Document: Homicide on M Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 600 block of M Street, NE on Dec. 30.

According to a press release, officers found 21-year-old Jibri West on 8^th and H Street, Northeast. West was unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead.

The department is offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.

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Witnesses Testimonies Implicate A Murder Defendant in Transgender Woman’s Death

On Jan. 29, the testimonies of three witnesses implicated one of the murder defendants involved in a transgender woman’s murder.

Jalonte Little and Monte Johnson are charged with felony murder while armed and armed robbery, among other offenses, for their alleged roles in the shooting of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds on the 200 block of Division Street, NE in 2016. The homicide is being treated as a hate crime.

A police sergeant, who aided in the arrest of Little, told a jury Jan. 29 that a victim from one of four robberies against transgendered women, identified Little’s car. Apparently, one of the robberies resulted in Dodds’ death.

Another victim testified that she was strip-searched and called derogatory slurs. However, she said she could not see the faces of the men who robbed her.

In addition to the officer and the woman, an expert in GPS monitoring said Little was wearing a GPS tracking device at the time of the shooting and robberies. Based on the data, it is likely that Little was driving at the time.

Two brothers, 25-year-old Shareem Hall and 23-year-old Cyheme Hall, are also charged with the death of Dodds. D.C. Witness previously reported that the prosecution said the brothers entered into a plea agreement and plan to testify against Johnson and Little. However, as of Jan. 29, a plea agreement has not been filed.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Little was the driver while the Hall brothers and Johnson performed the robberies. Apparently, Johnson shot Dodds.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 30.

Document: Arrest Made in Traffic Fatality on Kenilworth Avenue, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Jan. 29 a man involved in a traffic fatality that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to a press release, 20-year-old Markel Ford is charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly killing 51-year-old Sherron Pressley on Aug. 30, 2018. Both the victim and the suspect resided in Northeast DC at the time.

Apparently, during the afternoon hours, two pedestrians were walking in a crosswalk when a dark colored vehicle hit them. Both victims were transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle did not remain on the scene.

Pressley was later pronounced dead, according to the release.

Judge Continues Murder Defendant’s Sentencing, Again

Minutes before a man was scheduled to be sentenced, a defense lawyer requested a continuance, saying she needs more time to review transcripts.

In August of 2018, a jury found Sean Green guilty of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill and two gun related charged for his role in the death of 24-year-old Derrick Black on the 3300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2015.

In lieu of the sentencing, a status hearing was scheduled on March 1, which is when counsel is expected to set a sentencing date.

During the hearing, defense attorney Kristin McGough, who is new to Green’s case, also said she needs additional time to see how her client would like to proceed.

Green, 27, was initially scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 2. However, he requested new counsel, which caused the court to continue his sentencing. McGough was appointed on Nov. 28.

According to the prosecution, surveillance footage shows Green chasing Black on Georgia Avenue and shooting him three times in the back. After Black fell to the ground, Green shot him two more times.

Senior Citizen Pleads Guilty to Homicide Over Lawnmower Dispute

After being deemed competent, a murder defendant pleaded guilty Jan. 28 for his role in a homicide that stemmed from a dispute over a lawnmower.

William Hunt pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for stabbing 48-year-old George White on the 400 block of Newcomb Street, SE in 2011. During the hearing, the prosecutor said the victim was stabbed 67 times.

Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to downgrade Hunt’s first-degree murder while armed charge to second-degree murder while armed. They also agreed to drop Hunt’s obstruction of justice charge. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Hunt, 62, could be sentenced to 11.5 years in prison.

In 2015, Hunt was deemed incompetent and the court ordered inpatient restoration services at St. Elizabeth’s hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital. According to D.C. Superior Court Judge Jose Lopez, St. Elizabeth’s doctors now say Hunt is competent.

Hunt will remain at St. Elizabeth’s hospital pending sentencing.

According to a proffer of facts, White confronted Hunt, who was cutting grass, after he was woken up by the sound of a lawnmower. After the argument ended, Hunt entered White’s apartment and stabbed him repeatedly.

Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25.

Transgender Woman’s Death Was a Hate Crime, Prosecution says

During opening arguments in a murder trial, the prosecution sought to prove two defendants were involved in a string of robberies that targeted transgender women, ultimately killing one of them. But, the defense said, “things aren’t always as they seem.”

Jalonte Little and Monte Johnson are charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed and conspiracy, among other felonies, for their alleged role in the death of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds, also known as Gregory Dodds, on the 200 block of Division Street, NE in 2016. According to the prosecution, Dodds death is being treated as a hate crime.

Brothers Shareem Hall, 25, and Cyheme Hall, 23, are also charged with Dodds’ death. The prosecution said the brothers entered into a plea agreement and plan to testify against Little and Johnson.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Little, 28, acted as the driver while Johnson, 23, and the Hall brothers assaulted and robbed transgender women and other individuals who were near them. Apparently, Dodds was on her way home when the trio approached her. The prosecution said Johnson held Dodds at gunpoint and ultimately shot her in the neck while the brothers stole her purse.

The prosecution also said Little tried to obstruct justice because they intercepted a letter from DC Jail that directed an unknown individual to “silence” government witnesses that “said too much.” They also say that Johnson confessed to his girlfriend the day after the murder.

On the other hand, Johnson’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, said his client was not present at the murder and that the brothers were making him a “scapegoat.” According to Irving, the brothers told the police multiple stories of the murder.

“This case is exactly about Shareem and Cyheme Hall,” Irving said. “Two brothers with an incentive to take the blame off themselves.”

Little’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, conceded that her client was wearing a GPS tracking monitor that placed him near the crime scene. However, she noted that the GPS device doesn’t inform anyone what her client agreed to or what he knew.

Harden also sought to discredit Shareem, saying that he was previously arrested and charged in an unrelated armed home invasion case. Harden also said Cyheme couldn’t be trusted and noted that, at the time of the murder, he was a fugitive in Maryland and Virginia.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 29.

Judge Sentences Man to Nearly 14 years for 2015 Homicide

A judge sentenced Jan. 25 a man to 167 months, or about 14 years, for the death of another man in 2015.

John James, 27, pleaded guilty in October of 2018 to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault for shooting Ernest Massenberg-Bey, Jr. on the 1100 block of Eaton Road, SE, which is located in the Barry Farm neighborhood.

During the sentencing, a prosecutor said that James shot the two men after an argument over a dice game. According to court documents, Massenberg-Bey intervened in an argument between James and a surviving victim. James left the scene of the argument but returned and shot the two men. The surviving victim later identified James as the shooter.

“I walked around for two years, numb and in disbelief that I’d never see my son again,” Massenberg-Bey’s mother told DC Superior Court Judge Milton C Lee. She said that her son was shot and killed a day after his birthday, which he shared with her and his grandmother.

Judge Lee sentenced James to 125 months for voluntary manslaughter and 42 months for aggravated assault. The sentences will be served consecutively. James’ conviction carried a voluntary sentencing guideline range of 12-15 years.

When released from prison, James is required to register on a gun-offender. He is also required to serve five additional years on supervised release.

Document: DC Homicide Count Doubles from Last Year

Four homicides occurred on Saturday, boosting the District of Columbia’s homicide count by approximately 100 percent from this time a year ago.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, four people died on Jan. 26. Three men, 26 year-old Sean Shuler, 26 year-old Javon Abney, and 24 year-old Tyrik Hagood, were shot during the evening hours on the 1500 Block of Fort Davis Place, Southeast. All three victims died on the scene

Earlier that day, at 3:36p.m., 59 year-old Kevin Jerome Harrison was shot on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, Northeast. He died on the scene as well.

The fatal shootings increased DC’s homicide total to 18 from nine homicides a year ago, according to D.C. Witness data.

According to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, several non-deadly shootings also occurred on Saturday, acknowledging that some shootings were in retaliation.

“We have has too many gun crimes, at the start of 2019, and already too many lives lost,” Bowser said during a press conference Jan. 27.

As part of their investigation, the police is offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in these cases or any other homicide case in DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411.

Judge Sentences Man for Fatally Striking Cyclist Near National Mall

A D.C. Superior Court judge sentenced a man Jan. 25 to 18 months in prison for running a red light and fatally striking a 64-year-old man who was riding his bicycle to work. According to the defense, the defendant was rushing to get to work on time.

In November, Phillip Peoples pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and leaving after colliding for his role in the death of 64-year-old Thomas Hendricks Hollowell on the 1200 block of Constitution Avenue, NW in September 2018. According to Judge Ronna Beck, it was raining on the day of the murder.

Judge Beck sentenced Peoples, 21, to 1.5 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and one year in prison for leaving after colliding. The sentences will run concurrently.

“Accidents happen but you expect a driver to have remorse in the moment,” one of Hollowell ’s daughters said, noting that the defendant fled the scene. Apparently, Peoples also lied about his involvement in Hollowell’s death in the days following the homicide.

During the sentencing several members of Hollowell’s family shared their emotional states to the judge. Hollowell’s son recounted the day he learned his father had been struck by a car. He explained that his brain was “numb” when he walked into George Washington University Hospital and saw his father hooked up to multiple tubes and one of his eyes swollen shut.

The son said that his father biked to work every day, that Hollowell had a PhD in environmental science and was employed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

One of Hollowell’s two daughters said that her father was proud to do his part to decrease global warming.

“I give my deepest apologies to the family,” Peoples told the family. “Your forgiveness means the world to me.”

Defense attorney Roger Hale said his client cries daily about Hollowell’s death. Hale said that regardless of the prison sentence, Peoples will have a life sentence. According to Hale, Peoples worked two jobs and was in school, on his way to becoming a nursing assistant. Hale also added that Peoples has a young child and another baby on the way.

Prior to delivering her sentence, Judge Beck said that while Peoples has no criminal history, he did have 17 traffic citations. None of the citations were for speeding or reckless driving.

Judge Beck also said that she plans to sentence Peoples under the Youth Act and after the successful completion of his supervised release, Peoples criminal record will be hidden from public record as stated in Title 24 of the Code of the District of Columbia.

Peoples is required to serve five years on supervised release following his sentence. Judge Beck recommended Peoples be required to complete community service related to pedestrian and bicycle safety, per the families request.

Murder Defendant Motions to Withdraw Guilty Plea

During a status hearing Jan. 24, a murder defendant said he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea.

Matthew Moore, 34, pleaded guilty on Aug. 24, 2018, to two counts of first-degree murder while armed for shooting Ronnell Tye Reaves and Kevin Kennedy on the 600 block of 14th Place, NE in January of 2017.

Reaves, 22, died at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Kennedy, 23, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries more than a year later in July of 2018.

“He has been dragging this case out for the last two years,” Reaves’ mother told DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson during the hearing. “My family cannot move on with this being prolonged.”

Moore, who is being held without bond, initially pleaded not guilty, saying he acted out of self-defense.

A motions hearing is scheduled on March 8.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for 2017 Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Jan. 24 a man who is suspected of killing a 24 year old in 2017.

According to a press release, Christopher Green is charged with first-degree felony murderfor allegedly shooting 24-year-old Zaan Scott on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE in April of 2017. Scott succumbed to his injuries a almost a month later.

According to the Washington Post, Scott, who was a swim instructor at the William H Rumsey Aquatic Center on Capitol Hill, was shot during a robbery attempt. The bullet allegedly paralyzed Scott from the waist down and caused a blood clot, which the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled as the reason of death.

Green, 32, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 8.

Prosecution Anticipates Early Indictment for Murder Defendant

The prosecution notified the court Jan. 25 that she expects a grand jury to indict a murder defendant earlier than the nine month indictment deadline in April.

Manuel E. Bermudez is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged role in the death of 64-year-old Miguel Pineda-Hernandez on the 1300 block of Irving Street, NW in April 2018.

During the hearing, the prosecution also said she planned to “explore other resolutions” to the case. It is unclear whether or not a plea agreement has been extended.

Surveillance footage shows Bermudez, 38, walking down the street, pushing a bicyclist against a fence and then continuing down the street and pushing Pineda-Hernandez into a metal fence near a tree.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Pineda- Hernandez had end-stage renal failure and multiple heart conditions. However, during the preliminary hearing the prosecution said Bermudez’s actions led to the victim’s death.

Bermudez is scheduled for a status hearing on March 15.

Murder Defendant’s ‘Pride and Ego’ Killed A 16-Year-Old Girl, Prosecution Says

During opening arguments in a murder trial, the prosecution said the defendant’s “pride and ego” killed a 16-year-old girl.

Saeve Evans is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two gun-related charges for his alleged role in the death of Breyona McMillian on the 1200 block of I Street, SE in 2016. Evans, 32, is also charged with obstruction of justice.

The prosecution told a 16-member jury Jan. 24 that Evans was shot previously in connection to an unrelated feud. The prosecutor said that on the day of the murder, Evans was in a parking lot on I Street when a black car entered. Apparently, Evans believed the person driving the car was the person he had a feud with, but it wasn’t.

According to the prosecution, when the black car entered the lot Evans thought “not this time” and fired 16 shots at the car and ultimately struck McMillian, who was in the parking lot with a friend.

“Because of his actions Breyona McMillian is dead,” the prosecutor said.

However, the defense argued an individual in the black car opened fire and struck McMillian in the process. Defense attorney Stephany Reaves told the jury that her client was acting in self-defense when he pulled out a gun and opened fire.

“It’s reasonable to believe Evans thought if he didn’t defend his life he would lose it,” Reaves said.

While the prosecution refutes the notion that the black car held a shooter. Reaves said the black car had stolen license plates and was abandoned after the shooting.

Reaves also said the owner of the vehicle not only lied about the car’s whereabouts on the day of the murder, but also lied about phone calls she made following the shooting.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 28.

Document: Shooting in Southeast DC

After going ten days without a homicide in Washington, DC, an unidentified person was fatally shot Jan. 24 in Southeast DC.

According to a press release, a man was shot during the evening hours on the 3700 block of O Street, SE in Ward 8. He died on the scene.

The police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411.

Prosecutor Gives Murder Defendant One Week to Take Plea Deal

A prosecutor offered a murder defendant accused of killing a two-year-old boy a plea deal to reduce his charges on Jan. 24.

James Embre is charged with first-degree felony murder for his alleged role in the death of Aceyson Aizim Ahmad on the 3400 block of A Street, SE last April. D.C. Witness previously reported that the victim was the son of Embre’s girlfriend and that Embre was taking care of the boy and his six-year-old sister on the night of the murder.

If Embre accepts the plea deal, his current charges would be reduced to second-degree murder. The offer is available for one week and, if it is not accepted, counsel would prepare for trial.

Along with first-degree murder, Embre is also facing two counts of first-degree cruelty to children.

According to the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the boy suffered multiple injuries, including a lacerated liver and broken ribs.

According to court documents, a detective said an inmate allegedly had a conversation with the defendant where Embre admitted to hitting the six-year-old sister. The sister and the inmate told detectives that Embre hit the baby because he would not go back to sleep.

Embre is scheduled for a felony status hearing on Jan. 31.

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