Murder Defendants Discuss Possible Plea Offer

During a status hearing Aug. 20, two murder defendants were scheduled for another status hearing, so the parties would have time to discuss a plea offer.

Kewon Hunter and Stephon Evans are charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Dion Boyd on the 1400 block of Maryland Avenue, NE on July 30, 2018.

The prosecution informed the court that they intended to make a plea offer to the defendants. Both the prosecution and the defense requested another hearing date so the plea offer could be considered and explained to the defendants.

The substance of the offers were not revealed in open court.

The prosecution also said they would provide all remaining discovery materials to the defense.

Hunter and Evans are scheduled for a status hearing on Sept. 6.

Victim’s Friend Calls Murder Defendant A ‘Bonafide Thug’

During a sentencing on Aug. 20, a close friend of the victim said the defendant was a “bonafide thug.”

Tywan Porter, 26, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting 39-year-old Alexander Mosby in May of 2018 on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

During the close friend’s impact statement, she blamed low income housing for “harboring thugs” like Porter.

“The defendant did this premeditatedly and for that I hope the courts give him the maximum penalty,” she said.

Mosby’s wife and mother said how hardworking and community oriented he was.

“I’m still in disbelief that my husband is not here,” Mosby’s wife told the judge. “It is hard every day but I think of how great of a person Alex was.”

“I’ll always remember how much of a dreamer Alexander was,” his mother said. “He had so many ideas to start his businesses and he achieved almost all of them.”

The prosecution suggested that Porter receive 10 years and a significant amount of community service once released. The prosecutor said the prison term and service would be fair because Mosby was so involved in the community.

The defense suggested eight years because Porter had no prior criminal record.

The defense said Porter worked for the DC Public School System as a cafeteria manager and was a single father.

Porter apologized to the victims family but also to his family, who were present in the courtroom.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said that Porter’s decisions were what led to the murder. Judge Edelman said he believed the suggested sentence range was appropriate for him to rule within.

Judge Edelman agreed with the prosecutions suggestion and sentenced Porter to 10 years in prison with and additional 5 years of supervised release.

He said that he could not order community service, but he did recommend that Porter complete 200 hours upon release.

How Does Inmate Placement Affect the Family Structure?

With a federal policy that can place convicted felons from Washington, DC across the country, several inmates from Washington, DC live up to two thousand miles away from everything they’ve ever known.

So, how does this affect them?

“The longer someone is out of the life of the family, the more likely they are to lose their place in the family,” said Carol Fennelly, founder of Hope House DC. Hope House DC is an organization that serves the needs of inmates who have been taken to prisons far from the District. The organization specifically focuses on decreasing recidivism and keeping incarcerated men connected to the community.

According to Fennelly, rehabilitation after imprisonment relies heavily on a connection to family and loved ones and access to treatment and services. Both of these are affected by distance from home during imprisonment.

“Equally important is how does [distance] impact the kids? Separation from their fathers dramatically affects the children as well, as mothers have to ‘become everything,’” Fennelly said.

According to the D.C. Witness database, which began in 2015, 93 percent of convicted defendants involved in murder cases are men.

Tangible improvements, such as increased employment rates and reduced substance abuse also occur when inmates can maintain family ties while they serve time, leading to a lower likelihood of being sent back to prison. And much of this ability relies on the U.S. Government.

The U.S. Department of Justice regulates inmates’ placement. According to the Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification statement, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has deemed 500 miles from D.C. to be a “reasonable” distance for prisoners to be placed.

As of July 5, there are 142 D.C. inmates serving sentences for murder who have been arrested since 2015. The interactive graph below indicates which states they are being held in:

Adhering to the guidelines, 69 percent of inmates are placed within the 500 mile radius at the following prisons:

Beckley FCI in West Virginia (304 miles) – 15 inmates
Hazelton FCI in West Virginia (189 miles) – 15 inmates
Rivers CI in North Carolina (210 miles) – 12 inmates
Hazelton USP in West Virginia (189 miles) – 8 inmates
Allenwood USP in Pennsylvania (193 miles) – 7 inmates
Cumberland FCI in Maryland (137 miles) – 7 inmates
Big Sandy USP in Kentucky (419 miles) – 6 inmates
McDowell FCI in West Virginia (357 miles) – 5 inmates
Gilmer FCI in West Virginia (74 miles) – 4 inmates
Lee USP in Virginia (432 miles) – 4 inmates
Petersburg Medium FCI in Virginia (130 miles) – 3 inmates
Canaan USP in Pennsylvania (264 miles) – 2 inmates
Lewisburg USP in Pennsylvania (183 miles) – 2 inmates
Butner Low FCI in North Carolina (304 miles) – 1 inmate
Butner Medium FCI in North Carolina (304 miles) – 1 inmate
Danbury FCI in Connecticut (291 miles) – 1 inmate
Fort Dix FCI in New Jersey (167 miles) – 1 inmate
Moshannon Valley CI (209 miles) – 1 inmate
Philadelphia FDC in Pennsylvania (140 miles) – 1 inmate
Schuylkill FCI (175 miles) – 1 inmate

The other 31 percent are placed outside of the 500 mile radius at the following prisons:

Atwater USP in California (2,828 miles) – 4 inmates
Berlin FCI in New Hampshire (602 miles) – 4 inmates
Coleman II USP in Nebraska (834 miles) – 4 inmates
Beaumont USP in Texas (1,327 miles) – 3 inmates
Edgefield FCI in South Carolina (542 miles) – 3 inmates
McCreary USP in Kentucky (558 miles) – 3 inmates
Pollock USP in Louisiana (1,163 miles) – 3 inmates
Carswell FMC in Texas (1,360 miles) – 2 inmates
Marion USP in Illinois (805 miles) – 2 inmates
Thomson AUSP in California (843 miles) – 2 inmates
Victorville I Medium FCI in California (2,586 miles) – 2 inmates
Victorville USP in California (2,586) – 2 inmate
Atlanta USP in Georgia (642 miles) – 1 inmate
Florence High USP in Colorado (1,684 miles) – 1 inmate
Fort Worth FMC in Texas (1,360 miles) – 1 inmate
Pekin FCI in Illinois (793 miles) – 1 inmate
Springfield MCFP in Missouri (1,034 miles) – 1 inmate
Talladega FCI in Alabama (730 miles) – 1 inmate
Tuscon USP in Arizona (2,284 miles) – 1 inmate
Waseca FCI in Minnesota (1,102 miles) – 1 inmate
Yazoo City Medium FCI in Mississippi (1,031 miles) – 1 inmate

D.C. Witness previously reported that although the BOP said it attempts to abide by the 500-mile guideline, it’s not unusual for a convict to be sent further away for various factors, including: security, population, programming and medical needs.

In 2010, the director of the Justice Policy Center told the House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee that two-thirds of family members reported distance as presenting an obstacle for their ability to visit an inmate in prison, specifically noting lack of transportation. The director said contact with family members substantially increases an inmate’s chance of rehabilitation by “giving exiting prisoners a greater stake in conformity upon release.”

Still, DC prisoners’ separation from home continues.

In comparison to last year, the number of inmates serving sentences in prisons further than 500 miles from DC has more than doubled. In August of 2018, 21 DC inmates were placed outside of the radius. As of July of 2019, 43 inmates are being held at what the BOP considers an unreasonable distance from their homes, families, and loved ones.

Regina Woolridge reported on and wrote this article.

Document: Homicide on 18th Street, NW

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal assault that occurred on the 2300 block of 18th Street, NW.

According to a press release, officers located 51-year-old Todd Messer suffering from symptoms consistent with assault on Aug. 8. DC Fire and Emergency Services transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 16.

On Aug. 19, the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner declared Messer’s death as a result of blunt force trauma and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

Police are offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may also be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line – 50411.

Judge ‘Had It’ with Prosecution Withholding Evidence

A DC Superior Court judge said he has “had it” with the prosecution withholding evidence.

Alphonso Walker,41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Dalonte Wilson, 23, and Antone Brown, 44. The double homicide occurred on April 25, 2018, on the 400 block of 61st Street, NE.

On June 7, Walker’s defense attorney, Judith Pipe, said the prosecution was withholding evidence, including crime scene reports and the transcript of a witness’s testimony.

Multiple issues were also raised with the prosecution’s investigation, including the “timely” appearance of a witness. According to the defense attorney, the sudden appearance should place doubt on the witness’s testimony.

In response, DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee said he has “had it with the Brady reports” from the defense. Judge Lee told the prosecution to begin to make the evidence available.

Walker is scheduled for a felony arraignment on Sept. 27.

Judge Releases DC Murder Defendant to Virginia Authorities

During a felony status conference on Aug. 15, a judge ordered a murder defendant be released to authorities in Virginia.

Michael Anthony Grant, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly assaulting 33-year-old Lucas Alonzo Thomas on the 3100 block of Randle Place, SE on July 28.

During a felony status conference on Aug. 19, pre-trial services informed Judge Iscoe that Grant is currently in the DC Jail, and will be extradited to Virginia by Aug. 21.

Judge Iscoe also scheduled a felony status conference on Aug. 21 to be sure that Grant was in custody in Virginia and to discuss when he might be sent back to DC for hearings related to the murder.

Grant was successfully extradited to Virginia on Aug. 21, and a warrant was issued for his return to DC after his Virginia matter is resolved.

Grant has no scheduled court dates at this time.

Video Footage, Eye Witness Testimony Plays Key Role in Murder Case

During a preliminary hearing Aug. 14, a DC Superior judge denied a murder defendant’s release after finding probable cause.

Travis Russell, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Michael Hooker, 44, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on May 26.

Judge Craig Iscoe ruled that the prosecution had probable cause based on footage that allegedly shows the defendant leaving the crime scene as well as witnesses descriptions of the murderer.

Apparently, an eyewitness, who saw the murder, told a Metropolitan Police Department detective that Russell, who was known to stay in a shelter in the area, was near the crime scene at the time of the murder.

During the hearing, the detective said he never entered the shelter because he didn’t have an arrest warrant for Russell. He also said he did not arrest Russell, at the time, because he did not have probable cause to believe he was a suspect.

The detective said he only went to the shelter because a witness gave a description of a man with dreadlocks in a black shirt that stayed at the shelter.

However, defense counsel, Mani Golzari, said the two witnesses who said they saw the murder, did not give two different descriptions of a man police believed was Russell.

Both of the witnesses said the murderer was wearing a white t-shirt moments before the murder took place.

Surveillance footage from two cameras also show Russell, on the day of the murder wearing a white t-shirt headed to the shelter.

Those same cameras then show someone, who is suspected to be Russell, walking from the shelter in the direction of the crime scene wearing a black shirt. He can then be seen again running away from the scene in the same shirt.

Golzari said there was no probable cause that Russell committed the murder because of the different descriptions.

Golzari also said the defendant’s DNA and fingerprints were not found on the crime scene.

The prosecution said Russell could be placed at the scene of the crime by surveillance footage, which allegedly shows him walking in the direction of the crime scene. Then, moments later, he can be seen on the same camera walking back in the direction of the shelter.

The prosecution said the witnesses gave conflicting descriptions because Russell changed clothes before committing the murder.

The alleged murder weapon was not found.

Russell is being held without bail.

A felony status conference is scheduled on Nov. 22.

Document: Police Investigate 2nd Homicide on 45th Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a second fatal shooting that occurred on the 1500 block of 45th Street, NE. The shootings happened two days apart.

According to a press release, officers located three victims suffering from gunshot wounds on Aug. 18. Corey Wells was transported to a local hospital, where he succumb to his injuries. Wells, 40, was the only victim to die from the shooting. The other two victims were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police are offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may also be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line – 50411.

According to the police, the incident is related to the shooting of Alonzo Hines Jr., 20, that took place on the same street on Aug. 16.

Document: Arrest Made on Princeton Place, NW

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department apprehended Aug. 16 a man for the murder of another man in Northwest, DC.

According to a press release, 19 year-old Keandre Barber, a resident of Suitland, Md., is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29 year-old Juan Marcell Grant. The shooting occurred on the 700 block of Princeton Place, NW on June 19.

Barber is scheduled for his first appearance in DC Courts on Aug. 17.

Murder Defendant Breaks Down in Tears During Sentencing

During a sentencing Aug. 16, a murder defendant broke down in tears before receiving his sentence.

A ndre G ray, 56, pleaded guilty March 15 to involuntary manslaughter for his alleged involvement in the death of 37-year-old Keisha Whitaker on the 1500 block of 18th Street, SE on Sept. 12, 2018. Apparently, Whitaker was riding in the front passenger seat of a car Gray was driving while he was under the influence of PCP, a hallucinatory drug.

“I would have never imagined that this would have happened,” Gray told DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck. “I’ve felt this pain before, when my son died at 12 years-old. I’m sorry, I know I have an extensive record but I never thought it would come to this.”

Gray also said the experience was an eye-opener for him and he was sorry for all the pain he caused Whitaker’s family, who were not present in court.

The prosecution recommended a sentence of five years in jail.

The defense asked for four years and requested that Gray serve his time in the Butner Federal Correctional Complex located in Eastern North Carolina because of his age and medical needs.

Judge Beck sentenced Gray to four and half years in jail and recommended he serve his sentence at FCI Butner.

Judge Rules Outside of Sentencing Guideline at Defense’s Request

During a sentencing Aug. 16, a judge granted the defense’s request to sentence a defendant outside of the District’s voluntary sentencing guidelines.

David Jones, 38, was found guilty in November of 2018 of second-degree murder, driving under the influence, and leaving after colliding for killing 65-year-old Carolyn Ellis, 65, on the corner of 10th and U Streets, NW on Feb. 6, 2017.

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck said that she was considering that Jones had accepted responsibility for the crime but also was considering his criminal history in her decision. His criminal history was not disclosed in open court.

Beck sentenced Jones to eight and a half years in prison with five years of supervised release.

Defense counsel, Elizabeth Weller, requested that Jones be sentenced outside the sentencing guideline because his crime did not coincide with crimes that are generally given the title of “second-degree murder.”

Weller said, she believed that the prosecution was trying to “punish” Jones for going to trial by stating things in his sentencing memo like, “Jones had no respect for the victim, legal system and life.”

Weller also said Jones accepted responsibility for his actions.

Jones said he was working on becoming a better person.

“I have been taking college courses and with the help of my family who owns a church, Jones said. “I have been able to turn my life over to Christ. I even helped to start a Christian Ministry program while in jail to show the men that with God we can get through anything.”

The prosecutor requested that Jones be sentenced according to the guidelines, which would have given him a sentence between 13 and 25 years in prison. Jones’ conduct was outrageous, and he was offered plea deals but declined which resulted in a trial, the prosecutor told the judge.

Judge Changes Murder Defendant’s Release Location

During a detention hearing on Aug. 14, a judge released a murder defendant, who is under home confinement, to a residence in Alexandria, VA.

Eric Smith, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting. He is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill against a minor, assault with the intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his alleged role in the death of 38-year-old Rondell Wills on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE on May 3, 2018. Wills was not the target in the shooting.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe decided to release Smith to his sister’s house in Alexandria, VA. While he expressed concern for community safety, he said the prosecution’s case was relatively weak.

Judge Iscoe specifically appealed to the blurriness of video footage that allegedly shows Smith, as well as inconsistent statements from an eyewitness.

Judge Iscoe also said the slightest violation of Smith’s terms of release would result in the release being revoked. If revoked, Smith would go back to DC Jail.

Defense counsel also requested that Smith be permitted to attend Maya Angelou Public Charter High School in Washington, DC. while on release. But, the prosecution expressed concerns about transportation between Smith’s home and the school.

Both the defense and the prosecution requested an additional status hearing so the transportation issue could be resolved in time for the beginning of the school year.

Smith has a status hearing scheduled on Aug. 28.

Defense Accuses Prosecution of Delaying Evidence

During a status hearing Aug. 15, defense counsel asked a judge for a continued trial date because she felt the prosecution purposefully delayed turning over case documents.

Deon Crowell, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Joni Rockingham, 53, on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE on Dec. 12, 2017.

Defense Counsel, Elizabeth Weller, said a multitude of things would prevent her and her co-counsel from being ready for trial, including the fact that the prosecution had not given her all the necessary materials to review. Crowell’s trial is set to begin on Oct. 15.

D.C. Witness previously reported that DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson had set dates for the prosecution to turn over case documents. However, specific dates were not disclosed.

Weller also said the prosecution put a protective order on body camera footage without her approval.

According to Weller, the order indicated that she could not show the footage to her client or keep electronic files after trial. Weller said the restrictions would prevent her from preparing.

Weller also said the prosecution had not given her the two terabytes of material recovered from a computer that was seized in a search of Crowell’s house. She said there would not be enough time to send the material to her expert to review and build a defense. According to Weller, the prosecution has had the evidence since the beginning of 2018.

The prosecution objected to the continuance, stating that Weller has plenty of time to review the materials.

The prosecutor said the footage was uploaded electronically and that Weller received a notification that let her know the footage was available for view.

Weller told the judge that she never received a notification.

During the proceedings, the prosecution also turned over an external hard drive that contained the two terabytes of information Weller was seeking.

Judge Dayson ordered the defense to give a timeframe on the amount of time the expert needs to review materials and relay information.

Judge Dayson also set another status hearing on Sept. 12 to hear the defense’s motion to continue and another motion to release Crowell if a continuance is granted. According to DC Courts, neither motion has been filed as of Aug. 16.

According to court documents, Crowell, 50, and Rockingham, 53, were associates. Rockingham was reported missing in November of 2017. Apparently, several witnesses thought she was targeted because of information she had on previous homicides.

Document: Homicide on 45th Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1500 block of 45th Street, NE.

According to a press release, officers located 20-year-old Alonzo Hines Jr. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on Aug. 14. DC Fire and Emergency Services transported the victim to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 15

Police are offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may also be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line – 50411.

Document: Homicide on Fredrick Douglass Court, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1900 block of Fredrick Douglass Court, SE.

According to a press release, officers located 25-year-old, Delante Colson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on Aug. 14. DC Fire and Emergency Services transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police are offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in Washington, DC. Anyone with information should call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may also be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line – 50411.

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