson finish serving his sentences because he possessed a firearm in both incidents. They claimed that Robinson displayed no regard for public safety evidenced by his repeated firearms related incidents.

Robinson’s attorney, Steven Polin, highlighted Robinson’s exceptional compliance during his probation, and the steps he’s taken in his education. Polin asserted that Robinson is a perfect example of the reason the city council amended the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which allows for young defendants to have their conviction sealed upon successful rehabilitation.

He added that Robinson is fully aware that if he violates any conditions he will be sent to prison. Furthermore, he argued that Robinson has experienced PTSD treatment after losing his twin brother in a police shooting.

Polin requested a resentence and probation concurring with his current supervision.

Robinson expressed remorse for his actions, and told Judge McLean that he is not the same person he was when the crimes occurred.

Judge McLean said suspension was a second chance, and successive chances are not warranted. However, in this very narrow circumstance she granted Robinson a third chance. She added that any violation will bring the full jail time.

Judge McLean resentenced Robinson to 60 months suspended and three years of supervised release running concurrently for both matters.

“Mr. Robinson, keep up your efforts,” said Judge McLean.

No further dates were set.

Defendant in EV Charger Shooting Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heidi Herrmann on June 30 and was ordered detained.

Ato Ocran, 46, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in the 2200 block of 13th Street, NE on June 3.

One individual was harmed during the incident.

According to court documents, Ocran allegedly got into a verbal argument with the victim over an electric vehicle charger. When Ocran left the parking lot, the victim allegedly followed him down Franklin Street, NE when Ocran allegedly made a u-turn, and fired at the victim through the driver’s side window of his vehicle, shooting him once in the arm and striking the vehicle several times.

According to an interview conducted by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers at the hospital, the victim advised officers that the suspect was a Black male driving a blue Tesla. From camera footage near the EV charger, MPD officers were able to find the license plate number of the blue Tesla and identify the owner as Ocran.

After waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Ocran’s defense attorney, K. Lawson Wellington, argued for his release until the next hearing.

Wellington said that the police report was misleading as to how the incident actually occurred with Ocran acting in self-defense and that it was wrong to find him a threat to the community. He noted that Ocran is employed, a veteran, father, and has no criminal history.

The prosecuting attorney referred back to the police report arguing that Ocran escalated the situation through “unacceptably violent behavior,” by consciously making the choice to make a u-turn and fire several rounds at the victim’s car.

Prosecution also referred to a dangerous amount of unregistered firearms and ammunition found at the defendant’s residence.

Judge Herrmann agreed that the severity of the crime warranted Ocran remain held with no bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty After Conviction Vacated

A shooting defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 30 after a motion to vacate a previous jury trial conviction was granted.

On April 30, Donnell Wells, 36, was acquitted of three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 1, 2024, on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

The jury convicted him of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his possession of a revolver during the incident.

Wells’ defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, filed for a post-disposition motion hearing on May 17 claiming a faulty DNA test kit was used in investigations, thus deeming the jury’s guilty verdict as prejudiced.

Wells’ case was re-opened on June 12 after Burrell’s motion to vacate the conviction was granted.

In his June 30 hearing, Wells accepted the prosecution’s newly filed plea offer, which charged Wells with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The prosecution agreed to limit its sentencing request to 18 months of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 19 for sentencing.

Trial Date Vacated to Make Time for Forensic Testing in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman vacated a trial slated to begin July 28 to make time for the defense to run forensic tests on item evidence, during a hearing on July 2.

Diamond Stevenson, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gregory Wilkins on Feb. 4, 2023 at the 1100 block of Maryland Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Stevenson placed a 9-1-1 call in the early morning of Feb. 4, 2023. Upon meeting officers at the scene, Stevenson was reported to be “emotional” and screaming, and at one point laying in front of the apartment door and blocking police entry. After officers breached the door of the apartment, Wilkins was found unconscious and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

In the hearing on July 2, Stevenson’s defense attorneys, Erica Arensman and Madalyn Harvey, explained that they will be running DNA tests on cartridge casings and the murder weapon. The prosecution stated that they have also tested these items. Arensman and Harvey explained that the forensic tests will not be done by the scheduled trial date.

Judge Edelman moved the trial date back to Dec. 7, 2026 to give time for the testing.

In a separate ruling, Judge Edelman amended Stevenson’s release conditions from phone check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) twice a month to reporting as directed because of her compliance with reporting requirements so far.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 30.

James Allen, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual at a McDonald’s on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue NE, on Dec. 28, 2024.

According to court documents, Allen allegedly stabbed the victim while in possession of amphetamines before he disposed of the knife in a nearby trash can and fled.

During the hearing, Allen accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to misdemeanor simple assault. All other charges were dismissed.

Prosecution requested that Allen receive the maximum sentence of 180 days incarceration.

Allen’s attorney, Charles Allen, noted that he has been incarcerated since his arrest on Dec. 28, 2024. Both parties agreed that Allen had already served his time, thus suggesting that he be released.

Judge Pipe argued that such a request misconstrued Allen’s incarceration, which she understood to be in response to probation violations related to other cases. She cited that time served cannot be double counted.

Because Allen was on probation at the time of the offense, Judge Pipe sentenced near the maximum recommendation for his offense. Allen was sentenced to 150 days, having received some credit for time served.

No further dates were set.

Mass Shooting/Murder Co-Defendants Waive Right to Independent DNA Testing

Shooting co-defendants waived their rights to independent evidence testing in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 27.

Johnny Wilkins, 35, Marcel Gavin, 38, Kharee Jackson, 32, and Darryl Little, 31, are charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith, Jr. on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Smith, a Tennessee rap artist, was visiting DC when he was attacked.

The prosecution listed the evidence they plan to admit to this case, including firearm evidence, clothing, and swabs that were later used for DNA testing. DNA results were received in November 2024. Although findings were limited, the prosecution informed the court that there was a DNA match linking Jackson to the case.

Defense attorneys Bernadette Armand representing Wilkins, Marnitta King representing Gavin, Joseph Fay representing Jackson, and Wole Falodun representing Little waived rights for independent testing on the prosecution’s admitted evidence on behalf of their respective defendants.

Judge Park accepted the waivers from all defendants.

Parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on Nov. 21.

Judge Weighs Motions to Withdraw Guilty Pleas in 2021 Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan is considering whether to allow a mother-and-son duo to withdraw their guilty pleas in connection with a fatal 2021 shooting.

Chakeatia Jackson, 39, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Her son, Jaquell Jackson, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. In return, prosecutors agreed to drop the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge and agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to 15-years. Charges stemmed from their involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to court documents, the murder resulted from a verbal altercation between Chakeatia and Chappell at Ballou High School. Following the dispute, Chakeatia and Jaquell were allegedly seen pointing at Chappell’s vehicle before shots were fired.

The July 3 status hearing focused on motions from the defendants to withdraw their guilty pleas, saying that their previous attorneys had coerced them and misinformed them of their options.

Chakeatia’s attorney, Kevin Irving, stated that she had been in an extremely emotional and confused state when she was pressured by her previous lawyer, Errin Scialpi, to sign papers and agree with any of the judge’s questions. Although Chakeatia declined to testify, citing her Fifth Amendment rights, she now maintains that she did not understand what she agreed to during the plea negotions.

Jaquell’s attorney, Megan Allburn, offered a different argument, stating that his previous lawyer, Brian McDaniel, was not incompetent but was instead misinformed of the plea deals on the table. Jaquell reportedly believed that his mother would only receive a plea deal if he accepted one as well, leading him to agree to terms despite wanting to proceed to trial.

The prosecution opposed both motions. They highlighted the professional records of both defense attorneys, stating they are capable and experienced. The court heard how McDaniel had secured a favorable plea deal for Jaquell despite his alleged involvement in a jailhouse stabbing while awaiting trial.

Furthermore, the prosecution pointed out the repeated discrepancies between Chakeatia’s new recollection of events that led to her plea and what actually happened.

Chakeatia claimed that she was instructed by Scialpi to blindly agree during a break in her plea hearing, when in fact no such break took place during the court proceedings. Additionally, her new stance of having no involvement in the shooting is contradicted by video surveillance at the scene of the crime that identifies her, according to the prosecution.

Judge Ryan has given both parties until July 8 to submit any final written arguments on the matter and will make a ruling on the motions before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 4.

68-year-old Defendant Gets Mental Competency Exam in Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a stabbing defendant to undergo a mental competency exam during a preliminary hearing on July 3.

Jacqueline Robinson, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing using a pair of scissors. The incident occurred on June 30 at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Morris Road, SE.

During her preliminary hearing, Robinson’s defense attorney, Claudine Harrison’s request for forensic testing was granted and a preliminary forensic screening was ordered.

In order to stand trial, the law requires that a defendant understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied the request for release of a carjacking defendant during a July 1 hearing.

Raysean Brown, 29, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of reckless driving, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and destruction of property $1,000 or more for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on May 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.

Brown’s attorney, Joseph McCoy, asked Judge Arthur to release Brown, arguing that Brown has been behaving since his arrest. Prosecutors countered that due to his prior convictions, current warrants in Maryland and Virginia, and the fact that he was on supervised release at the time of the incident, Brown would be a danger to the community if released.

The prosecution also raised the concern that Brown has relationships with several of the witnesses and could potentially pose a threat to them if he were released.

Judge Arthur denied McCoy’s request to release Brown.

Addressing another issue, McCoy asked the court not to permit cell site evidence, that the prosecution plans to use. McCoy said that the prosecution acted negligently by not filing notice to use that data sooner. The prosecution had filed notice of their cell site data expert just two days before the July 1 hearing. McCoy requested that, if the judge decided to permit the evidence, he and Brown be given more time to review the evidence and prepare a defense.

Judge Arthur ruled that cell site data would be permitted into evidence and ordered the parties to reconvene on September 23.

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