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Judge Denies Motion to Separate Defendants

A DC Superior Court judge denied Oct. 30 severance motions to separate three murder defendants.

Shakim Lyons, Harry Herbert, and James Coffield are charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Dwayne Dillard on the 2600 block of Douglass Place, SE in 2015.

Defense counsel for Herbert, 30, and Coffield, 26, filed a motion for severance, however, according to the prosecution, separating the defendants could cause issues because Herbert and Coffield wanted to claim self defense.

Not only were Herbert and Coffield’s motions to separate denied, but Judge Ronna Beck  also declined to set a date by which Herbert and Coffield must give notice of any prior bad acts testimony they wanted to use against Lyons, 28.

The judge will address motions to suppress evidence and identification during the trial next year.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled on Sept. 18, 2019. The trial date is set to begin on Oct. 16, 2019.

Defense Questions Plea Agreement, Judge Pushes Hearing Back

A DC Superior Court judge was scheduled to sentence a murder defendant Oct. 30; however, the hearing was continued after the defense voiced concerns about the agreement.

In August, Tyreke Chambers pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for fatally stabbing Tracy Jones, 46, on the 2500 block of Alabama Avenue, SE in 2015. 

“Honestly the phrase ‘statutory mandatory minimum’ bothers me and I need to consult with my client first,” Monica Douglas, Chambers defense attorney, said.

During the hearing, Judge Craig Iscoe accepted 20-year-old Chambers’ plea and planned to sentence him to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release per the terms of the plea. 

However, while the judge was reading documents pertaining to the case the defense said she was unaware of the statutory mandatory minimum that was placed within the deal. Douglas told the court that she needed to conduct additional research on the matter before she could fully agree.

In turn, Judge Iscoe said he was unsure how the sentence would be a disadvantage to the defendant and noted that the agreed upon sentence was half of what most people get. According to Judge Iscoe, the mandatory minimum is mandated by law and is required for the court’s documentation.

Judge Iscoe continued the sentencing to Nov. 1.

Document: Homicide on Fitch Place, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 5000 block of Fitch Place, NE.

According to a press release, 26-year-old Terrance Johnson was found Oct. 30 suffering from a gunshot wound. He died on the scene.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide and any other homicide in DC. Anyone with information about the case should call 202-727-9099 or text the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by sending a text message to 50411.



Defense Requests Evidence Connecting Decedent to Gang Activity

During a status hearing, defense counsel requested the prosecution turn over evidence from the Metropolitan Police Department that connects the decedent to gang activity.

Mario Alfaro is charged with first-degree murder while armed and related weapons offenses for allegedly shooting Jonathan Vilchez on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017.

The prosecution said Oct. 30 that a preliminary report, which includes the names of contacts and research related to the case and the decedent’s possible involvement in gang activity, was given to the defense.

The prosecution agreed to fulfill the defense’s request but said the inquiry into the evidence has not been made. 

According to court documents, surveillance footage shows Alfaro, 23, mouthing something to Vilchez, 22, while they were in a convenience store. Both men pulled out guns, and Vilchez shot Alfaro, first.  As Alfaro left the store, he fired multiple shots at the decedent before running away.

Police subsequently found a blood trail which led them to the murder weapon, which was located inside a dumpster. The trail also led them to Alfaro who was suffering from gunshot wounds, the documents said.

In 2017, during a preliminary hearing, a detective testified that the men appeared to be in the same street gang. He noted that there had been no conflicts between the two prior to the incident.

A status hearing is scheduled on Nov. 9.

Continue following D.C. Witness for updates regarding the case.

Judge Grants Extension in Murder Case

During a felony status conference, a DC Superior Court judge gave defense counsel additional time to review materials related to a murder defendant’s case.

Roger Hamilton is charged with second-degree murder, driving under the influence and assault with the intent to kill while armed for allegedly hitting Vincent Childs with his car on the 3200 block of Wheeler Road, SE in March.

According to court documents, Hamilton, 37, was under the influence of alcohol when his car jumped a curb and hit Childs, 42. Apparently, he tried to flee the scene but was stopped by a witness.

On Oct. 4, the defense motioned to appoint attorney Joseph Scrofano to represent Hamilton. Scrofano asked for further time to review materials related to the case. The specific items Scrofano needed to review were not disclosed. 

Judge Danya Dayson granted the extension.

Another felony status conference is scheduled on Dec. 10.

Document: Homicide on Douglas Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 4400 block of Douglas Street, NE.

According to a press release, 19 year-old Trayvon Wood was found Oct. 27 suffering from multiple gunshots. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. A second victim was also transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

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 the District of Columbia.

According to D.C. Witness data, the homicide is the 140th homicide to happen in Washington, DC in 2018, a 32 percent increase from the same time last year.



Murder Trial Resumes on Halloween

A defendant’s murder trial was continued until Oct. 31.

Kenneth Adams is charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other charges, for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Dante Kinard on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE in 2016. Kinard was not the intended target in the shooting.

There will be a 3-day gap in the trial because District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff said Oct. 25 that she will not be able to preside over the trial until Wednesday.

On Oct. 22, the prosecution told the jury that Adams, 20, walked toward a group of people on Benning Road, pulled out a gun and started shooting.

According to court documents, multiple eyewitnesses identified Adams as the shooter. However, when police inquired further, one witness said that it was too dark to identify the shooter. The decedent apparently warned the witness as Adams and a group of unidentified individuals approached them. 

Adams allegedly robbed the sister of an individual in a group that was with the witness and decedent. According to the prosecution, the individual was from the Langston neighborhood which rivals with the 21st and I Street, NE neighborhood. Adams, who is from the 21st and I Street neighborhood, allegedly said the individual was “next.”

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

Defense Attains Second Attorney for Murder Trial

On Oct 26,  a judge granted the defense’s request for co-counsel in a murder case. 

Denzel Grandson, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 36-year-old  Simwone Milstead at 2700 block of Langston Place, SE in 2014. Milstead succumbed to his injuries at a hospital the following day.

According to DC Courts, attorney Charles Murdter, a partner at the Law Offices of Oliver and Murdter in Washington, DC, will assist defense attorney Andrea Antonelli with the case.

In addition to another defense attorney, Assistant United States Attorney Ellen D’Angelo was assigned to the case.

A status hearing has been scheduled on Dec. 14 to discuss an inquiry on DNA testing.

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

Judge Releases Murder Defendant Diagnosed with Cancer

During a hearing, a DC Superior Court judge released a murder defendant after learning he was diagnosed with cancer.

Andre Gray is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged role in the death of 37-year-old Keisha Whitaker on the 1500 block of 18th Street, SE in September.

According to court documents, officers responded to 18th Street on reports of a car crash and found a car on fire and people trapped inside. Whitaker was in the passenger’s seat. Apparently, the car struck a tree.

During the investigation police learned the backseat passenger and the decedent smoked a “dipper,” a cigarette laced in PCP, and Gray, 56, picked them up in a green Subaru. According to the passenger, Gray was “acting weird and talking funny.” The passenger told police, that after passing by police cars Gray started speeding, mounted a curb and drove on the sidewalk.

Another witness told police that prior to crashing into a tree, the car sped around a corner and appeared to be on two wheels during the turn.

On Oct. 26,Judge Ronna Beck granted defense attorney Kevin Mosley’s request to continue the preliminary hearing. Mosley told the court he needed time to review new information, including his client’s toxicology report from the day of the murder.

Subsequently, Mosley argued in favor of his client’s release noting that Gray has prostate cancer and is scheduled to begin chemotherapy at the end of November. Furthermore, Mosley said it’s “difficult” for his client to receive treatment at a correctional facility.

The prosecution disputed Mosley’s claim and said the defendant can receive treatment in jail. The prosecution also argued that there hasn’t been a ruling on probable cause and therefore the defendant’s detention should be maintained until a preliminary hearing is held.

Judge Beck granted Gray’s release and said she wanted to be sure he received “proper treatment.” Per the terms of his release, Gray will be confined to his home unless he’s traveling in connection to medical treatment or court proceedings. Gray is not allowed to drive.

Gray is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 14.

Defendant Rejects Plea, Opts for Third Murder Trial

On Oct. 23, a murder defendant rejected a plea offer and decided to proceed with his third trial.

Derryck Decuir has been tried twice for allegedly shooting 15-year-old Malek Dayvon Mercer on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE, in 2015. Mercer died days before his 16th birthday.

During a status hearing, prosecutors offered Decuir, 26, a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter.  However, Decuir rejected the plea offer, choosing to take his case to trial.

In 2017, a jury found Decuir guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior felony, carrying a firearm without a license with a prior felony, obstruction of justice and tampering with physical evidence. He is currently serving a  23-year sentence. A mistrial was declared on the murder charges.

In March, Decuir was tried a second time for murder and gun possession charges. The trial resulted in another mistrial.

The third trial against Decuir is expected to be held on April 1, 2019.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled on March 8,2019.

Co-Defendant Receives 16-year Sentence in 2007 Homicide

A co-defendant was sentenced Oct. 25 to 16 years in prison for fatally shooting and robbing a man in 2007.

Kadeem Quarles pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for shooting and robbing Timothy Spicer on the 1100 block of Howard Road, SE. Quarles, 27, initially pled guilty in April but withdrew his plea in September because he was skeptical of the deal he made. DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff gave Quarles extra time to speak with new counsel and consider the plea. Quarles ended up moving forward with his original plea. 

Timothy Spicer

According to court documents, a witness said Quarles, along with 27-year-old Maurice Blakey, Randolph Williams and an unnamed individual, robbed Spicer, 25, at the Anacostia Metro Station. The witness said Quarles’ girlfriend allegedly orchestrated a set-up, convincing Spicer to meet her there.

When Spicer arrived, he was shot twice, crashing his vehicle before fleeing inside the metro station. Quarles and Williams, 27, allegedly drove Spicer’s car, a 1994 Chevrolet Caprice, from the scene.

Police pursued the 1994 Chevrolet Caprice in a chase. Both Quarles and Williams were seen fleeing the car. Williams was arrested shortly after. Quarles, on the other hand, was able to escape by foot.

Years later, a witness placed Quarles at the scene of the robbery and he was officially charged with murder in 2016.

“Because of Quarles’ decision, one life was lost, and the trajectory of multiple people’s lives changed … He has the ability to rebuild his life,” the prosecutor said, requesting a sentence of 20 years.

Quarles’ defense attorney, Justin Okezie, said the defendant was barely 16 when he committed the crime and asked for the lower end of the sentencing range, which was 16 years. Okezie argued that after the shooting, Quarles wasn’t charged for anything nearly as significant.

“He has started his road to recovery,” Okezie said. “He came from a tough neighborhood, and he never blamed Barry Farms.”

Judge Bartnoff said that given Quarles age at the time of the crime and the role he played, 16 years was an appropriate sentence. “I’m sure it’s the case that 27-year-old Mr. Quarles has changed from 16-year-old Mr. Quarles,” the judge said.

Quarles has been held since 2016 and will receive credit for time served. He is also required to serve five years on supervised release after his sentence.

Counsel Delivers Closing Arguments in 2010 Murder Trial

Derrick Harris

During closing arguments in a murder trial, the prosecution argued the decedent died because he was labeled a “snitch.” Meanwhile, the defense argued the prosecution’s witnesses weren’t credible.

Anthony Waters is charged with first-degree murder while armed and related gun charges for the shooting death of 37-year-old Derrick Harris on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE in 2010.

According to the prosecution’s theory, the motive behind Harris’ death dates back to 1998 when he testified against his best friend in a murder trial. Apparently, Harris, Waters, 51, and the individual in the case were a close group from the same neighborhood: Parkchester.

The prosecution explained that because Harris testified against the friend he was labeled a “snitch” and it wasn’t safe for him in the neighborhood. According to the prosecution, Harris stayed away from Parkchester until the day of his murder. Apparently, Waters saw Harris in the neighborhood, approached him and punched Harris in the face saying, “I bet not see you when I get back or I’m going to kill you.”

Multiple witnesses testified that shortly after the altercation, they saw Waters, who was wearing a ski mask, approach Harris and open fire. One witness, who was on the same street when the shooting occurred, said the gun was a silver revolver, which is consistent with the ballistics evidence in the case because shell casings were not found on the scene. 

The defense argued that various eyewitnesses are flawed and “lack credibility.” According to defense attorney Joseph Caleb, one of the eyewitnesses, who saw the shooting from her apartment and identified Waters as the shooter, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Caleb told the jury that, in the weeks leading up to the murder, the witness heard voices and said she saw green people. Caleb told the jury that the witness’s diagnosis is an “unfortunate reality that makes her an unreliable witness.”

Furthermore, the same eyewitness allegedly saw Waters punch Harris and said an unnamed individual broke up the fight. However, the individual testified in court that there was no fight and that he didn’t break it up.

The defense also said witnesses gave different timelines of the murder. One witness said the murder occurred in the early afternoon while another witness said the shooting occurred at 6 p.m. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Harris was shot and killed at 9:05 p.m.

The defense also sought to argue against the prosecution’s motive in the case. According to Caleb, Harris wasn’t labeled “hot” or a “snitch” because other people from the neighborhood testified in the 1998 murder case and didn’t leave the area.

The jury began deliberating on Oct. 25.

Facebook Photo May Decrease Credibility of Witness, Defense Says

During a status conference Oct. 24, the defense questioned the credibility of an eyewitness in a murder case after seeing a photo. 

Eric Smith is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the death of Rondell Wills, 38, on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE in May.

The photo, which was located on Facebook, shows the witness holding a gun and standing near another individual who is a defendant in an unrelated case. Even though it seems as if the photo suggests a dispute between the decedent and the defendant, it is not clear as to why the photo could destroy the witness’s credibility. 

Apparently, the witness is the only person to identify Smith, 19, as the shooter. 

As a result, Blasé Kearney, Smith’s defense attorney, said he will file a request for bond review.

A felony status conference is scheduled on Nov. 16.

Mansion Murders Trial: Jury Finds Daron Wint Guilty on All Counts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A jury found Daron Wint guilty Oct. 25 of murdering a family of three and their housekeeper in Northwest DC in 2015.

Wint, 34, was found guilty of all counts, including felony murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed, kidnapping, first-degree burglary, extortion, arson, and first-degree theft for killing  Amy, Philip and Savvas Savopoulos, and Veralicia Figueroa, their housekeeper,  on the 3200 block of Woodland Drive, NW.

The prosecution began closing arguments on Oct. 22 by going through key pieces of evidence that pointed toward Wint as the murderer. The prosecutor displayed digital records of Wint’s web browsing history. “His first instinct when he gets stuck in a corner is to lie … the first thing he did was look up how to beat a lie detector test,” the prosecutor said, referencing Wint’s actions after he realized that he could be a person of interest in the case. 

According to court documents, on May 14, 2015, the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department reported to a house fire. While extinguishing the fire, firefighters found Savvas, Amy and Figueroa unconscious in a bedroom on the second floor. Firefighters also found Philip, the Savopoulos’ 10-year-old son, unconscious in an adjacent bedroom, which is where the fire is believed to have begun. All three members of the Savopoulos family were pronounced dead on the scene. Figueroa was later pronounced dead at Georgetown University Hospital. 

According to the prosecution’s theory, Wint, 37, kidnapped and brutally killed the four individuals after obtaining a $40,000 ransom. The prosecution also said that Wint tried to destroy evidence, referring to the fact that the house was set on fire and the Porsche that was also set on fire near an apartment complex in Maryland. 

The prosecution concluded their closing statements urging the jury to act on the findings presented and punish Wint for the brutal killing and kidnapping of the family and their housekeeper.

However, Wint’s defense attorney, Judith Pipe, said the crime could not have been done by one person since the hostages were held in separate rooms throughout an entire day.

“There is no way one person could do this, and that’s reason to doubt the government’s theory,” she said. The defense’s theory was that Wint’s brothers Darrell and Steffon committed the murders.

Pipe also said the prosecution left out witnesses because their testimonies didn’t work with the prosecution’s theory of Wint being the sole murderer.

According to the defense attorney, there was a witness who saw the Porshe drive away from the mansion. The witness said the driver had short hair. Wint has dreadlocks. Pipe also referenced another witness who said she saw a suspicious man walking in the neighborhood before the murders. The witness said that man did not have dreadlocks. The prosecution did not call on either witness to testify.

Pipe said Wint’s brothers set him up. The defense cited phone records, saying the brothers’ calls to each other kept lining up with the timing of the crime.

“The fact that there’s a chance that Steffon or Darrell did it, means Daron Wint didn’t,” said Pipe.

The prosecution dismissed the defense’s theory about the brothers by showing phone records from Darrell and work records from Steffon to confirm their whereabouts during the time of the crime.

“Hold him accountable for a 10-year-old who never got a chance to live his life,” the prosecutor said. “Hold him accountable for parents who couldn’t save their little boy.”

After six weeks of listening to counsel, recordings, witnesses and experts, the jury began deliberating on Oct. 23. The guilty verdicts were reached on the second day of jury deliberations. 

Read D.C. Witness’s coverage of the case, here.


 

Shams Sohani reported on this story.

Document: Homicide on 17th Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 1200 block of 17th Street, NE.

According to a press release, 22-year-old Roger Marmet was found suffering from a gunshot wound on Oct. 24. He was transferred to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Up to a $25,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other 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 by sending a text message to 50411.