Judge Sentences Convicted Murderer to 45 years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a murder defendant to 45 years in prison.

On April 5, a jury convicted co-defendants Michael Tyrone Height and James Young of felony murder while armed for their roles in a robbery gone wrong that resulted in the death of 38-year-old Willard Shelton on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE in 2014. Height’s co-defendant was also sentenced to 45 years in June. Following Height’s release, he is expected to serve five years on supervised release.

“I apologize to the victim and family; my issue is that I’m innocent, and I apologize for my outburst,” Height told the victim’s family Sept. 21, referring to his reaction after receiving the guilty verdict.

The duo was also convicted of second-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, first-degree burglary while armed, tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior felony.

Height also has multiple firearm felonies dating back to 2010 in both the District and Prince George’s County, Md.

After the sentencing, the decedent’s family created an uproar, taunting the defendant and his family. The confrontation forced U.S. Marshals to create a barrier between the families.

Judge Sentences Convicted Murderer to 9 Years

A District of Columbia Superior Court judge sentenced Sept. 21 a man, who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, to nine years in prison with five years of supervised release.

Leon Stewart was convicted of murdering Darnell Lee Richardson, 29, on the 3400 block of Benning Road, NE in 2016.

Stewart, 26, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed. Stewart accepted the plea deal in July.

According to court documents, Richardson met Stewart and an associate, who was not identified, in the parking lot of Benning Liquors. A witness said Stewart’s associate entered Richardson’s car, while Stewart waited outside.

Apparently, a fight broke out and the witness heard three gunshots come from inside the car. The associate exited the car, and Stewart fired five shots into the rear window of the vehicle as the decedent drove away from the scene.

The Metropolitan Police Department found Richardson in his vehicle on the median of a Northbound I-295 entry ramp, according to the documents.

According to the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Richardson sustained two gunshot wounds to the upper back, striking his heart and lung. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

“Mr. Stewart is a young man,” Judge Judith Bartnoff said. “I will say that I think that we make decisions we can’t undo and we wish we can. A nine-year sentence is appropriate and it means that we also don’t lose Mr. Stewart.”

Judge Bartnoff agreed to assign Stewart to a facility where he can participate in trade programs and finish his college education.

Stewart has been in jail since 2016 and will receive credit for time served.

Counsel Delivers Opening Statements in 2016 Murder Trial

Counsel focused on a conflict between two men during opening statements in a murder trial Sept. 24. Apparently, the men got into a confrontation over comments that regarded one man’s ex-wife.

Babajide Pittman is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Anthony Young on the 600 block of L Street, SE in 2016.

“Anthony Young was trying to leave,” the prosecution said. “He was in a car trying to get away. The defendant let his anger erupt and shot Young in the back eight times.”

The prosecution said Pittman, 31, and Young, 27, disagreed about whether details of a conversation should have been shared with the defendant’s ex-wife.

The ex-wife said Young did not live with her, but kept clothes at her home and slept over on the weekends. She said she didn’t have an intimate relationship with Young, but they were close like siblings.

Apparently, Pittman disclosed intimate information about his ex-wife to Young. When the ex-wife confronted Pittman about the comments he told the decedent, she said she wanted nothing else to do with him.

During the afternoon on the day of the homicide, the men met near 7th and L Street, SE. After an argument, Young turned to get into his girlfriend’s vehicle and Pittman opened fire, hitting the decedent eight times. Young’s girlfriend was also struck in the leg.

“Shoot or be killed. That was the choice Anthony Young forced Babajide Pittman to make,” Anthony Matthews, Pittman’s defense attorney, said. “Pittman didn’t want this, he didn’t go looking for this, he didn’t want any trouble.”

The defense argued that Young was the aggressor and sought out the defendant. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department recovered a .40 caliber gun from Young’s waistband.

Apparently, the shooting was captured on surveillance video from housing for the United States Marine Corps and a nearby home monitoring system. The prosecution said it plans to show the footage to the jury when the trial resumes on Sept. 25.

Document: Sunday Morning Homicides

The first full day of Fall seemed to continue the weekend’s deadly theme with three more homicides in the District. Overall, six people have been fatally shot in DC since Sept. 21.

According to a press release from the Metropolitan Police Department, Juan Dwayne Jackson, Ervin Eugene Watkins and William Hayworth were shot to death during the early morning hours on Sept. 23 in Southeast D.C.

Shortly after midnight, Jackson, 45, along with another victim who was not identified, sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE. Jackson died on the scene. The unidentified victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries, according to the release.

About an hour later, police responded to reports of gunfire on the 1400 block of Howard Road, SE, which is located in the Barry Farms neighborhood. When they arrived, police were notified of a victim receiving treatment at a local hospital for multiple gunshot wounds. Watkins, 28, was later pronounced dead after all life-saving efforts failed, according to the release.

About three hours after Watkins was shot, Hayworth, 42, sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the 3400 block of 22nd Street, SE. He also died on the scene.

As of Sept. 23, there have been 116 homicides in DC, nearly a 30 percent increase from the same time last year, according to D.C. Witness data. Fifty-five of those homicides have occurred in Ward 8.

Police are offering up to a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in any of 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 by sending a text message to 50411.

Follow D.C. Witness for updates on the cases.

Document: Homicide on F Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a homicide that occurred on the 5100 block of F Street, SE.

According to a press release, police found Sept. 21 Terrell Butler, 41, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. A second victim, whose identity has not been released, was also taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Police are currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in DC. Anyone with information about this case can call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.

Follow D.C. Witness for updates on this case.

Document: Homicide on Euclid Street, NW

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a homicide that occurred in Columbia Heights on Sept. 22.

According to a press release, police found 37-year-old James Dunn suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1600 block of Euclid Street, NW. He was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed from his injuries.

A second victim, who was also suffering from gunshot wounds, was taken to an area hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The police department is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in DC.

There has been 113 homicides in DC as of Sept. 22, more than at 25 percent increase from the 90 homicides that were noted at this same time last year.

Follow D.C. Witness for updates on the case.

Document: Homicide at the Waterfront

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a homicide that occurred in the area of the Southwest Waterfront on Sept. 21.

According to a press release, police found 27 year-old Kajuan Deris Young suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 900 block of 3rd Street, SW, which is about three blocks away from the Waterfront Metro. He was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in DC. Anyone with information about this case can call the police at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.

Grand Jury Indicts Man for Murdering Co-worker

A DC Superior Court judge set a trial date after a murder defendant was formally indicted for allegedly killing his coworker.

Koonce Wright is charged with fatally shooting Brian Gibson on the 6900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017.

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department found Gibson, 45, lying in a pool of blood in the parking lot of Walter Reed Medical Center.

A witness told police both Gibson and Wright, 59, were shuttle bus drivers for G&M Limo Service. According to court documents, Wright told the witness that Gibson was acting like his boss and that he didn’t like it. About an hour before police found Gibson’s body, Wright called the witness back and allegedly confessed to the murder.

“He’s dead,” Wright allegedly said. “He hit me and broke my teeth and I shot him.”

On Sept. 21, a grand jury formally indicted Wright on three charges: second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Wright pleaded not guilty and asserted his sixth amendment right to a speedy trial.

Judge Craig Iscoe scheduled a trial date on Feb. 3, 2020. The prosecution said they expect the trial to last two weeks.

Wright is scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 2.

Case Dismissed: Judge Issues Warrant for Murder Defendant

Editor’s note: The case against Kenneil Cole was dismissed on Feb. 1, 2023.

A District of Columbia Superior Court judge issued a bench warrant Sept. 21 for a murder defendant who didn’t appear in court. Apparently, the defendant was transferred out of the District in July on a “temporary release.”

Kenneil Cole is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting death of 24-year-old Keon Wallace on the 2400 block of Skyland Place, SE in June.

According to court documents, police found Wallace suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in a townhouse. Cole, 24, turned himself in shortly after the murder.

During an interview with a Metropolitan Police Department detective, Cole said he wanted Wallace to leave the apartment and was arguing with him. Cole said Wallace pulled out a gun during the argument and a fight ensued. Ultimately, Cole said he got the gun frum Wallace and shot him in self-defense.

During a felony status conference, Judge Craig Iscoe was told that Cole was transferred to Rappahannock Regional Jail, a facility in Virginia, for an “unlisted reason” in July. The clerk noted that Cole didn’t have any outstanding cases in Virginia.

Cole’s defense attorney, James King, argued against a bench warrant saying that his client has no criminal history and a warrant would negatively impact his record. Furthermore, King argued that Cole’s transfer was “no fault of his own” and he therefore shouldn’t be penalized for it.

The prosecution said they were “concerned and certainly perplexed” about Cole’s transfer and argued in favor of the warrant as a means to assure Cole’s detention at DC Jail.

Judge Iscoe acknowledged the defense’s arguments, but issued the warrant anyway. However, he said the warrant was no indication of wrongdoing. The judge said he would suppress the warrant once Cole returned to court.

Cole is scheduled for a felony status conference on Oct. 19.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Self Defense Claim in Labor Day Homicide

A District of Columbia Superior Court judge said a murder defendant did not act in self-defense when he killed a man during the labor day weekend.

Timothy Gibson, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing Carl Day-Baker, 28, on the 1500 block of T Street, SE on Sept. 1.

“He (Gibson) had no reason to believe he was in imminent danger or harm,” Judge Danya Dayson said. “There was no evidence that suggests the defendant knew the decedent was carrying a gun or was known to carry a gun.”

However, Judge Dayson said there were mitigating circumstances in the case because the defendant was provoked and attacked by Day-Baker and his brother prior to the shooting.

“To say this is some sort of a mutual fight is not clearly characterizing it,” the judge said. “This seems to be a provocation, though the act is not a reasonable response.”

Gibson, who does not have any prior felonies or convictions, will be held at a halfway house. He will also be required to wear a GPS monitoring device, and is prohibited from leaving the premises.

According to testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department detective, Gibson’s sister said she was in a seven-year relationship with Day-Baker.

She told the detective she was choked by the decedent and kicked out of his house with her child on the night of the incident. With nowhere to stay, she called her friend, whom Gibson was with at the time, to pick her and her son up.

According to court documents, a witness saw the decedent pull Gibson out of the car and punch him. The witness said Day-Baker and his brother jumped the defendant, slamming him to the ground “as if he were a pretzel,” to end the altercation.

Gibson then pulled out a weapon and fired multiple shots at the decedent and his brother. Day-Baker was shot twice.

“I’m extremely troubled by the nature of this offense,” Judge Dayson said. “The crux of the offense is the following: it involves two families, each side escalating levels violence, resulting in a murder. I’m going to limit more gasoline on the fire that may still be burning.” Judge Dayson ordered Gibson to stay away from the decedent’s brother.

A felony status conference is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Continue following D.C. Witness for further updates on the case.

D.C. Witness intern Shams Sohani co-wrote this story.

Judge Denies Bond, Indictment Still Pending for Murder Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge found Sept. 18 probable cause against two murder defendants regarding a homicide that occurred earlier this year.

Kevin Carter, 30, and Keith Sweptson, 30, are charged with first-degree murder for allegedly assaulting Yusef Turner inside the Spring laundromat on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, a witness told detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department that there was a physical altercation between Sweptson and Turner, 33, one week before the homicide. Sweptson tried to rob the decedent, but lost the gun when Turner fought back.

Sweptson and Carter allegedly attacked the decedent with a large wooden stick. Surveillance video captured the entire incident.

Judge Craig Iscoe granted the prosecution a continuance to seek a grand jury indictment.

The judge also ordered the prosecution to provide all documentation on the case to the defense by Oct. 12.

A felony status conference is scheduled on Nov. 18.

Police Arrest Suspect in Logan Circle Stabbing

On Sept. 20, the Metropolitan Police Department arrested a suspect, charging him with the fatal stabbing of a women in Northwest DC.

Anthony Crawford, who police Chief Peter Newsham said had a residence in Northwest DC, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Wendy Karina Martinez as she jogged near her home in Logan Circle. The stabbing occurred on the 1400 block of 11^th Street, NW on Sept. 18.

“A combination of the information we received from our third district patrol officers and tips from the community helped our homicide detectives establish an identification of the person of interest that we showed in the video,” Newsham told reporters during a press conference that same day. He said the community’s tips were instrumental in closing the case.

Crawford was presented in DC Courts on Sept. 20.

According to the police chief, Crawford was located in a park on 14th and Girard streets in Northwest DC. He was not in the same shirt from the surveillance video, Newsham said.

It is not known if Crawford has any mental issues. The chief said police are investigating the suspect’s criminal and mental past.

Police have not established a motive for the stabbing. But, a knife was recovered from the scene.

“I live in this city,” Newsham said. “I think it is unsettling for anyone in the city for this to happen.” He called the attack unprovoked and isolated, saying that it did not appear to be a robbery.

Martinez, 35, who was recently engaged, was able to run into a Chinese carryout, located on the corner of P Street and 11 Street, NW, where she received medical attention. Despite life-saving efforts, Martinez succumbed from her injuries at a local hospital.

“She was living the most beautiful moment in her life; it was the happiest last seven days,” her mother told the Washington Post.

According to one of Martinez’s friends, who spoke on behalf of the family, a vigil for Martinez is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 in Logan Circle.

Police Search for Suspect in Fatal Stabbing Near Logan Circle

A woman was fatally stabbed Sept. 18 as she jogged near her home in Logan Circle. Police are currently searching for the man they believed committed the homicide.

Wendy Karina Martinez, chief of staff at FiscalNote, a company that analyzes data for government relations, was attacked during the evening hours on the 1400 block of 11^th Street, NW. According to news reports, Martinez, 35, was able to run into a nearby Chinese carryout restaurant where she received CPR from a practicing nurse.

Despite all life-saving efforts, Martinez succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.

The person of interest who police believe attacked Wendy Karina Martinez.

The Metropolitan Police Department released surveillance video of her attacker. The person of interest is described as a black male wearing a mustard-colored sweatshirt that was about thigh-length, dark-colored sweatpants that were rolled up to expose part of his shins with white socks and light-colored sandals on his feet.

“This is one of those types of unsettling incidents that sometimes happen in large cities, but it seems like a singular incident,” Police Chief Peter Newsham said during a press conference Sept. 19.

Logan Circle is located in Ward 2. According to D.C. Witness data, three homicides occurred in Ward 2 in 2018. As of Sept. 19, the stabbing is the only homicide to occur this year in or near Logan Circle.

There have been 110 homicides in DC so far this year compared to 89 homicides during the same time last year.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in DC.

https://youtu.be/lUPVapzYxHk

Wint Trial Proves Nightmares Are Real

The murder trial of Daron Wint is proving to be a communal nightmare for all. What happened in the Woodley Park mansion seems like something from “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Only this time the victims and the killer are real.

Wint, a person who already maintained assault and destruction of property convictions, is charged with multiple counts of felony and first-degree murder along with other charges for allegedly killing Savvas Savopoulos, 46; his wife, Amy, 47; their son, Philip, 10, and one of their housekeepers, Veralicia Figueroa, 57, at the Savopoulos home located on the 3200 block of Woodland Drive, NW in 2015.

For the next two-months, jurors will have to analyze each piece of evidence from photos of the decedents to taped recordings from Savvas and Amy before they died, to emotional testimonies from family, friends, neighbors and employees. Unfortunately, there is no waking up from this nightmare.

On the other hand, is the nightmare a communal rush to convict?

During opening statements, Wint’s defense team said he was set-up by his brothers. Apparently, one of his brothers was charged with attempted murder and pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in Maryland for a case that involved different victims. That would mean that even if Wint is convicted, perhaps not all those responsible will see justice.

During the trial, the prosecution opened with emotion, using the testimonies of one of the family’s two housekeepers; the Chief Financial Officer at American Ironworks, Savvas’ company; and Amy’s father who spoke of his grandson.

But, whatever the verdict, this grandfather will probably always wonder whether the Louisville Slugger baseball bat he gave to his grandson, was the very bat used to torture and beat his daughter, son-in-law and their maid? Did the killer(s) beat Philip with his own bat as well? These answers are too horrifying to even consider, but the 16-member jury has to.

And yet, too many questions remain. Could this have been an inside job? After all, several calls were made before the murders to understand the security system and know where the footage was housed. Now, that upstairs computer is gone. No one knows if it will ever be recovered. Were the killer(s) that smart, professional?

There is also the nightmare of second-guessing. Figueroa’s husband, the family’s neighbors, friends and co-workers are left with “what if.” What if they questioned Amy more when they saw her that day? What if the husband went to the police after his wife didn’t come home and he heard that scraping sound? What if more alarms were raised when Savvas requested that large sum of cash? What if the pizza delivery person disregarded instructions and waited to see who answered the door? What if Savvas’ assistant chose to disregard his instructions?

Some nightmares never end, even when we wake up.

Judge Sentences Convicted Murderer to 24 years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced Sept. 14 a convicted murderer to 24 years in prison after removing him from the courtroom after several outbursts.

Christian Romero stabbed Dimas Fuentes-Lazo in 2016 on the 800 block of Kennedy St, NW. A jury found him guilty of second-degree murder while armed on Feb. 23. In addition to the murder conviction, Romero, 26, also has a 2012 conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon in Prince George’s County, Md. Apparently, he was on probation for the assault when the homicide occurred.

“The offense in Maryland was also a stabbing and the underlying conduct in the previous case is similar to this case,” Judge Juliet McKenna said.

According to court documents, the homicide occurred after Romero began slapping the side-view mirrors of cars parked along Kennedy Street, NW. When Lazo’s friend yelled out, Romero aggressively confronted Lazo and his friend.

Surveillance footage shows Romero waving his arms aggressively, attempting to strike the men. He then appears to drop a knife, pick it up and charge at Lazo, 38, who appears to step backwards. Lazo was stabbed multiple times around his face, upper chest and arms.

The knife along with a Coca-Cola bottle and a broken watch were left on the scene. All items contained Romero’s DNA, according to the documents.