Annie Brennan created and reported on this post.
Annie Brennan created and reported on this post.
Document: Homicide on 35th Street, NE
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 15.
According to a press release, officers found 20-year-old Lamont Munden unconscious suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the Unit block of 35th Street, NE. Munden was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide 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.
9 16 19 Homicide Unit Block of 35th Street, Northeast (Text)
Document: Homicide on Arkansas Avenue, NW
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 13.
According to a press release, officers found 32-year-old George Ransford inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 5000 block of Arkansas Avenue, NW. Ransford was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide 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.
9 14 19 Homicide 5000 Block of Arkansas Avenue, Northwest (Text)
Murder Defendant Considers Plea Deal
Defense counsel told Sept. 13 a DC Superior Court judge that she has discussed the prosecution’s plea offer with her client and they are still considering it.
Daquan Gray is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. Gray, 17, allegedly shot 15-year-old Jalyn Wheeler on the 600 Block of Alabama Avenue, SE on May 16, 2018. Gray is being charged as an adult.
Gray’s counsel, Dana Page, said the defense was not prepared to proceed with independent DNA testing at this time.
Page also waived the defendant’s presence for the proceedings. Gray is currently released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).
The prosecution agreed to leave the plea deal open. A deadline for the plea offer was not discussed in open court.
Page asked to approach the bench and had an undisclosed conversation with DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe and the prosecution. No further details about the conversation were discussed in open court.
A status hearing is scheduled on Oct. 25.
Murder Defendent Pleads Guilty to Stabbing
A murder defendent pleaded guilty Sept. 13 to stabbing a man in February.
Darius Murphy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for killing Jason Wood ,39, on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE. on Feb. 19.
According to a proper of facts, Murphy got into an altercation with the victim and the victim punched Murphy.
Murphy revealed a knife after which the victim walked away. Ten minutes later, Murphy approached the victim and stabbed him multiple times and then fled the scene, according to the proffer.
The prosecution recommended a sentence of 12-22 years in prison.
DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said he was satisfied with the plea deal and chose to accept it.
Murphy is being held without bail.
Murphy’s sentencing is scheduled on Nov. 15.
Defense Asks Judge to Reconsider Holding Murder Defendant
During a motions hearing Sept. 13, a defense attorney asked a DC Superior Court judge to reconsider holding a murder defendant in jail.
Alonzo Lewis is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 40-year-old Jaquon Helm and 35-year-old Venius Badgett on the Unit block of Galveston Street, SW in May of 2018. Lewis, 33, is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Judge Danya Dayson decided to continue to hold Lewis in jail based on the nature of the murders, as well as, his past offenses. Lewis was convicted of two drug felonies in 2012 and assault with significant bodily injury in 2008.
Defense attorney, John Fowler, requested that the prosecution get all the information on the details of one of the victim’s criminal history.
According to Fowler, one of the victim’s had been involved in past criminal cases more than 20 years back. Fowler cannot get the documents of the cases because the criminal acts occurred more than two decades ago.
Judge Dayson ordered the prosecution to provide this information to Fowler before the next status hearing.
A status hearing is scheduled on Nov. 15.
Document: Second Ward 8 Homicide in Two Days
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Sept. 12.
According to a press release, officers found 48-year-old Robert William Wagoner inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. Wagoner was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Officers also located a second adult victim in the same vehicle as Wagoner suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He received treatment at a local hospital for life threatening injuries. An update on the second victim’s status has not been released.
Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide 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.
9 13 19 Homicide 700 Block of Brandywine Street, Southeast (Text)
Judge Continues to Seek Earlier Date for Murder Defendant
During a status hearing Sept. 13, a judge said a murder defendant could not get an earlier trial date before the summer of 2020.
Dewayne Chatman is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Evan Williams on the 4000 Block of 3rd Street, SE in 2016. Chatman, 33, is also charged with mayhem while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, threat to kidnap or injure a person and obstructing justice.
Chatman’s first trial date was scheduled for Oct. 1, 2018, however, the lead detective on the case was scheduled for surgery. A second trial date was set to begin on May 13 but DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson agreed to begin the trial on May 16, 2020, which will be Chatman’s third trial date.
DC Witness previously reported that, Judge Dayson agreed to the scheduling change after she concluded that a key witness was unfit to testify after speaking to the witness’s doctor.
It was not stated in court why Judge Dayson is looking for an earlier trial date.
Chatman’s defense counsel, Dominique Winters, argued that the defendant should be released because of the extended time between now and the new trial date. However, Judge Dayson denied her request and Chatman continues to be held without bail.
Counsel has until February of 2020 to file any motions and responses in the case.
A status hearing is set on Jan. 23, 2020.
Chatman’s trial readiness hearing is set on March 20, 2020.
Murder Defendant’s Compliance Not Grounds for Better Conditions, Judge Says
During a felony status conference Sept. 12, a DC Superior Court judge said a murder defendant’s compliance with court sanctioned release conditions did not justify relaxing them.
Barbara Sanders is charged with second-degree murder while armed with a knife for allegedly stabbing 59-year-old Thurman Knight on the 500 block of Montana Avenue, NE in March. According to court documents, Sanders, 53, and Knight resided together and were in a romantic relationship for nearly eight years.
According to Judge Craig Iscoe, Sanders, 53, was released to a halfway house in June where she has remained in full compliance with her conditions of release.
The response came after defense attorney, Matthew Davies, said he may request more relaxed release conditions at a later date in light of his client’s good behavior.
“We can only anticipate compliance,” Iscoe said.
Sanders is required to submit weekly drug screenings, she cannot have any social passes, she can only leave the house for medical, employment, job training or other appointments pre approved by halfway house staff and her movement is monitored through a GPS tracking device.
D.C. Witness previously reported that a recently established Department of Corrections mandate would prevent anyone with a charge of violence within 10 years from being able to stay. However, a representative said that if a judge ordered her placement, she would be released.
Both the defense and prosecution agreed that the deadline for the prosecution to secure an indictment is Feb. 2, 2020. A felony status conference is scheduled on Feb. 7, 2020.
Prosecution Files Motion for a Protective Order for Grand Jury Materials
During a hearing on Sept. 12, the prosecution argued for a protective order for Grand Jury materials.
Steven Maye, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Derek Anthony Walcott in December of 2018. Walcott, 46, was found stabbed multiple times on the 5100 block of B Street, SE.
The prosecutor said that after an arraignment, Maye’s defense lawyer, Mani Golzari, could view Grand Jury materials. However, the prosecutor said Golzari could not share the materials that contained the identities of the witnesses with Maye.
Golzari asked DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe if he could share the materials with the defendant two weeks before trial. Golzari said the material could be used for interviews.
Judge Iscoe told Golzari that he could request exemptions from the order for specific items of information.
However, the judge reminded the prosecution that if the Grand Jury does not meet before Sept. 24, he would consider a motion to dismiss the case.
Mother IDs Murderer As ‘An Animal’
During a sentencing hearing Sept. 12, a murder defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed.
Jackie Berry pleaded guilty in June for stabbing 38 year-old Michael McKoy on the 1600 block of V Street, SE in 2010. He was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business
“He was an animal,” McKoy’s mother told DC Superior Courts Judge Craig Iscoe. “Please never let him walk the streets again. I want him behind bars.”
The prosecution and defense recommended a sentence of 10 years for the plea.
“My life was shattered,” the mother continued. At times she struggled to speak to the judge during her victim impact statement. The mother encouraged Judge Iscoe to consider a harsher sentence than what counsel agreed on.
Judge Iscoe acknowledged that the sentence would not satisfy everyone.
According to DC’s voluntary sentencing guidelines, a person who maintained a criminal history score of 0-0.5, who was convicted of second-degree murder while armed could be sentenced from 12 to 24 years in prison.
“I regret everything,” Berry said.
According to court documents, Berry and McKoy were friends and Berry slept on McKoy’s couch for an extended period of time.
Judge Schedules Trial for Homicide Case
During a trial readiness hearing Sept. 12, counsel discussed possible witnesses being called during trial.
Edward Brown, 55, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 71-year-old Michael Mahoney on the 2300 block of 11th St., NW on Feb. 5, 2018.
DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee asked how many witnesses each side planned on calling in order to gauge the length of trial.
The prosecution said they would have between 20-25 witnesses and possibly two additional expert witnesses.
Defense counsel, Kevin Irving, said he would only call one DNA expert and possibly an additional fingerprint analysis expert.
Jury selection is scheduled on Sept. 16. Opening statements are slated to begin on Sept. 18.
According to court documents, police found Mahoney in his apartment on 11th Street suffering from two stab wounds to his neck. Multiple witnesses told police that Mahoney allowed Brown, 56, to sleep on his couch.
One of Mahoney’s neighbors told police that on the same day police found Mahoney, Brown came to the neighbor’s apartment to shower. Apparently, the clothes he was wearing contained blood. The neighbor also found multiple articles of clothing and a towel stained with blood, the documents said.
Murder Defendant’s Trial Set to Begin in October
During a status hearing Sept. 11, a judge sets a jury trial date for a homicide case.
Eunise Roosevelt Melton is charged with first-degree murder with an unknown metal object for his alleged involvement in the death of Jerimi Meade on July 15, 2016. The crime took place on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.
DC Supreme Court Judge Danya Dayson scheduled a motions hearing on Oct 21. Additionally, Judge Dayson scheduled the jury trial to begin Oct. 22.
According to court documents Meade, 29, sustained more than ten blows to the head and face consistent with a claw hammer found on the scene.
Murder Defendant Accused of Killing Baby Starts Trial Next Week
A trial is set to begin on Sept. 16 in a case of a man accused of killing a two-year-old boy.
James Embre is charged with felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children and second-degree cruelty to children for his alleged role in the death of Aceyson Aizim Ahmad on the 3400 block of A Street, SE on April 17. According to court documents, Embre, 26, was involved in a romantic relationship with Ahmad’s mother.
During jury selection, which took place on Sept. 11, a large part of the vetting on jurors was on biases towards mental health.
On Sept. 9, a prosecutor and defense attorneys discussed possible limitations for selecting members of the jury pool with DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna.
All parties agreed that since there would be multiple witnesses with mental health complications on the stand, any jurors that were selected should not have an existing bias on mental illnesses.
Johnathan Zucker, Embre’s defense attorney said he did not care if the jurors knew the witnesses suffered from mental illnesses. Instead, Zucker said he wants the jurors to be able to accept the witnesses’ testimonies without a bias.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2018, after picking up Ahmad from daycare Embre, 26 went into Ahmad’s bedroom, which the child shared with his older sister.
Embre told the girl to leave the room and then began beating Ahmad until he was vomiting, according to the documents. The child was not conscious when he arrived at a local hospital.
Ahmad’s sister told police that she saw Embre hit Ahmad after she was told to leave the room. She also said that Embre had hit both of them multiple times before.
Judge Allows Murder Defendant to Stay At Halfway House
During a status hearing Sept. 11, a judge permitted a murder defendant to remain at a halfway house under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).
Jordan Smith, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two firearm offenses for his alleged role in the fatal shooting of Yashika Green, 42, on the 200 block of Wayne Place, SE in 2017.
DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe denied the prosecution’s motion to reconsider the release of Smith to a halfway house. Judge Iscoe said the prosecution’s argument for Smith being a public danger was weak since the prosecutor agreed to release Smith to the halfway house in August.
The judge also ordered Smith to stay away from the crime scene.
The prosecutor told Judge Iscoe that she wanted to hold Smith without bail. She said Smith was a danger to the community because of the alleged offense, previous probation violations and charges in Maryland, including illegal possession of a firearm.
During a hearing on Aug. 20, the prosecutor said she was concerned that Smith was tampering with witnesses and obstructing justice. According to the prosecutor, Smith attempted to contact his ex-girlfriend after the homicide.
Defense counsel Mani Golzari said many other people tried to contact the witness as well since she “fell off the face of the earth,” according to Golzari. Defense counsel said Smith’s attempt to contact the witness was not evidence of witness tampering.
Golzari also said Smith was not a flight risk, citing a nine-month period between the homicide and Smith’s arrest in which he made no attempt to leave the District.
Smith is ordered to refrain from contacting any other witnesses. He is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on Oct. 16.