Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for New Counsel

A murder defendant told a DC Superior Court judge June 24 that he wanted to withdraw from his guilty plea.

Shelby Jones pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for shooting 17-year-old Davon Fisher on the 400 block of Riggs Road, NE. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The defendant pleaded guilty to the murder on Jan. 11.

According to DC Courts, Jones, 18, will go forward with withdrawing from the plea agreement. The defendant’s lawyer said he intends to submit a motion to Judge Ronna L. Beck by July 12. The prosecution said they would be opposing the withdrawal and has until Aug. 2 to respond to the defense’s motion.

In addition to requesting to withdraw from the plea, Jones also requested another change in counsel. “I’ve been talking with him,” Jones said. “It’s not going through.” Jones’ current defense attorney, Kevin Irving, replaced his initial counsel in May.

After speaking with Jones, Judge Beck said she would not replace Irving and acknowledged the defendant’s desire to withdraw his guilty plea.

A motions hearing is scheduled on Aug. 30. However, if the judge denies the defense’s motion to withdraw the guilty plea, the case will proceed to sentencing.

Judge Allows Alleged Child Murderer to Travel with Family

During a status hearing June 24, a DC Superior Court judge allowed a murder defendant to travel with her family.

Faneshia Scott is charged with first-degree murder and child cruelty for her alleged role in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, on the 5400 Block of C Street, SE in 2017. Scott, 32, is currently confined to her home under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). She is also required to wear a GSP monitor.

Defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, requested that Judge Milton Lee let the defendant travel with her family on vacation next month. Scott’s parents were present in the courtroom and reassured Judge Lee that their daughter would be under their supervision during the duration of the vacation.

The prosecution opposed the decision, saying it could be seen as “rewarding” Scott who allegedly murdered her daughter and abused her other two children.

In addition to the prosecutor’s opposition, she also mentioned that the victim’s father and grandmother, who were present in court, have been receiving anonymous phone calls. The prosecutor reminded the defense that the defendant has been asked not to contact the father or his family.

A status hearing is scheduled on Sept. 27.

Document: Another Homicide in Park View

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating another homicide in the Park View area in less than a week.

According to a press release, officers found 45-year-old Melton Grant suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 600 block of Morton Street, NW on June 22. Grant was transferred to a local hospital where hew was pronounced dead.

A second victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound, was also located. He was transferred to a local hospital for treatment for serious injuries.

The homicide occurred about three days after the fatal shooting of Juan Marcell Grant on the 700 block of Princeton Place, NW on June 19. Because both cases are still under investigation, the police did not provide any other information.

So far, this year there have been three homicides in the Park View area, including the shooting of Breon Austin inside his home on the 700 block of Princeton Place, NW on April 19. The Washington Post reported that the shooting appeared to be targeted.

The police department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in any homicide in Washington, 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.

Second Teen Charged in 2018 Homicide

The prosecution charged another teen in connection with a homicide that occurred during the summer of 2018.

Stephon Evans was charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license for allegedly shooting 21-year-oldDion DeMarco Boyd’s homicide on the 1400 black of Maryland Avenue, NE on July 30, 2018.

Kewon Hunter was indicted on the same charges June 20. Hunter, 19, was originally charged with second-degree murder.

During a felony arraignment June 21, both defendants pleaded not-guilty.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe also agreed to sign the prosecution’s draft of a protective order, which restricts sharing of material evidence with anyone outside of the defendants’ defense teams. Judge Iscoe told the defense attorneys for both defendants that they can raise issues with the order at the next hearing.

Evans is also charged with first-degree murder for an unrelated homicide in January.

A status hearing for the co-defendants is scheduled on Aug. 16.

Document: Police Arrest Second Suspect in April Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 19 year-old on June 21 for his alleged involvement in a fatal stabbing in April.

Xavier Dontrell Culbreth is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the death of 40 year-old Jamal Ferrell on the 700 block of 14th Sreet, SE on April 28.

On June 6, police arrested and charged 18 year-old Jada Jena Smith with first-degree felony murder in connection to the stabbing.

A preliminary hearing for both suspects is scheduled on July 1.

Judge Postpones Murder Defendant’s Sentencing

A DC Superior Court judge granted the defense’s request to postpone a sentencing for a murder defendant.

After being charged with first-degree murder, Keith Sweptson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in January for beating 33-year-old Yusef Turner to death. Apparently, Sweptson was assisted by another man, Kevin Carter, to carry out the crime on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. He is charged with first-degree murder. As of June 21, Carter, 30, is scheduled for a felony status conference on July 12.

During a hearing June 21, defense attorney, John Fowler, requested to postpone the sentencing in order to require the prosecution to present evidence of 39-year-old Sweptson’s guilt. Fowler said the prosecution refused multiple requests for evidence in the case.

Judge Craig Iscoe spoke with Fowler and the prosecutor under seal.

Judge Iscoe said the defense had to file a brief by July 26. The prosecution has until Sept. 6 to file an opposition to the brief.

A status hearing is scheduled on Sept. 13. However, if the judge believes the case is ready, a sentencing will replace the status hearing.

Co-defendants Plead Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

During a status hearing June 21, two defendants in a murder trial pleaded guilty to murder.

Codefendants Robert Washington, 22, and Derrick Hart, 23, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and voluntary manslaughter, respectively, for their roles in the shooting of 22-year-old Maleak Coffin. The shooting occurred on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SE on Dec. 23, 2017.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he wasn’t going to rule on the plea offer, which stipulates a sentencing range between 5-8 years in prison, until sentencing. He said he is planning to hear more from counsel and family members before he makes a decision.

Judge Edelman also said that if he decides a 5-8 year sentence range is inappropriate, he would allow the defendants to reconsider whether they want to plead guilty.

Coffin’s mother told Judge Edelman that the plea agreements presented to both defendants were not severe enough. She said a video of the incident showed the defendants willfully and intentionally killed her son. “This is not justice,” she said.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Coffin inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the hospital three days later.

Surveillance footage shows Hart exit a gas station and proceed to shoot at Coffin and another individual. The footage also shows Washington driving a Lexus near Coffin’s stopped vehicle, where he began to fire shots at Coffin’s car.

Hart and Washington are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 20.

Defense Claims Protective Order is Too Restricting

A murder defendant’s attorney objected June 21 to terms put in place for his client’s protective order, which he said hindered his ability to adequately utilize evidence.

Elhadi Babacar Ndiaye, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Travis Deyvon Ruth. The shooting occurred on the 2700 block of Jasper Street, SE on Jan. 18.

Ndiaye’s attorney, Blase Kearney, said 20-25 percent of the statement made by Detective Wilson was redacted from a document provided by the prosecution. Kearney argued that it looked as though key pieces of information had been hidden.

The prosecutor said the statements were redacted because Kearney would not agree to most of the protective order. She said that if she and Kearney could come to an agreement on the protective order, she would be happy to provide him with the unredacted statements.

However, Kearney said Ndiaye already knows the witnesses’ identities, so the prosecution’s goal of protecting witnesses does not justify so many redactions. He said he would not agree to certain portions of the protective order, including not showing the statements to Ndiaye and destroying the document afterwards.

Because counsel could not agree on the protective order, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he would compare the redacted and non-redacted copies to determine if the redacted information was actually important for the defense’s case.

The prosecutor also said she was making progress in the indictment but was still waiting for responses for a few outstanding warrants.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Ruth unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the body.

Another felony status conference is scheduled on Aug. 23.

Judge Sets Two Trial Dates to Accomodate 10 Murder Suspects

During a status hearing on June 20, a DC Superior Court Judge divided 10 co-defendants for a murder case into two groups. Each group was given their own trial date.

Quentin Michals, Qujuan Thomas, Quincy Garvin, Gregory Taylor, Mark Tee Price, Marquell Cobbs, Darrise Jeffers, Antonio Murchison, Isaiah Murchison, and Saquan Williams are all charged with first-degree murder, plus additional charges, for allegedly shooting 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting occurred on July 16, 2018, on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE. According to court documents, the shooting was spurred over a neighborhood rivalry.

The prosecution suggested the ten suspects be divided into two different groups: Garvin, 19, Williams, 17, Thomas, 20, Michaels, 21, Taylor, 23, and Price, 24, were placed in one group. Jeffers, 19, Cobbs, 17, Antonio Murchison, 26, and Isaiah Murchison, 19 were placed in another group.

The first group was given the original Aug. 5 trial date and the second group was scheduled for trial on Jan. 5, 2021.

According to a press release, during the evening hours, four masked males exited a black vehicle and began shooting. Makiyah was playing in the area near Marvin Gaye Park and KIPP DC Quest Academy Public Charter School. She and several other adults were shot.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department officers found Makiyah unconscious and not breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound to the body. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Makiyah was the only fatality in the shooting.

All ten suspects are scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 1.

Judge Modifies Protective Order in Murder Case

During a status hearing/felony arraignment on June 20, a DC Superior Court judge changed a modification provision of a protective order despite objections from one of the defense attorneys.

Quentin Michals, 21, Qujuan Thomas, 20, Quincy Garvin, 19, Gregory Taylor, 23, Mark Tee Price, 24, Marquell Cobbs, 17, Darrise Jeffers, 19, Antonio Murchison, 26, Isaiah Murchison, 19, and Saquan Williams, 17, are all charged with first-degree murder, plus additional charges, for allegedly shooting 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. The shooting occurred on July 16, 2018, on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE.

Jeffers’ attorney, Veronice A. Holt, said she was concerned about the modification of provisions in the order but didn’t specify what the provisions said.

Despite concerns, Judge Ronna Lee Beck said she would change the modification provision to read that the order could be modified with the permission of the court. Holt is expected to file a statement by June 29 about whether she agrees to the protective order as modified.

Judge Beck also denied the motion to sever 10 of the 11 defendants charged in the murder. Quanisha Ramsuer’s case was severed from the other defendants. She has been charged with obstruction of justice in relation to the murder. Ramsuer, 26, is released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

She is scheduled for trial scheduled on Feb. 3, 2020.

According to a press release, during the evening hours, four masked males exited a black vehicle and began shooting. Makiyah was playing in an area near Marvin Gaye Park and KIPP DC Quest Academy Public Charter School. She and several other adults were shot. The shooting is believed to have been spurred by a neighborhood rivalry.

All ten suspects are scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 1.

Preliminary Hearing for 2019 Murder Case Continued

A judge continued a preliminary hearing for a murder case.

Rakeem Willis, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Tyrik Hagood, Javon Abney and Sean Schuler on Jan. 26 on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE.

According to court documents, two of the victims were found inside of a vehicle and the other victim was found ‘a few car lengths’ away. A police investigation indicates that the victims may have been in the area to buy guns or drugs. Police were informed by a witness from the area that Schuler and Abney may have also committed robberies together.

Apparently, Willis called Schuler multiple times months before the homicides and then on the same day of the homicides.

Due to ‘technical difficulties,’ DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson was unable to proceed with the scheduled preliminary hearing.

The hearing has been rescheduled to June 25.

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Witnesses Are Being Uncooperative for 2015 Murder Trial

During a motions hearing for a 2015 murder case, counsel told a judge about issues with contacting witnesses involved with the case.

Gary Proctor, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol outside a home or business and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in the death of Jerome Diggs, 42. The crime occurred on the 1300 block of First Street, SW on July 27, 2015.

Defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, said he is having problems getting in touch with a material witness. He informed DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson that there have been two subpoenas ordered for this witness as of June 20.

The prosecution also told Judge Dayson that she was having difficulties contacting witnesses.

Judge Dayson continued the hearing to June 27 when counsel is expected to discuss the witness issue further.

Prosecution Doesn’t Expect Indictment Until September

During a felony status conference June 20, a prosecutor notified a judge that he would need until the Sept. 24 deadline to reach an indictment.

Stephen Maye, also spelled Steven, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvment 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.

According to court documents, Walcott’s death was the result of a fight between him and Maye, 49. A witness told police that Maye had a knife while he and Walcott were fighting. According to police documents, Walcott was at Maye’s apartment to smoke PCP.

Defense counsel, Mani Golzari, requested that any evidence the prosecution has against the defendant that could help the defense’s case be turned over as soon as possible. If the prosecution fails to provide this evidence, it would be a violation of the defendant’s fifth amendment right to due process.

Golzari also said he was in favor of negotiating a protective order regarding body-worn camera footage from the crime scene. He did not provide any further explanation about the details of the protective order.

At the crime scene, a blood trail led from the apartment to where Walcott was found by police. Walcott’s body and a knife were found behind a U-Haul truck, according to police documents.

Police found Maye in the driver’s seat of the truck. He said, “they said he took some drugs … they were going to kill him,” according to police documents. It is unclear who Maye was referring to when he said “they.”

Another felony status conference is scheduled on Aug. 23. DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said if both parties could agree on the protective order and the prosecution begins to provide discovery, the hearing would be vacated.

Document: Homicide in Park View

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in the Park View neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC.

According to a press release, 29-year-old Juan Marcell Grant was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on June 19 on the 700 block of Princeton Place, NW. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The police are 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 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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