Judge Orders Prosecution to Disclose Evidence of Police Misconduct

Nearly a week before a murder defendant is slated to go to trial, a DC Superior Court judge ordered the prosecution to hand over evidence pertaining to police officer misconduct.

El Hadji Alpha Madiou Toure is charged with first-degree murder while armed, first-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping, among other offenses, for his alleged role in the death of 34-year-old Corrina Mehiel on the 600 block of 14th Street, NE in 2017.

Judge Juliet McKenna told the prosecution Feb. 12 to give the defense any reports of bias or misconduct pertaining to officers in the case. Judge McKenna also said the evidence includes information about sustained findings, pending investigations and resolved lawsuits.

Apparently, the prosecution said materials related to “involved” law enforcement were handed over. The prosecutor said there were 25 other officers that were “just present” on the crime scene and that they “didn’t do anything of substance to affect the case.”

However, the defense argued that any evidence of police misconduct could impact the case.

According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Mehiel at her car, which was parked near her apartment. Two hours later, a black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and ripped jeans was seen driving away in Mehiel’s car. Over the course of the next five days, the same individual was caught on footage at multiple ATM machines making withdrawals from Mehiel’s account. He allegedly withdrew a total of $4,000.

Toure, 30, is scheduled for a motions hearing on Feb. 14. The trial is scheduled on Feb. 19.

Documents: Traffic Fatality on North Capitol Street, NW

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a traffic fatality that occurred on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NW on Feb. 11.

According to a press release, 56-year-old Troy Sandy Austin was hit by a 2009 BMW X5 around 11:34 p.m. He was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver remained on the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the police at (202) 727-9099.

Jury Finds Murder Defendant Not Guilty for 16 Year Old’s Death

A man charged with the death of a 16-year-old girl was found not guilty Feb. 8.

A jury found Saeve Evans not guilty of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in the shooting death of Breyona McMillian on the 1200 block of I Street, SE in 2016. Evans, 32, was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Apparently, Evans, McMillian and a third person were smoking marijuana when a shootout occurred after a black car, which Evans believed Sean Shuler was in, pulled up. A bullet struck and killed McMillian.

According to the defense, Shuler, 26, and Evans had a long standing feud. James King, Evans’ defense attorney, said Shuler shot Evans at least sixteen times in 2012.

The prosecution claimed that Evans was the only shooter. The prosecution initially scheduled Shuler to testify, but he was killed on Jan. 26, the weekend before he was supposed to take the stand.

Evans is scheduled to be sentenced for the firearm charge on May 3.

Read the entire case on DCWitness.org.

Judge Sets Trial Date in March Homicide

During a hearing Feb. 11, a DC Superior Court judge set a trial date for a man charged with killing a woman nearly half his age.

Robert Wilson Dean, Jr., 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 38-year-old Tamiya White on the 1900 Block of 9th Street, NE on March 31, 2018. According to court documents, the murder weapon was a screwdriver.

Judge Ronna Beck scheduled Dean’s trial to begin on Oct. 23. Counsel agreed the trial would last approximately two weeks.

During the hearing, the prosecutor told the judge that she sent the defense discovery over the weekend. She also said she was in the process of conducting DNA testing and that she expects it to be finished by April 12.

The prosecutor didn’t specify what items are being tested.

Dean is scheduled for a status hearing on May 17.

Judge Denies Request for DNA Testing

A judge said prosecutors didn’t provide enough evidence to justify testing evidence for the defendant’s DNA.

Larry Dominique Brown, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed with a knife for his alleged role in the death of Derrick Wright on the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, NE on March 24. According to court documents, Wright, 33, was stabbed three times.

During the hearing on Feb. 8, prosecutors requested a DNA test. However, the defense said there was not enough reason for testing because the evidence could not prove that there was any contact between Wright and his assailant.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said the prosecution should continue investigating and work to retrieve DNA from the victim’s fingernails.

According to court documents, surveillance video captured an altercation between two unknown individuals near the scene of the crime. Witnesses said a man was seen carrying a thin black object and yelling “I love to kill, I love to kill.”

An unknown informant told police via the text-tip line that Brown was the assailant.

A status hearing is scheduled on April 29. A trial for Brown is set on Nov 18.

Judge Postpones Hearing to Give Defense More Time to Review Evidence

On Feb. 8, a judge rescheduled an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing for a murder defendant because the prosecution had not given evidence to the defense.

Mario Alfaro is charged with first-degree murder while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged role in the death of of 22-year-old Jonathan Vilchez on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017. Vilchez was found inside a convenience store with multiple gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, a prosecutor said he had not given discovery to the defense because he was preparing for an unrelated trial. To give the defense time to review the evidence, a judge postponed the IPA hearing until Feb. 14.

The prosecution said in a hearing last November that they do not plan on testing any evidence. Because of this, the defendant is given an option for an IPA hearing, which would allow the defendant to independently test evidence.

According to court documents, Alfaro was seen in the store mouthing something to Vilchez when both men pulled out firearms. Vilchez shot Alfaro, who ran away while shooting back at Vilchez.

Upon arrival to the scene, police found a blood trail that led to the murder weapon, which was hidden in a dumpster, and Alfaro, who was suffering from gunshot wounds.

D.C. Witness previously reported that a detective said Alfaro appeared to be in the same gang as Vilchez.

A trial for Alfaro is scheduled on Aug. 19.

Judge Sentences Man to 6 Years for Traffic Fatality

A judge sentenced a murder defendant Feb. 8 to six years following the death of a USA Today journalist.

Daryl G. Alexander, 47, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his alleged role in the death of Oren Dorell at the corner of 13th Street and H Street, NE on June 8, 2018. Alexander apparently hit Dorell, who was riding a motorcycle, while driving under the influence of PCP and alcohol.

During the sentencing, DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said he would agree to follow recommended sentencing guidelines under a plea, which could range between 60 and 72 months.

After hearing victim impact statements and remarks from defense and prosecution, Judge Iscoe determined that 72 months was an appropriate sentence because of Alexander’s previous convictions for driving under the influence. He also cited Alexander’s decision to consume drugs knowing he would have to use a car.

“Your family will be able to see you again, his will not,” Judge Iscoe told Alexander. The courtroom was filled with members of Dorell and Alexander’s families, each seated on opposite sides of the courtroom.

According to court documents, Alexander drove to a Chinese restaurant in Southeast DC and placed a take-out order. He waited in his car, where he consumed alcohol and smoked a cigarette dipped in PCP. Shortly afterwards, Alexander was seen driving down H Street at a high rate of speed, and ran through a red light at an intersection. He ran over Dorell, who was driving a motorcycle at the time.

Alexander said he blacked out due to drugs and he did not remember driving up H Street. However, court documents said police found Alexander, who was awake but unresponsive, in his car.

Defense Plans to Limit Expert Testimony in Domestic Homicide

During a hearing Feb. 11, a defense attorney said she plans to file a motion to limit the testimony of one of the prosecution’s expert witnesses.

Dianna Lalchan is charged with first-degree murder while armed and a related gun offense for her alleged role in the death of her husband, 36-year-old Christopher Lalchan, on the 1200 block of 4th Street, SW in 2013. According to court documents, the duo had been married for about four years.

Lalchan, 33, is currently released on personal recognizance. Apparently, on the night of the murder, Lalchan told police she was a victim of domestic abuse. However, according to court documents, there are no domestic abuse reports filed.

Defense attorney Maneka Sinha said the prosecution plans to call a forensic psychologist to testify about the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and battered wife syndrome. Sinha said the psychologist is also expected to discuss whether or not Lalchan was abused.

Sinha didn’t fully explain her objection to the psychologist’s expected testimony. However, she did say the testimony would impact how the jury would perceive Lalchan’s intent at the time of the shooting. Sinha said she plans to file her motion by Feb. 15.

The prosecution is scheduled to file a response by Feb. 26.

Lalchan is scheduled for a status hearing on March 1, when counsel is expected to resolve the motion.

According to court documents, Lalchan told police that she and her husband were arguing. She said her husband placed a gun on the television stand in the living room. Fearing for her safety, Lalchan said she got the weapon and fired three shots. She told police her husband did not physically assault her or threaten her on the night of the murder.

Judge Denies Request to Remove Defendant’s GPS Device

During a status hearing, a DC Superior Court judge denied Feb. 8 the defense’s request to remove a murder defendant’s GPS monitoring device.

Codefendants Victor Carvajal and Mason Binion are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged role in the death of 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW in 2008. Joshua Massaquoi is also charged in Taylor’s death. Massaquoi, 31, is currently housed at St. Elizabeth’s hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital. Carvajal, 32, and Binion, 31, are released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).

Binion’s defense attorney, Gladys Weatherspoon, said she filed the motion on Feb. 5 because the GPS device was malfunctioning and required additional charging, which impeded on her client’s work life.

However, Judge Todd Edelman said charging issues are not a valid reason for removal. Judge Edelman also said he would order pretrial services, the organization that oversees HISP, to give Binion a new GPS device.

The prosecution opposed the defense’s request, saying Binion simply wants to get out of a chore, referring to maintaining his GPS monitoring device.

According to court documents, a witness told police that Taylor helped “broker a deal” between a drug dealer and a group of individuals, including Binion, Carvajal and Massaquoi. Apparently, the drug deal was botched and the group paid but never received the marijuana.

Binion told police he supplied the gun and set up the murder. Massaquoi told police Binion shot Taylor and that Carvajal hit Taylor in the head with a rock.

Carvajal and Binion are scheduled for a status hearing on April 4. Massaquoi is scheduled for a status hearing on Feb. 12.

Document: Police Arrest Third Man in January Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a third person Feb. 8 in connection to the death of a 22-year-old man.

Carlos Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE on Jan. 12.

Turner, 20, is being held without bond.

Stephon Evans, 18, and Alonzo Brown, 21, are also charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged role in Taylor’s death. The two men are also being held without bond.

Turner, Evans and Brown are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 15.

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Roommate

During a felony status conference, a murder defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Policarpo Casarrubias-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for fatally stabbing his roommate, 37-year-old Israel Gomez on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW on Sept. 9, 2018.

Contingent on the judge’s approval, Casarrubias-Rodriguez, 44, could be sentenced from 7.5 years to 14 years in prison.

According to court documents, prior to the stabbing, Casarrubias-Rodriguez and Gomez got into a physical altercation stemming from a dispute over a chair. After the fight was over, Casarrubias-Rodriguez got a knife and stabbed Gomez once in the back. D.C. Witness previously reported that a judge said the defendant confessed to the crime after he was arrested.

Casarrubias-Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26.

Judge Orders Defendant Undergo Competency Testing

During a hearing Feb. 8, a D.C. Superior Court judge ordered a murder defendant to undergo a mental competency test.

Anthony Crawford is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the stabbing death of 35-year-old Wendy Karina Martinez on the 1400 block of 11th Street, NW on Sept. 18, 2018.

Counsel is expected to discuss Crawford’s competency results at the next hearing, which is scheduled on Feb. 12.

Area surveillance footage captured a black man, who was wearing a yellow sweater, stab Martinez repeatedly, court documents state. A witness later identified the male as Crawford, who was 23 years old at the time of arrest.

According to WTOP, Crawford suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Apparently, family members told detectives that he had not been taking his medication at the time of the murder.

Jail Mailroom Worker Testifies About Threatening Letters

Jail letters presented by the prosecution, during a trial on Feb. 7, revealed a defendant’s alleged threats against government informants.

Jalonte Little and Monte Johnson are charged with felony murder while armed and armed robbery, among other offenses, for their alleged roles in shooting 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds, who was also known as Gregory Dodds, on the 200 block of Division Street, NE in July of 2016. This case is being treated as a hate crime, according to the prosecution. Cyheme and Shareem Hall are also charged with the murder.

A witness who worked in the mailroom for the DC Department of Corrections said she found a letter signed by “Block,” which is Little’s nickname.

Apparently, the letters included threats against members of Cyheme and Shareem’s family, including addresses and phone numbers for the individuals. “Block” said something needed to be done to “scare the bitch” after the Hall brothers “went wild”.

The brothers apparently gave information to prosecutors under a plea deal. Cyheme also testified on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 against Little and Johnson.

Attached to the letters were legal documents with handwritten notes on them. Next to a list of charges for Little, Johnson, and the Hall brothers, the writer included next to Cyheme’s name: “He was charged but not no more.”

On a separate document, the words “No video for me, never said a word,” were written next to Jalonte Little’s name, while “He made a video” was written next to Shareem’s name.

The letters found by the witness had another individual’s name and inmate number, but the inmate had already been released from jail. The witness said it was possible an inmate could have used another inmate’s name and number on their outgoing mail. However, defense attorney Brandi Harden said the letters had no date, identification or proof of who actually wrote them.

As of Feb. 7, a plea deal has not been filed for Cyheme and Shareem. The trial is scheduled to continue on Feb. 11.

The ‘Wrong Man is on Trial,’ Defense Says

During closing arguments in a murder trial, the defense told a jury that “the wrong man is on trial” for the death of a 16-year-old girl.

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

Evan’s defense attorney, James King, said his client acted in self-defense. King said Evans, 32, fired his weapon at a black car after seeing movement in the vehicle. He said McMillian was caught in the crossfire and was killed by a shooter in the car.

However, the prosecution said there was no other shooter and that Evans shot McMillian. The prosecution previously stated that Evans’ “pride and ego” was responsible for McMillian’s death.

“Pride. Ego. Those words are as misguided as they are offensive,” King said. “People are allowed to defend themselves.”

The defense said Evans believed a man by the name of Sean Shuler was in the black car and that Evans fired in self-defense. Apparently, Shuler, 26, and Evans had a long standing feud. King said Shuler shot Evans at least sixteen times in 2012.

Shuler was killed on Jan. 26, the weekend before he was supposed to testify.

The defense said the law entitles a person to claim self-defense if they believe they are in danger. King said Evans’ actions were not premeditated and that he genuinely believed he was in danger.

The defense also argued that the prosecution’s case left room for doubt because evidence supports a second shooter. According to the defense, ballistic evidence and the way the victim fell is consistent with someone shooting from the car.

During rebuttals, the prosecution refuted the defense’s self-defense argument. According to the prosecution, Evans was “shooting at ghosts.”

The jury began deliberating on Feb. 7.

Judge Orders Teenager Transferred From Juvenile Facility to DC Jail

During a hearing Feb. 7, a DC Superior Court judge ordered a teenager be transferred from a juvenile facility to DC Jail, per the prosecution’s request.

Elijah Jarmon is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 18-year-old Taquan Pinkney on the 2800 block of Stanton Road, SE on Sept. 9, 2018.

The prosecution’s request was filed in December, nearly a month after Jarmon turned 18. According to the prosecution the law stipulates that Jarmon be moved to DC Jail. There’s “no ambiguity,” the prosecutor said.

The Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act of 2016 states that people under the age of 18 are to be transferred from DC jail to juvenile facilities. The transfer mandate went into effect on Oct. 1, 2018.

According to DC Courts, Jarmon, 18, was committed to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and placed at a juvenile facility on Nov. 9, 2018 even though his birthday was on Oct. 25, 2018.

Defense attorney James King argued against the prosecution’s motion to reconsider Jarmon’s placement saying, it’s at the judge’s discretion to choose whether or not to transfer someone after they’ve turned 18. King also said that DYRS can house individuals up to the age of 21.

Furthermore, King said Jarmon receives certain educational services at New Beginnings, a Maryland based juvenile facility, that would not be available if he was “uprooted” from the facility.

Judge Danya Dayson said that while she understands the educational aspect, she thinks the law is clear and ordered Jarmon be placed at the DC Jail.

According to court documents, a witness said he was with Pinkney and two other people when three unidentified individuals came up to the group and a fight broke out. Apparently, the group stopped fighting and the three unidentified individuals started following Pinkney and the witness. The witness said he looked back and saw Jarmon with a gun and heard gunshots.

Jarmon is scheduled for a status hearing on March 25.

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