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Judge Reschedules Trial Date, Again

After a murder defendant requested a new attorney, a judge rescheduled his trial date, for a second time. 

Clinton Womack is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of Terry Crutchfield on the 1500 block of Olive Street, NE in 2016. According to court documents, Crutchfield died from a gunshot wound to the back.

Womack’s last attorney, Lee Goebes, was dismissed on Jan. 11. Womack, 29, is now scheduled to go to trial on Dec. 9.

During the hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman agreed to delay Womack’s trial in order to give his new attorney, Steven Kiersh, enough time to review evidence.

Womack was originally scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 17, 2018, but the defense said there were issues with the evidence. Judge Edelman granted the first continuance on Sept. 7, 2018.

According to court documents, Womack and another man entered an apartment where Crutchfield and six other individuals were located and threatened them with handguns. Both men attempted to rob Crutchfield while looking for drugs. Crutchfield was the only person harmed during the attempted robbery. 

One of the witnesses who escaped identified Womack as the shooter. 

A status hearing is scheduled on May 17.

Judge Places Convicted Murderer on Supervised Release

After serving more than 24 years in prison for orchestrating a mass shooting in 1994, a defendant was released from prison Feb. 12 and ordered to serve five years on supervised release. The defendant’s release stems from a wave of changes put in place by the Youth Act.

A photo of Duwan A’vant.

In April 1995, a jury convicted Kevin McCrimmon of second-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, tampering with evidence and assault with a dangerous weapon for his role in the shooting death of 15-year-old Duwan A’vant at 7th and O Street, NW in 1994. McCrimmon allegedly ordered his co-defendant William Napper to carry out the shooting at O Street Market with three other men. Eight additional victims were injured in the process. 

McCrimmon, who was 17 years old at the time, was sentenced to life in prison. Napper was also found guilty in connection to the case and is currently being held without bond. 

During the hearing Feb. 12, Judge Ronna Beck said that because the defendant appeared to show true remorse for his actions and because he was 17 at the time of the shooting, that McCrimmon was no longer a danger to society. She also said that McCrimmon’s psychologist inside the prison concluded he has a low risk of recidivism.

McCrimmon faces life in prison if he violates the terms of his supervised release.

According to DC Courts, in September of 2018 the defense filed a motion, requesting that the court reduce McCrimmon’s sentence pursuant to the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016. The act, which went into effect Oct. 1, is part of the Comprehensive Youth Amendment Act of 2016, which, among other things, bans life sentences for juvenile offenders.

Judge Beck granted the motion on Feb. 6.

According to court documents, McCrimmon was not present at the time of the shootings, but instead, ordered the shooting and helped carry it out by supplying people with guns.

Judge Beck said that the shooting was part of a deal between McCrimmon and his codefendant, William Napper. Apparently, Napper planned to shoot A’Vant, who allegedly robbed and shot McCrimmon in an earlier incident. In exchange McCrimmon promised to kill another man who shot Napper’s brother.

According to court documents, four men, including Napper, arrived at O Street Market and opened fire with semi-automatic pistols, which were supplied by McCrimmon.

The Washington Post reported that among the victims shot, was a young mother and her 7-year-old daughter and two off-duty FBI officers.

According to the judge, McCrimmon would be released in a few weeks.

Thamar Bailey contributed to this article.

Defense Files Motion to Release Murder Defendant

A defense attorney notified the court Feb. 15   that he filed a motion for his client’s release. 

Jeremiah Jordan and Jerrell Powell are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged role in the death of 30-year-old Antoine McCullough on the 3500 block of 18th Street, SE in 2016.

Jordan’s defense attorney, Ronald Resetarits,  said he filed a motion to reconsider Jordan’s  held without bond status. Powell, 23, is currently being held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson set a hearing on March 15 to deliver her ruling on Jordan’s bond status.

Powell’s defense attorney Brandi Harden also said she would be away for a portion of the trial, which is scheduled to start on July 15. Judge Dayson said that, at this time, she would not reschedule the trial nor send it to another judge. 

The prosecution offered a plea agreement to both Jordan and Powell. Harden said both defendants would have to accept the offer in order for the plea agreement to go through.

Counsel did not discuss the specifics of the plea agreement.

According to court documents, McCullough told multiple witnesses that people were trying to jump him. Shortly after speaking with McCullough, witnesses say they heard gunshots and found McCullough suffering from a gunshot wound.

Judge Allows Defendant in Vehicular Homicide to Drive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Feb. 15, a man charged in a vehicular homicide was granted the right to drive.

Gerard James is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for allegedly striking 61-year-old Monica Adams Carlson and her 85-year-old mother, Cora Louise Adams, with a bus at the intersection of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on Dec.19, 2018. NBC reported that Carlson was the mayor of Skagway, Alaska.

James, a bus driver for Eyre Bus Company, is currently released on personal recognizance.

Per the defense’s request, D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said James, 45, could drive his personal vehicle, but that he’s not allowed to have any cellular device on while driving, given the allegations against him.

According to court documents, footage from the bus shows James talking on a cellphone while executing a turn onto Pennsylvania Avenue. The footage was taken moments before the bus struck Carlson and Adams who were walking in the crosswalk.

James is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 15.

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty To Shooting Coworker

On Feb. 15, a murder defendant pleaded guilty  to manslaughter, a downgrade from his original charge.

Wright Koonce, also known as Koonce Wright, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting his coworker, 45-year-old Brian Gibson, on the 6900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017. Apparently, the two men were shuttle bus drivers for G&M Limo Service. Koonce, 60, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed. 

Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution would downgrade Koonce’s murder charge and dismiss his remaining charges, including possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Koonce could be sentenced to five years in prison.

According to the prosecution, Koonce told his supervisor that he and Gibson got into an argument that turned physical. Koonce said Gibson hit him in the face and that some of his teeth fell out.

Koonce told his supervisor that he got his revolver and shot Gibson, who was running away. Apparently, Gibson fell after he was shot, and that’s when Koonce stood over him and fired an additional shot.

Koonce is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17.

Murder Trial Witness Admits to Lying Under Oath

A cooperating witness told a jury Feb. 14 that he lied to law enforcement multiple times about his involvement in a string of robberies, which ultimately led to the death of a transgender woman.

Co-defendants Monte Johnson and Jalonte Little  are charged with felony murder while armed and robbery while armed, among other offenses, 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. Brothers Shareem and Cyheme Hall are also charged with the murder.

“I’m telling the truth,” Shareem said. “I’ve changed my story to what happened. I knew lying wasn’t working.”

Shareem, 25, who is testifying per the terms of a plea agreement, told the jury that he previously lied to the police about his location, who was involved, and the role he had in the robberies because he didn’t want to serve time. He also admitted to lying to the grand jury while under oath.

During his testimony to the grand jury, Shareem said he “forgot” a lot of what happened, but,  during the trial, he told the jury that his memory is better now.

Shareem told the jury that he, Cyheme, 23, Johnson, 23, and Little, 28, were planning to rob an unidentified individual. However, he said the plan fell through. He said the group drove around to search for new targets. Cyheme previously testified with a similar story.

Shareem said Johnson was primarily responsible for picking out the targets and robbing them. However, Shareem later admitted to assisting with one of the robberies and forcing one of the transgender women to strip.

Shareem said he didn’t participate in Dodds’ robbery, but he saw Johnson shoot Dodds.

According to the prosecution, the Hall brothers entered plea agreements in exchange for their testimonies against Little and Johnson. A plea offer has not been filed as of Feb. 14.

Both brothers claim that transgender women were not the intended targets, and that they did not hit or shoot anyone.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Feb. 19.

Judge Considers How to Continue Trial for Murder Defendant

On Feb. 14, a DC Superior Court judge said she would place sanctions on the prosecution in a murder trial because they neglected to hand over evidence about another case that was similar to the homicide.

El Hadji Alpha Madiou Toure, also known as Elie Brown, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and first-degree sexual abuse, among other offenses, for his alleged role in the stabbing death of 34-year-old Corrina Mehiel on the 600 block of 14th Street, NE in 2017. According to court documents, Mehiel’s stab wounds were consistent with torture.

Judge Juliet McKenna said the prosecution failed to disclose evidence about another potential suspect who was involved in a rape case that happened a few weeks prior to Mehiel’s murder. Judge McKenna told the prosecution to hand over any DNA evidence connected to the rape case.

Judge McKenna also said she would either delay the trial to give the defense time to investigate the new information, or allow Toure to test additional evidence that might prove his innocence. Judge McKenna said she would make a decision on how the case would proceed by the next hearing, which is scheduled on Feb. 19.

Apparently, the rape case took place in Kalorama, a neighborhood in the District. Defense attorney Jacqueline Cadman said the Kalorama case and Mehiel’s murder had a lot of “striking” similarities, such as both victims were raped and had their bodies washed.

The prosecution said the information was not disclosed earlier because it was part of an ongoing investigation.

Document: Arrest Made in January Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department announced Feb. 14 an arrest in a homicide that occurred in January.

According to a press release, police arrested and charged 19-year-old Elhadji Babacar Ndiaye with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Travis Deyvon Ruth on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, SE.



Document: Homicide on Hamlin Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred during the morning hours on Valentine’s Day.

According to a press release, officers responded to a call about a shooting  at Trojan Labor, a temporary staffing service, on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE. Upon arrival, officers  found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both men were taken to an area hospital for  life-threatening injuries. David Anthony Remen, 32, a resident of La Crosse, Wis. was pronounced dead.

The second victim, who police identified as the owner, survived. According to NBC Washington, he was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. The business was open at the time of the shooting, according to news reports.

Police Chief Peter Newsham told reporters Feb. 14 that the gunman was wearing a mask and gloves.  He is described as being between 5 feet 11 inches and 6 feet 2 inches and 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction for this homicide or any homicide in DC.  Anyone with information  is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may also be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE — 50411.



Judge Accuses Murder Defendants of Delaying Trial

A D.C. Superior Court judge and the prosecution in a murder trial accused two defendants Feb. 13 of deliberately causing a delay in the trial. Apparently, the men refused a search by court marshals and had to be escorted back to jail.

Co-defendants Monte Johnson and Jalonte Little are charged with felony murder while armed and robbery while armed, among other offenses, 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. The prosecution is trying the case as a hate crime.

According to Judge Milton Lee, Little, 28, and Johnson, 23, refused to be searched by court marshals when they entered the building. As a result, Judge Lee said both defendants were escorted back to jail and thoroughly searched for contraband.

Apparently, this is not Little’s first time refusing a search. On Feb. 4, after entering the courthouse, he was found with contraband and was sent back to DC Jail after refusing an additional search. Judge Lee said the searches are “reasonable and appropriate” to ensure the defendants don’t have contraband.

Judge Lee said he is concerned that Johnson and Little may be doing everything they can to keep the trial from moving forward.

The prosecution agreed with the judge and said they think these are delaying tactics.

However, Little’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, refuted the prosecution’s claim, saying the defendants refused an unauthorized cavity search.

Johnson and Little’s refusal to be searched delayed the cross-examination of Shareem Hall, 25, who is a cooperating witness in the case.

According to the prosecution, Johnson, Little and brothers Shareem and Cyheme Hall, 23, are responsible for a string of robberies targeting transgender women, which ultimately led to Dodds’ death.

Shareem is scheduled to continue his testimony on Feb. 14.

Judge Continues Murder Defendant’s Mental Observation Hearing

During a hearing Feb. 12, a D.C. Superior Court judge granted the defense’s request to continue a mental observation hearing for a murder defendant, who allegedly killed a senior citizen.

Malcolm Cunningham is charged with first-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen and first-degree burglary for allegedly stabbing 79-year-old David Norwood on the 600 block of C Street, NE. 

Defense attorney David Knight requested the continuance because the expert tasked with examining Cunningham was not available due to the recent government shutdown. Knight said he intends to secure an expert for the next hearing, which is scheduled on March 22.

According to court documents, Cunningham’s relative told police that in the weeks leading up to the stabbing, Cunningham threatened Norwood with a knife. The relative also said Cunningham previously threatened family members with a knife.

Reviewing the Trial: Murder Defendant Found Not Guilty in 16 Y/O’s Death

After being held for two years, a murder defendant was found not guilty of the murder of a 16-year-old girl.

On Feb. 8, a jury found Saeve Evans not guilty of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and obstruction of justice in connection to the death of Breyona McMillian on the 1200 block of I Street, SE in 2016.

However, Evans, 32, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Throughout a nearly three week trial, the jury heard from several witnesses, including an eyewitness who was standing near McMillian when she was fatally shot.

According to the eyewitness, she was smoking marijuana with McMillian and Evans near the Potomac Gardens parking lot while waiting for a ride. The witness said that she heard multiple gunshots as she was walked to her friend’s car. She said she didn’t see anyone shooting and doesn’t know what direction the bullets came from because she was ducking.

When the shooting ended, the witness said she confronted Evans, who had a micro uzi pistol, and asked if he’d shot McMillian. His response was, “No. They did,” referring to a group of people in a black Nissan that had entered the area.

According to the defense’s theory, Evans opened fire at the vehicle in self-defense after seeing movement in the car. The defense said a shooter in the vehicle shot McMillian.

According to the defense, the shooter in the vehicle was Sean Shuler, also known as “Black Sean.” Apparently, Evans and Shuler, 26, had a longstanding feud. Defense attorney James King said Shuler was convicted of shooting Evans at least sixteen times in 2012.

Shuler was killed on Jan. 26, the weekend before the prosecution wanted him to testify.  

However, the prosecution argued that Evans was the only shooter and that he opened fire out of paranoia. “He was shooting at ghosts,” the prosecutor told the jury.

Apparently, another witness told the jury that Shuler was with him during the time of the murder.

An expert witness also analyzed Shuler’s cellphone records, saying Shuler’s phone was not in the area at the time of the shooting. Even so, the expert noted that cell phone records only show the location of a phone, not a person.

Another expert witness said there was no evidence that a weapon was fired from the vehicle. The car was not tested for gunshot residue.

A ballistics expert noted that there were 16 shell casings found near the scene, which could have indicated that there was more than one shooter. Apparently, some of the shell casings were fired from the same gun, but it’s unclear whether the remaining casings were shot from another gun.

Evans is scheduled to be sentenced for the gun charge on May 3. He is still being held without bond.

Read more about Evans’ trial here.

 

Defense Attorney Says He Plans to Test Evidence in Homicide Case

During a status hearing Feb. 13, a defense attorney said he plans to independently test evidence in the case.

Tavon Davis is charged with first-degree murder while armed and obstruction of justice, among other charges, for his alleged role in the death of 29-year-old Michael Vest on the 1300 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE in 2017.

Davis’ defense attorney, Matthew Davies, said he plans to submit an order detailing the items he wants to test. He didn’t specify the items in court.

Davies also said that Davis, 24, has not decided whether or not he will accept the prosecution’s plea offer. It’s unclear what the parameters of the plea agreement are.

According to court documents, a witness told police Davis confessed to beating Vest with a stick and shooting him five times. Apparently, a day after the murder, when Davis was arrested, police noticed Davis had what appeared to be dried blood on his jeans.

Davis is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on April 26.

Judge Sentences Teen to Nearly 10 Years for Shooting Girlfriend

A D.C. Superior Court judge sentenced a teenager to nearly 10 years in prison for fatally shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend. According to the defense, the teen was playing with a gun when it “accidentally” went off.

In October, Dekale Bowman pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his role in the death of 16-year-old Taiyania Thompson on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE on Jan. 25, 2018. Per the terms of his plea agreement, Bowman also pleaded guilty to simple assault and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, charges Bowman picked up following Thompson’s death.

Judge Craig Iscoe sentenced Bowman to 9 years and 8 months in prison for the manslaughter charge. Judge Iscoe also sentenced Bowman,19, to one year in prison for the possession charge and six months for assault, which will run concurrently with the manslaughter charge.

While Judge Iscoe acknowledged the defendant’s remorse, he said Bowman’s actions say otherwise. Judge Iscoe noted that following the shooting Bowman fled the scene and failed to call 911. Apparently, Thompson was alive after the shooting but succumbed to her injuries three days later.

Judge Iscoe said that prior to his arrest Bowman was caught selling drugs. In addition, after he was arrested and housed at the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, Bowman broke another juvenile’s jaw. Bowman was then transferred to DC Jail.

However, while in custody Bowman was “accidentally released” and failed to turn himself in when he knew he was supposed to be held without bond, Judge Iscoe said. Furthermore, when Bowman was placed back in jail he threw urine at a prison guard, who later pressed charges.

During the hearing, Thompson’s mother addressed the court and said that she watched her daughter die in the same hospital Thompson’s father died in. Apparently, Thompson’s father died before she was born.

The mother reminisced about cooking food for the homeless with her daughter. She said 2017 was the first year she allowed Thompson to hand the food out and how Thompson was excited to do it again the following year but never got the chance to.

“Bowman is a threat to himself and society,” the mother said. “ He needs to be held as long as possible.”

According to the defense, Bowman and Thompson “loved each other in their own young, teenage way.” 

“It was truly an accident,” Bowman said, apologizing to the family. “ I just want to let everyone know I’m sorry.”

Bowman is also required to serve five years additional years on supervised release.

Older Hall Brother Also Says Group Didn’t Target Transgender Women

After his brother testified to planning robberies, another murder defendant told the jury Feb. 11 that he, his brother and two other defendants only planned to commit a robbery. 

Jalonte Little and Monte Johnson are charged with felony murder while armed and robbery while armed, among other offenses, for their alleged roles in the death of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds, also known as Gregory Dodds, on the 200 block of Division Street, NE in 2016. Brothers Cyheme Hall and Shareem Hall are also charged in connection to Dodd’s death.

Shareem, 25, said that on the night of the murder he, Cyheme, 23, Johnson, 23, and Little, 28, met near an apartment complex and made a plan to commit a robbery. He said they did not have specific plans to rob transgender women. His story mirrors the story his brother, Cyheme, told the jury on Feb. 6.   

Shareem said the group left the apartment complex that night in a white Pontiac.

Another transgender woman, who was also targeted that night, told the jury Feb. 11 that she was approached by a man who had gotten out of a white Pontiac. She said the man recognized her and made a “harsh comment” about her gender. She also said he lifted his shirt and flashed his gun.

The witness said she kept walking, but she later saw the group of men attacking and robbing her friend. The witness did not identify Johnson or Little as the men she saw that night.

According to the prosecution’s theory, the Hall brothers, Johnson and Little are responsible for a string of robberies that targeted transgender women, which ultimately led to Dodds’ death.

Prosecutors said the Hall brothers entered plea agreements in exchange for their testimony. A plea agreement has not been filed as of Feb. 11.

Shareem is scheduled to continue his testimony on Feb. 12.