Multiple Eyewitnesses Can’t ID Shooter in 2016 Murder

On the second day of a murder trial, three of the prosecution’s witnesses could not positively identify the man who shot another man in the southeastern quadrant of the District of Columbia.

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.

On Sept. 25, two witnesses told the jury that they saw a man extend his arm at a car before they heard shots. Another witness, who didn’t see the shooting, said he saw a man pacing on the corner of L Street before hearing gunshots. All of the witnesses said they couldn’t verify that Pittman, 31, was the man they saw.

Along with the lack of positive identification, the defense also motioned for a mistrial on the grounds that the jury’s objectivity was compromised because the defendant’s ex-wife said the defendant was incarcerated during parts of their marriage. District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson told the ex-wife to avoid mentioning previous jail time or convictions before she gave her testimony.

The defense also said noise from the victim’s family caught the attention of jurors.

Judge Dayson told the prosecution that while she is sympathetic to the uncomfortable nature of certain evidence presented, emotional outbursts would jeopardize the ability to move forward.

“I saw the jurors react yesterday,” Anthony Matthews, Pittman’s defense attorney, told the judge on the third day of trial, Sept. 26. “This wasn’t just sobbing. It was a mix of pain, anguish, anger, extreme emotion. The kind that can’t be ignored. I don’t think the jury can put that out of their minds.”

Judge Dayson acknowledged that she noticed two separate occasions when jurors reacted to disruptions coming from the audience. The second of which almost every juror turned around to see.

“There is not a manifest injustice that would justify a mistrial at this point, but I cannot stress enough that means, ‘at this point,’” Judge Dayson said.

The jury also heard from Young’s girlfriend, who was picking him up at the time he was shot. The girlfriend, who was apparently browsing Facebook on her phone, said she did not see who shot Young.

She told the jury that as Young, 27, got into the car she heard a popping sound. The girlfriend was also shot in the leg.

The trial continued on Sept. 27.

Judge Warns of Possible Warrant if Witness Fails to Show

A DC Superior Court judge said that if a witness does not appear in court for a 2010 murder trial, a warrant would be filed.

In 2010, Anthony Antoine Waters was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 37-year-old Derrick Harris on June 14, 2010, on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.

Waters was sentenced to 30 years
to life in prison in 2012; however, his case was reopened in 2016 after multiple appeals were filed by the defense.

Defense attorneys raised concerns about a witness who was afraid of testifying at the trial. The witness said, multiple times, that appearing in court was not a safe option.

Harris previously testified against Waters’ best friend in a hearing 10 years ago. According to news reports, Waters confronted Harris while he was visiting his old neighborhood, Barry Farms. The two started fighting and Waters threatened to kill Harris if he didn’t leave.

A motive for Harris’ shooting remains unclear.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 1.

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

Murder Defendant’s Hearing Continued to 2019

A murder defendant’s status hearing was rescheduled until early next year.

Cyheme Hall along with three other individuals are charged with attempted robbery and felony murder while armed in a bias-related hate crime. Hall, 23, allegedly shot Deeniquia “Dee Dee” Dodds, 22, a transgender woman who was also known as Gregory Dodds, in the neck on the 200 block of Division Avenue, NE on July 13, 2016. A fifth suspect, who was also involved in the shooting, agreed to cooperate with the prosecution.

The status of the case is currently uncertain. Even though there are rumors of a pending plea bargain, the DC Superior Court’s website does not show one being filed, and counsel for the prosecution and the defense declined to comment. Hall is scheduled for a status hearing on Feb. 22, 2019.

Shareem Hall, 24, is pending a preliminary hearing scheduled on Dec. 3, while Monte Tyree Johnson, 23, and Jalonte Little, 28, are scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 4, 2019. A trial date for Johnson and Little has been set on Jan. 22, 2019.

Grand Jury Indicts Man in 2016 Murder Case

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty after he was formally indicted Sept. 26 for his alleged role in the murder of a man that police found buried under leaves and a wooden board in 2016.

Eunise Roosevelt Melton is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Jerimi Meade on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.

According to court documents, Meade’s body was found in a wooded area behind an apartment building on Burbank street. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner noted that Meade, 29, suffered from multiple blunt force trauma injuries to the head, brain and face. According to the medical examiner, the murder weapon may have been a hammer.

Apparently, Meade, Melton, 63, and another person lived in an apartment together on Burbank street.

According to court documents, on the day Meade was killed, the third roommate told police that Melton was cleaning the living room. When the witness inquired further, Melton allegedly said,” I’m cleaning up DNA.” The witness said Meade and Melton argued about missing property, frequently.

Following the indictment, Roosevelt asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 16, 2019.

Melton is scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 8, 2019.

Judge Gives Prosecution Time to Resolve Witness Issues in Murder Case

Less than a month before murder trial was scheduled to begin, a DC Superior Court judge granted the prosecution time to resolve issues with a key witness.

In 2016 and 2017 Turell Campbell and identical twins, Marquete Murray and Marquese Murray were arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 25-year-old Isiah Agyekum on July 23, 2015, on the 100 block of Darrington Street, SW.

According to court documents, three suspects drove up to the decedent’s car and shot the decedent from the front passenger side of the vehicle.

During a status hearing Sept. 24, the prosecution asked for more time to determine the mental health status of an essential witness, who was hospitalized in August.

As of Sept. 25, doctors have not confirmed the witness’s competency.

In response, the defense requested the case be dismissed, but Judge Iscoe denied the motion.

Instead, the judge ordered Turell Campbell be released under the High Intensity Supervision Program. Marquese will remain detained pending the status of a bench warrant in Prince George’s County, Md. and Marquete will continue to be held without bond as he’s serving an accumulated two year sentence for unrelated cases.

Another status hearing is scheduled on Oct. 15.

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

Judge Issues Warrant for Co-Defendant in Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge issued a warrant for a defendant in a January murder case who failed to appear in court for her indictment Sept. 21.

Shaniah Davis is charged with accessory after the fact for first-degree murder for allegedly playing a role in carrying out and covering up the fatal shooting of Marty McMillan on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Her co-defendant John McRae is charged with first-degree murder.

McRae was formally indicted on three charges: first-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Davis is scheduled to be formally indicted on Sept. 26.

According to court documents, family members reported McMillan, 22, missing in April 2017. Police located McMillan’s “human remains” wrapped in a floral comforter in Forestville, Md. nearly six months later in October 2017.

Throughout an investigation, Metropolitan Police Department detectives learned that McMillan frequented a dating website and had plans to meet up with a woman who was apparently in a relationship with McRae, 41, and an unidentified individual. The woman initially told police that she didn’t know McMillan. However, during a subsequent interview, the woman told police that she had sex with McMillan, in the house she shares with McRae, on the night he was last seen.

The woman told police that McRae came home early from work and found the decedent in the house. The woman told the police that she heard gunshots from the room McMillan was in after McRae, who was armed with a gun, entered. Following the gunshots, the woman said McRae physically assaulted her and told her to clean up the area where the shooting occurred.

According to McRae’s grand jury indictment, Davis allegedly knew he was responsible for McMillian’s death and helped him cover up the murder by destroying evidence and lying to the police.

McRae and Davis are scheduled for a status hearing on Nov. 2.

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.

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