The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Jan. 23 two suspects who are allegedly connected to a murder that occurred earlier this month.
The police arrested 21-year-old Alonzo Brown and 18-year-old Stephon Evans and charged them with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 22-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE on Jan. 12. Two other individuals, who have not been named, were also shot. They received treatment for non life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.
The suspects are also residents of Northeast DC, according to a press release.
Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 24. The defendants are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 15.
A prosecutor notified the court Jan. 23 that she expects at least three more arrests to be made in a murder case.
Antonio Upshaw, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other offenses, for his alleged role in the death of 24-year-old Tyrone Johnson on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
During the hearing, the prosecution said additional arrests may delay Upshaw’s trial, which is scheduled on April 8. The prosecutor also said that she’s conducting DNA testing on a hat that was found near the crime scene. She said the testing could also lead to a delay.
In 2017, police arrested and charged Jordan Woods with first-degree murder while armed in connection to Johnson’s death. However, the case was dismissed.
According to court documents, Johnson was shot while he was allegedly selling marijuana to an unidentified individual.
Surveillance footage showed three cars leaving the crime scene after the murder. Based on the footage, court documents said that police believed multiple people were involved.
Upshaw is scheduled for a status hearing on March 1.
On Jan. 22, a prosecutor agreed to an indictment deadline in a murder case.
Eric Smith is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Rondell Willson the 200 block of 50th Street, NE in 2018. According to court documents, Wills, who was shot in the neck, was not the intended target.
The prosecutor said that an indictment could be secured by March 22.
According to Title 23 of the Code of the District of Columbia, the prosecution has nine months from the date the defendant was arrested to obtain a grand jury indictment. If they fail to obtain an indictment, the case could be dismissed.
During the hearing, defense attorney Blase Kearney requested an Instagram photo of a key witness in the case. The witness, who identified Smith, 19, as the shooter, was allegedly the original target but managed to escape unharmed. The witness, whose identity has not been revealed, is currently charged with an unrelated gun offense.
The prosecutor said the defense could have the photo as long as the witness was given a protective order.
The prosecutor also agreed to hand over any results on DNA testing. However, the prosecutor said the materials, which were not disclosed, had not been tested.
Smith is scheduled for a felony status conference on March 29.
A public defender told a judge Jan. 22 that the government shutdown has delayed the defense’s order for DNA testing in a murder case.
Leonard Martino Smith is charged with second-degree murder while armed and a related weapons offense for allegedly stabbing 26-year-old Leonte Butler on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SE in 2017.
Defense attorney Anthony Matthews said the order was delayed because of ramifications from the government shutdown on the Public Defender’s Service. He did not go into detail about what ramifications. Matthews said the defense planned to test DNA from a witness and Butler’s fingernail clippings.
In December, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson continued Smith’s trial date, which was set for Jan. 22, to November because the defense said they wanted to independently test DNA evidence.
According to court documents, an eyewitness told police Smith was continuously teasing Butler about his speech impediment. Apparently, the witness saw Butler and Smith “playfully pushing” each other on South Capital Street. However, the interaction escalated and Smith pulled out a knife and stabbed Butler multiple times, the witness said.
Smith is scheduled for a status hearing on April 18.
A judge sentenced a murder defendant Jan. 22 to time served. According to the defense, their client was imprisoned for nearly three years, which is the maximum sentence that can be imposed.
In October, Lorenzo Davis pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for his role in the death of 28-year-old Jacqueline Barnes on the 4100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE in 2015.
According to a proffer of facts, during a rainstorm, Davis, 50, sped down Alabama Avenue, lost control of his car, mounted a curb, crashing into a tree. Apparently, Barnes was thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Davis fled the scene. According to the prosecution, there was no evidence that Davis attempted to stop the car or avoid colliding with the tree.
During the hearing, the prosecution spoke on behalf of Barnes’ family, who was not present during the hearing. According to the prosecution, Barnes has three kids, who struggle emotionally in her absence.
“A human life was taken because of the defendant’s negligence,” the prosecution said.
“She never really had a chance,” Barnes’ aunt told the prosecution. Apparently, Barnes was abandoned by her parents and was ultimately raised by family members. The aunt said Barnes struggled with issues her whole life.
Davis expressed remorse, taking responsibility for his role in Barnes’ death.
Defense attorney Pierce Suen notified the court that his client had been held in prison for 993 days. Suen also said that upon his client’s release, he will be extradited to Maryland for charges stemming from a probation violation.
Prior to delivering her sentence, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson acknowledged Davis’ pending case and noted his criminal history. According to Judge Dayson, Davis has multiple convictions, including a 1996 hit and run and a 1997 attempted murder case.
Davis will serve three years on supervised release.
Even though a defendant accepted Jan. 22 a plea agreement, which downgraded his murder charge to assault, the victim’s family is not in favor of the deal, the prosecution said.
Brian Jackson pleaded guilty to felony assault with significant bodily injury for his role in the death of 23-year-old Joshua Steele on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE in 2015.
Per the terms of the agreement, the prosecution agreed to dismiss Jackson’s second-degree murder while armed charge. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Jackson could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison.
According to a proffer of facts, Jackson, 30, and Steele were in a park near Alabama Avenue engaged in a verbal altercation, which later escalated into a physical fight when Steele swung at Jackson. Fearing for his safety, Jackson pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim once in the chest. The prosecution said Jackson used “excessive force.”
Prior to setting a sentencing date, the prosecutor said members of Steele’s family plan on giving impact statements during the sentencing, which is scheduled on March 15.
Jackson is currently released under the high intensity supervision program.
A D.C. Superior Court judge sentenced two murder defendants Jan. 18 for their role in a 2017 murder that allegedly stemmed from a fender bender. The prosecution said the victim’s death was “senseless” and “uncalled for.”
Judge Judith Bartnoff sentenced Jones, 22, to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder. Davis, 23, received a seven years sentence for accessory after the fact of second-degree murder while armed.
According to the prosecution, Rogers had just finished performing in a band at the Uniontown Bar, when he backed into Davis’ car. Jones, who was with Davis, became enraged and followed Rogers until he was alone. Jones fired seven rounds into the victim’s car before getting in Davis’ car and fleeing the scene. Apparently, throughout the murder Jones sat in the car “cool as a cucumber as a brutal murder happened,” the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said that because of the defendant’s actions, Roger, who has two sons, won’t be able to see his children grow up. She also said Roger couldn’t be there for his mother who was battling cancer.
Prior to his sentencing, Jones addressed the court and apologized for his actions. However, he said he felt provoked. According to Jones, the defendants were involved in an altercation with Roger’s friends and guns were drawn prior to the fender bender. Jones’s attorney said his client was angry and “blacked” out.
“I just got mad your honor,” Jones said. “I made a mistake.”
Davis also addressed the court to express his remorse. He explained that during the murder he may have seemed calm, but in truth he was shocked and intoxicated.
“I’m really sorry,” he said. “There’s not enough apologizes that I could give to that family.”
Davis’ attorney said that his client is a thoughtful and intelligent young man, noting that he previously mentored young children in his neighborhood and is on his way to obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in business management.
“Judge me for me and not my actions because that’s not me,” Davis said.
Prior to delivering her sentence, Judge Bartnoff said that she believes Jones is responsible for Roger’s death. She addressed him directly, saying that his explanation that he was angry “almost makes it worse” because she knows his family didn’t raise him that way.
Judge Bartnoff ordered Jones to undergo anger management treatment.
Davis and Jones are also required to serve five years on supervised release following their sentences.
A man who recently stood trial for murder, rejected a plea deal to an assault charge Jan. 18.
Demetrius Brandon is charged with accessory after-the-fact to assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Marcus Manor on the 2900 block of Sherman Avenue, NW in 2015. In March of 2018, a jury found Brandon, 31, not guilty of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm. However, they couldn’t come to a unanimous decision on the accessory charge.
Along with rejecting the plea, the defense also requested a second trial. DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck scheduled the trial to begin on Oct. 16.
Brandon is released on personal recognizance, but has to report for random drug testing.
Apparently, a prosecutor said that Brandon’s codefendant, Kevin Chase, lived with his sister, who was allegedly in an abusive relationship with Manor. Apparently, after Chase’s sister kicked Manor out, Manor and Chase, 31, got into a physical altercation. The defense said that Chase believed Manor was reaching for a gun and shot him as a result. However, Manor wasn’t armed.
According to earlier reports byD.C. Witness, Brandon gave Chase a ride in his car after the shooting. He apparently met Chase at a gas station near the scene of the crime.
Chasewas found guilty of two gun related charges, but the jury couldn’t come to a decision on first-degree murder and a gun related offense. Chase later agreed to a plea deal which dismissed the gun charge and downgraded the murder charge to voluntary manslaughter.
On March 15, Chase was sentenced to 6.5 years for voluntary manslaughter while armed. Chase was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and carrying a pistol without a license. He received 32-months per firearms charge. A judge ruled that the firearms charges should run concurrently with the murder charge.
Brandon is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Sept. 18.
A defense attorney in a murder case requested a continuance Jan. 18, saying she needs more time to review evidence. A DC Superior Court judge granted the request and scheduled an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing on Feb. 8.
Mario Alfaro is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 22-year-old Jonathan Vilchez on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017. D.C. Witness previously reported that a detective on the case said the men were in the same street gang.
According to court documents, surveillance footage shows Alfaro, 24, in a convenience store mouthing something to Vilchez. Both men then pull out guns, and Vilchez shot Alfaro, first. As Alfaro left the store, he fired multiple shots at the decedent before running away.
Police subsequently found a blood trail which led them to the murder weapon, which was located inside a dumpster. The trail also led them to Alfaro who was suffering from gunshot wounds, the documents said.
In November, the prosecution notified the court that they do not plan to test any evidence in the case. As a result, they requested an IPA hearing, when the court would formally inquire whether or not a defendant wants to conduct independent testing of evidence.
During the hearing, Alfaro’s defense attorney, Dinah Manning, said she needs additional time to review the materials and advise her client.
In turn, the prosecution said they don’t object to the continuance, but noted continuous delays could result in a postponed trial date.
A D.C. Superior Court judge found probable cause Jan. 17 that a 46-year-old man was involved in a November homicide.
Antonio Booze is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 37-year-old Eugene Johnson in his apartment on the Unit block of Galveston Place, SW. Apparently, an unidentified individual in the apartment sustained non-life threatening injuries during the shooting.
During the hearing, a detective on the case said Johnson was trying to “diffuse” an argument between Booze and the wounded witness. He was shot in the process. The detective said Booze and the unidentified victim were arguing about money.
According to court documents, surveillance footage shows an individual walking towards Johnson’s apartment wearing a dark-colored beanie, which police found at the scene of the homicide. DNA evidence later connected the beanie to Booze.
The wounded witness initially told police that he was sleeping in the apartment when Booze entered with a gun. The witness allegedly fought with the defendant and eventually took the gun from him and attempted to fire, but the gun jammed. Booze was able to take the gun from the witness and opened fire, the detective said.
Subsequently, the wounded witness said that Booze shot at Johnson first.
Defense attorney Judith Pipe argued that there was no evidence that her client shot Johnson. Based on the injured witness’s initial account, Pipe said her client wasn’t the first person to brandish the gun. Pipe said it was likely that the witness shot the victim and noted that the wounded witness’s refusal to identify Booze as the shooter. Furthermore, she added that her client may have been acting in self-defense because the witness took the gun and tried to shoot.
The prosecution argued that a neighbor heard individuals in the apartment arguing and, at one point, heard Johnson say, “hold on.” Apparently, the injured witness owed Booze money, which gave him motive.The prosecution said it was likely Johnson was shot in the process.
Judge Juliet McKenna found probable cause because of the detective’s testimony, surveillance footage and DNA evidence linking Booze to the scene of the crime.
Judge McKenna ordered Booze be held without bond, citing a prior Bail Reform Act violation and because the defendant tested positive for cocaine when he was arrested. The judge said Johnson presented a threat to the community and added that there was a child in the house at the time of the shooting.
Booze is scheduled for a felony status conference on April 17.
During the final month of 2018, the District of Columbia saw an uptick in homicides compared to the last month, a repeated trend throughout the year.
In December, the district tallied 13 homicides: 10 gun-related deaths, two vehicular homicides and one stabbing.
After being hospitalized for five days, on Dec. 1 Malik Muhammad succumbed to his injuries stemming from a November shooting. According to a press release, police found Muhammad, 37, Nov. 26 suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 800 Block of Taylor Street, NE.
Leonard Ray
On Dec. 6, police found 20-year-old Leonard Ray suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 3400 block of Croffut Place, SE.
Jacob Jones
Two days later, Jacob Jones was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 5100 block of H Street, SE. Jones, 32, was pronounced dead on the scene.
On Dec. 10, police located Richard Lee Dudley on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Gerald Watson
Three days later, 15-year-old Gerald Watson was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. On Dec. 18, police arrested and charged 16-year-old Malik Holston with first-degree murder while armed in connection to Watson’s death.
Holston is scheduled for a felony status conference on April 26.
On Dec. 15, police found 21-year-old Curtis Davis suffering from a gunshot wound on the 1100 block of 1st Street, NW.
Donald Lewis
On Dec. 18, police located 25-year-old Donald Lewis in a residence on the 1700 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
According to court documents, the bus driver, Gerard Derrick James, was on his cell phone when he allegedly struck the two woman. James, 45, is charged with involuntary manslaughter. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 15.
On Dec. 20, police found 25-year-old Calvin Weaver suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle on the 2600 block of Naylor Road, SE. Police are still investigating the case for possible suspects.
Two days later police found Derek Anthony Walcott suffering from multiple sharp force wounds on the 5100 block of B Street, SE. Walcott, 46, was pronounced dead on the scene. Police arrested and charged Stephen Maye with second-degree murder while armed. Maye, 49, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 25.
Darryl O’Brien
On Christmas, police found Darryl O’Brien suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle on the 5700 block of East Capitol Street, SE. O’Brien, 20, succumbed to his injuries Dec. 27.
Curtis Wills-Bey
The final homicide of 2018 occurred on Dec. 29, when police found 53-year-old Curtis Wills-Bey suffering from multiple gunshots wounds on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.
After receiving a medical report regarding a murder defendant’s competency Jan. 16, the defense said they plan to reach out to the prosecution about a potential plea offer.
David Blakeney Jr.is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of his 53-year-old father, David Blakeney Sr., on the 1200 block of Stevens Road, SE in 2017.
According to court documents, police located Blakeney, who was 26 years old when he was arrested, at the DC Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), where he was arrested for two outstanding bench warrants. Before his interrogation could begin Blakeney told police he wanted to “plead the fifth.”
While in the interrogation room, police reported that Blakeney “appeared to drink his own urine” and talk to himself as if he were having an “imaginary conversation with his mother” during which he said his mother killed his father, documents state.
During the hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said she received a report from St. Elizabeth’s, D.C.’s psychiatric hospital, stating that Blakeney could be held criminally responsible.
In turn, the defense said they plan to have Blakeney independently tested before deciding whether they were going to challenge the report. Defense counsel later added they were open to potential plea negotiations.
Blakeney is scheduled for a status hearing Feb. 20.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred on Jan. 15 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.
According to a press release, officers found 22-year-old Davane Williams suffering with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at an area hospital.
The police 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 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.
The prosecution in a murder case told the judge Jan. 15 that he expects a grand jury indictment by March.
Torey Stockton is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 23-year-old Jasmine Light on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE in 2018. According to court documents, Light was an unintended target of a drive-by shooting. Stockton’s co-defendant, Kayla Thompson, was indicted on an obstruction of justice charge.
During the hearing, the prosecutor also said he plans to hand over additional discovery evidence, including information about shell casings recovered from the crime scene.
Stockton is also charged with gun possession in another case stemming from the day of the murder as well as a 2017 incident, according to DC Courts.
In May of 2018, a grand jury indicted Stockton on three gun-related charges and obstruction of justice.
Stockton, 21, and Thompson are scheduled for a felony status conference on March 8.
A 17-year-old murder defendant rejected a plea agreement Jan. 15, declining the prosecution’s offer on behalf of himself and his codefendant.
Titus Iracks and Dearren Robert Dawkins are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the death of 43-year-old Larry Harrell on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE in June 2018. Iracks is being charged as an adult.
Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution would have downgraded both defendants first-degree murder charge to voluntary manslaughter while armed. According to the 2018 Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, voluntary manslaughter while armed carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
According to court documents, a suspect, who was with Iracks at the time of the murder, said Harrell pulled out a gun and opened fire. The suspect said he pulled out a gun and fired back, fearing for his safety. During their investigation, police learned Iracks was wearing a GPS tracking device and placed him near the crime scene at the time of the murder.
It is unclear if the suspect is Dawkins, 22.
Iracks and Dawkins are scheduled for a felony status conference on March 14, when the prosecution said she expects a grand jury indictment for both defendants.
