Document: Examiner’s Office Rules Man’s Death A Homicide Nearly 2 Years After Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a man’s death, which was ruled a homicide nearly two years after he was shot.

According to a press release, 28-year-old Troy Souder was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds during the evening hours on May 19, 2017, on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW. He was taken to an area hospital for life-threatening injuries. Sounder succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 27.

According to the Washington Post, Souder was working on a car outside of an apartment building when an unidentified individual began shooting.

The Medical Examiner’s Office of the District of Columbia ruled the death a homicide.

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. Up to a $25,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Judge Refuses to Sentence Murder Defendants Under Youth Act

A D.C. Superior Court judge denied the defense’s request Jan. 30 to sentence two men under the Youth Rehabilitation Act of 2018. Apparently, the men were sentenced under the Youth Act previously and had their provisions revoked.

On Dec. 18, Judge Judith Bartnoff sentenced Barry Giles and Marco Williams to 8.5 years and 15.5 years in prison, respectively, for their involvement in the death of 37-year-old Timothy Lassiter on the 3100 block of Berry Road, NE in 2016.

Judge Bartnoff said that sentencing the men under the youth act was “just too much of a stretch” due to the severity of the crime and the fact that they were previously given youth act benefits.

As stated in the Youth Rehabilitation Act of 2018, youth offenders age 15 – 24 can have their sentence “set-aside” or hidden from public view if the judge deems it appropriate.

Giles, who was 20 years old at the time of the offense, and Williams, who was 23 years old at the time of offense, were eligible to be considered under the amended law.

During the hearing, Williams’ defense attorney, Brandi Harden, argued in favor of her client being sentenced under the youth act saying, Williams’ background is “traumatic” noting that his mother was “strung out” on drugs and that he lived with his grandmother.

“Of course he couldn’t make correct decisions,” Harden said.

Harden also said that upon his release, Williams would be nearly 40 years old and said it would be “cumbersome” on the community for him to reenter the community with no job prospects.Harden argued that sentencing Williams under the youth act wouldn’t be a “gift.”

Apparently, under the statute Williams would have to successfully serve out his sentence and complete probation before the court would agree to “set aside” his sentence.

Giles’ defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, agreed with Harden’s arguments and added that her client was on probation for a 2017 gun related conviction at the time of the murder. She said that he was technically sentenced under the youth act, but the right was revoked because he violated his probation by being involved in Lassiter’s death.

Harvey said Giles, 22, never got the full benefit of the youth act.

Meanwhile, the prosecution refuted the defense’s position saying, the youth act must be “earned” and given to those who are “deserving.” The prosecutor said the act doesn’t simply apply because a defendant fits the age requirement. He also said that Williams’ was sentenced twice before under the youth act.

Defendant’s Ex-Girlfriend Says She Was ‘Pressured’ Into Giving A False Testimony

After receiving an immunity deal, a witness recanted Jan. 30 her initial story about a homicide.

Monte Johnson and Jalonte Little are charged with felony murder while armed, conspiracy and robbery while armed, among other offenses, for their alleged involvement in the death of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds, who was also known as Gregory Dodds, on the 200 block of Division Avenue, NE in 2016. This case is classified as a hate crime, according to the prosecution.

During the trial, Johnson’s ex-girlfriend told a jury that he did not confess to the murder. However, the girlfriend told a grand jury that she picked Johnson up after the murder when he confessed to “accidentally” shooting Dodds. She said he didn’t know the gun was loaded and that the robbery “didn’t go how it was supposed to go.”

Noting her conflicting statements, the girlfriend said the prosecution “pressured” her to give the initial testimony. She said detectives on the case did not inform her of her rights, denied her request for a lawyer and called her “a fucking liar.” She said the prosecution told her they would “lock her up.”

However, the girlfriend’s grand jury testimony showed that she was notified of her rights and was provided with a lawyer. The girlfriends’ lawyer was present in the audience during her testimony.

In addition to Johnson and Little, brothers Shareem Hall, 25, and Cyheme Hall, 23, are also charged with Dodd’s death. The prosecution said the brothers were offered a plea deal and plan to testify against Little, 28 and Johnson, 23. As of Jan. 30, a plea agreement has not been filed on the DC Courts’ website.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Johnson, Little and the Hall brothers were involved in a series of robberies targeting transgender women, which resulted in Dodds’ death. The prosecution said Little was the driver and that Johnson and the Hall brothers committed the robberies. Apparently, during Dodds’ robbery, there was a struggle and Johnson shot Dodds in the neck while the brothers stole her purse.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 31.

Prosecution Can’t Locate Murder Trial’s Key Witness

The prosecution in a murder trial notified the court Jan. 30 that the only eyewitness to a 16-year-old girl’s murder failed to show up to testify and cannot be located. Apparently, the witness was standing near the victim when she was shot.

“I do not know when the witness will be found,” the prosecutor said. “A marshal is working on it.”

Saeve Evans is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two gun related charges for his alleged involvement in the death of Breyona McMillian on the 1200 block of I Street, SE in 2016. Evans, 32, is also charged with obstruction of justice.

Even though the prosecution said they need more time to find the witness, they still plan on calling other witnesses.

“I understand,” DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said. “You are missing two key witnesses.” Judge Iscoe was referring to the missing eyewitness and a man, Sean Shuler, who allegedly had a longstanding feud with Evans.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Shuler, 26, was found dead on Jan. 26.

During opening arguments, the prosecution said McMillian and her friend, the eyewitness, were standing in a parking lot when McMillian was fatally shot. Evans, 26, shot McMillian when he opened fire at a black car that entered the area, according to the prosecution. Apparently, Evans believed the person driving the car was Shuler, but it wasn’t.

The defense said that there was movement in the car and that Evans fired back in self-defense. The defense says a shooter in the car struck McMillian.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Jan. 31.

Murder Defendant Waives Reading of Indictment

During a hearing Jan. 30, a murder defendant waived his right to a formal reading of his indictment for his alleged role in homicide of a 48-year-old man.

Jerome Wilson is charged with felony murder while armed, robbery and two gun-related offenses for his alleged role in the death of Sean Anderson on the 2300 Block of Good Hope Road, SE on March 24, 2018.

Wilson, 36, pleaded not guilty.

A prosecutor, standing in on the case, said the assigned prosecutor plans to hand over discovery evidence soon.

D.C. Witness previously reported that a detective on the case said Wilson was the last person to see Anderson alive. Apparently, the men were in Anderson’s apartment smoking crack cocaine and watching pornography. A witness told police Anderson was armed with a revolver, which the detective said could have been the murder weapon.

Wilson is scheduled for a status hearing on March 15.

Man Fatally Shot Over Weekend is Allegedly Connected to Minor’s Death

During a murder trial, the defense questioned witnesses about the whereabouts of a man they say caused the murder defendant to open fire and “defend” himself. The man in question was fatally shot over the weekend.

Saeve Evans is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two gun related charges for his alleged role in the death of 16-year-old Breyona McMillian on the 1200 block of I Street, SE in 2016. Evans is also charged with obstruction of justice.

“We were planning on calling Sean Shuler, who is now dead,” the prosecutor said in court on Jan. 30.

According to court documents, Evans, 32, had a long standing feud with Shuler, who was convicted of shooting Evans in 2012.

A press release said Shuler, 26, was shot and killed on Jan. 26 in Southeast DC.

A witness previously testified that Shuler had been living in a halfway house in the days leading up to McMillian’s death. On the day of the murder, the witness said Shuler had left the house in the morning and did not return until approximately 4 p.m. McMillan was shot around noon.

An expert witness said cell phone records show that Shuler’s phone had not been in the area of the shooting. However, the defense said that the cell phone data only shows the location of the phone, not Shuler.

During opening arguments, the defense said Evans was standing in a parking lot with McMillian, when a black car entered the lot. Apparently, Evans believed Shuler was in the car. The defense said there was movement in the car and Evans opened fire as a result. The defense said there was a shooter in the car and that they shot McMillian.

However, the prosecution said Shuler wasn’t in the car and that Evans was the only shooter.

Thamar Bailey contributed to this article.

Document: Homicide on M Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 600 block of M Street, NE on Dec. 30.

According to a press release, officers found 21-year-old Jibri West on 8^th and H Street, Northeast. West was unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, the victim was pronounced dead.

The 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 case in Washington, 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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Witnesses Testimonies Implicate A Murder Defendant in Transgender Woman’s Death

On Jan. 29, the testimonies of three witnesses implicated one of the murder defendants involved in a transgender woman’s murder.

Jalonte Little and Monte Johnson are charged with felony murder while armed and armed robbery, among other offenses, for their alleged roles in the shooting of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds on the 200 block of Division Street, NE in 2016. The homicide is being treated as a hate crime.

A police sergeant, who aided in the arrest of Little, told a jury Jan. 29 that a victim from one of four robberies against transgendered women, identified Little’s car. Apparently, one of the robberies resulted in Dodds’ death.

Another victim testified that she was strip-searched and called derogatory slurs. However, she said she could not see the faces of the men who robbed her.

In addition to the officer and the woman, an expert in GPS monitoring said Little was wearing a GPS tracking device at the time of the shooting and robberies. Based on the data, it is likely that Little was driving at the time.

Two brothers, 25-year-old Shareem Hall and 23-year-old Cyheme Hall, are also charged with the death of Dodds. D.C. Witness previously reported that the prosecution said the brothers entered into a plea agreement and plan to testify against Johnson and Little. However, as of Jan. 29, a plea agreement has not been filed.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Little was the driver while the Hall brothers and Johnson performed the robberies. Apparently, Johnson shot Dodds.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 30.

Document: Arrest Made in Traffic Fatality on Kenilworth Avenue, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Jan. 29 a man involved in a traffic fatality that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to a press release, 20-year-old Markel Ford is charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly killing 51-year-old Sherron Pressley on Aug. 30, 2018. Both the victim and the suspect resided in Northeast DC at the time.

Apparently, during the afternoon hours, two pedestrians were walking in a crosswalk when a dark colored vehicle hit them. Both victims were transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle did not remain on the scene.

Pressley was later pronounced dead, according to the release.

Judge Continues Murder Defendant’s Sentencing, Again

Minutes before a man was scheduled to be sentenced, a defense lawyer requested a continuance, saying she needs more time to review transcripts.

In August of 2018, a jury found Sean Green guilty of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill and two gun related charged for his role in the death of 24-year-old Derrick Black on the 3300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2015.

In lieu of the sentencing, a status hearing was scheduled on March 1, which is when counsel is expected to set a sentencing date.

During the hearing, defense attorney Kristin McGough, who is new to Green’s case, also said she needs additional time to see how her client would like to proceed.

Green, 27, was initially scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 2. However, he requested new counsel, which caused the court to continue his sentencing. McGough was appointed on Nov. 28.

According to the prosecution, surveillance footage shows Green chasing Black on Georgia Avenue and shooting him three times in the back. After Black fell to the ground, Green shot him two more times.

Senior Citizen Pleads Guilty to Homicide Over Lawnmower Dispute

After being deemed competent, a murder defendant pleaded guilty Jan. 28 for his role in a homicide that stemmed from a dispute over a lawnmower.

William Hunt pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for stabbing 48-year-old George White on the 400 block of Newcomb Street, SE in 2011. During the hearing, the prosecutor said the victim was stabbed 67 times.

Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to downgrade Hunt’s first-degree murder while armed charge to second-degree murder while armed. They also agreed to drop Hunt’s obstruction of justice charge. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Hunt, 62, could be sentenced to 11.5 years in prison.

In 2015, Hunt was deemed incompetent and the court ordered inpatient restoration services at St. Elizabeth’s hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital. According to D.C. Superior Court Judge Jose Lopez, St. Elizabeth’s doctors now say Hunt is competent.

Hunt will remain at St. Elizabeth’s hospital pending sentencing.

According to a proffer of facts, White confronted Hunt, who was cutting grass, after he was woken up by the sound of a lawnmower. After the argument ended, Hunt entered White’s apartment and stabbed him repeatedly.

Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25.

Transgender Woman’s Death Was a Hate Crime, Prosecution says

During opening arguments in a murder trial, the prosecution sought to prove two defendants were involved in a string of robberies that targeted transgender women, ultimately killing one of them. But, the defense said, “things aren’t always as they seem.”

Jalonte Little and Monte Johnson are charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed and conspiracy, among other felonies, 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. According to the prosecution, Dodds death is being treated as a hate crime.

Brothers Shareem Hall, 25, and Cyheme Hall, 23, are also charged with Dodds’ death. The prosecution said the brothers entered into a plea agreement and plan to testify against Little and Johnson.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Little, 28, acted as the driver while Johnson, 23, and the Hall brothers assaulted and robbed transgender women and other individuals who were near them. Apparently, Dodds was on her way home when the trio approached her. The prosecution said Johnson held Dodds at gunpoint and ultimately shot her in the neck while the brothers stole her purse.

The prosecution also said Little tried to obstruct justice because they intercepted a letter from DC Jail that directed an unknown individual to “silence” government witnesses that “said too much.” They also say that Johnson confessed to his girlfriend the day after the murder.

On the other hand, Johnson’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, said his client was not present at the murder and that the brothers were making him a “scapegoat.” According to Irving, the brothers told the police multiple stories of the murder.

“This case is exactly about Shareem and Cyheme Hall,” Irving said. “Two brothers with an incentive to take the blame off themselves.”

Little’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, conceded that her client was wearing a GPS tracking monitor that placed him near the crime scene. However, she noted that the GPS device doesn’t inform anyone what her client agreed to or what he knew.

Harden also sought to discredit Shareem, saying that he was previously arrested and charged in an unrelated armed home invasion case. Harden also said Cyheme couldn’t be trusted and noted that, at the time of the murder, he was a fugitive in Maryland and Virginia.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Jan. 29.

Judge Sentences Man to Nearly 14 years for 2015 Homicide

A judge sentenced Jan. 25 a man to 167 months, or about 14 years, for the death of another man in 2015.

John James, 27, pleaded guilty in October of 2018 to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault for shooting Ernest Massenberg-Bey, Jr. on the 1100 block of Eaton Road, SE, which is located in the Barry Farm neighborhood.

During the sentencing, a prosecutor said that James shot the two men after an argument over a dice game. According to court documents, Massenberg-Bey intervened in an argument between James and a surviving victim. James left the scene of the argument but returned and shot the two men. The surviving victim later identified James as the shooter.

“I walked around for two years, numb and in disbelief that I’d never see my son again,” Massenberg-Bey’s mother told DC Superior Court Judge Milton C Lee. She said that her son was shot and killed a day after his birthday, which he shared with her and his grandmother.

Judge Lee sentenced James to 125 months for voluntary manslaughter and 42 months for aggravated assault. The sentences will be served consecutively. James’ conviction carried a voluntary sentencing guideline range of 12-15 years.

When released from prison, James is required to register on a gun-offender. He is also required to serve five additional years on supervised release.

Document: DC Homicide Count Doubles from Last Year

Four homicides occurred on Saturday, boosting the District of Columbia’s homicide count by approximately 100 percent from this time a year ago.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, four people died on Jan. 26. Three men, 26 year-old Sean Shuler, 26 year-old Javon Abney, and 24 year-old Tyrik Hagood, were shot during the evening hours on the 1500 Block of Fort Davis Place, Southeast. All three victims died on the scene

Earlier that day, at 3:36p.m., 59 year-old Kevin Jerome Harrison was shot on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, Northeast. He died on the scene as well.

The fatal shootings increased DC’s homicide total to 18 from nine homicides a year ago, according to D.C. Witness data.

According to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, several non-deadly shootings also occurred on Saturday, acknowledging that some shootings were in retaliation.

“We have has too many gun crimes, at the start of 2019, and already too many lives lost,” Bowser said during a press conference Jan. 27.

As part of their investigation, the police is offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in these cases 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.

Judge Sentences Man for Fatally Striking Cyclist Near National Mall

A D.C. Superior Court judge sentenced a man Jan. 25 to 18 months in prison for running a red light and fatally striking a 64-year-old man who was riding his bicycle to work. According to the defense, the defendant was rushing to get to work on time.

In November, Phillip Peoples pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and leaving after colliding for his role in the death of 64-year-old Thomas Hendricks Hollowell on the 1200 block of Constitution Avenue, NW in September 2018. According to Judge Ronna Beck, it was raining on the day of the murder.

Judge Beck sentenced Peoples, 21, to 1.5 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and one year in prison for leaving after colliding. The sentences will run concurrently.

“Accidents happen but you expect a driver to have remorse in the moment,” one of Hollowell ’s daughters said, noting that the defendant fled the scene. Apparently, Peoples also lied about his involvement in Hollowell’s death in the days following the homicide.

During the sentencing several members of Hollowell’s family shared their emotional states to the judge. Hollowell’s son recounted the day he learned his father had been struck by a car. He explained that his brain was “numb” when he walked into George Washington University Hospital and saw his father hooked up to multiple tubes and one of his eyes swollen shut.

The son said that his father biked to work every day, that Hollowell had a PhD in environmental science and was employed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

One of Hollowell’s two daughters said that her father was proud to do his part to decrease global warming.

“I give my deepest apologies to the family,” Peoples told the family. “Your forgiveness means the world to me.”

Defense attorney Roger Hale said his client cries daily about Hollowell’s death. Hale said that regardless of the prison sentence, Peoples will have a life sentence. According to Hale, Peoples worked two jobs and was in school, on his way to becoming a nursing assistant. Hale also added that Peoples has a young child and another baby on the way.

Prior to delivering her sentence, Judge Beck said that while Peoples has no criminal history, he did have 17 traffic citations. None of the citations were for speeding or reckless driving.

Judge Beck also said that she plans to sentence Peoples under the Youth Act and after the successful completion of his supervised release, Peoples criminal record will be hidden from public record as stated in Title 24 of the Code of the District of Columbia.

Peoples is required to serve five years on supervised release following his sentence. Judge Beck recommended Peoples be required to complete community service related to pedestrian and bicycle safety, per the families request.

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