The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on I-295 on July 12. The incident involved a stolen 2017 Hyundai Sonata, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Rick Kearney. A 17-year-old alleged driver and 20-year-old Joseph Wade were arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, with the juvenile also facing charges for Leaving After Colliding.
A carjacking defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on July 10.
Jaelen Jordan, 19, is charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, receiving stolen property worth $1,000 or more, two counts of armed carjacking, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, and robbery while armed of a senior citizen.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a carjacking distribution ring between April and May of 2023 with six co-defendants. The group is believed to have partially conducted its operation out of an apartment’s parking garage on the 1300 block of Florida Avenue, NE.
During the status hearing, the prosecution told the court that one of the items in evidence contained some possible female DNA and did not seem to contain any of Jordan’s DNA. Judge Kravitz asked the prosecution whether that meant a unique DNA profile. However, the prosecution said he would wait for a DNA analyst to interpret the findings.
Jordan’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, informed the court of Jordan’s wish to waive DNA testing rights, which Judge Kravitz accepted.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 26.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 22-year-old Xavier Anderson, of Northwest, DC, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Mar. 10 at the intersection of South Capitol Street and Southern Ave, SE. The incident involved an adult female who was shot and survived. Anderson was apprehended in Prince George’s County and charged with Unregistered Ammunition, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Receiving Stolen Property, and Assault With A Dangerous Weapon (Gun).
DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a mass shooting defendant who may have fired hundreds of rounds into a memorial ceremony to 12 years of incarceration as part of a plea deal in a July 3 proceeding.
On Feb. 28, Jason Dyer, 27, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured four people, including Dyer, on April 7, 2024, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Elmira Street, SW.
The prosecution argued for the sentence due to the severity of the incident, which, ironically, occurred during a candlelight vigil for a victim of gun violence, as well as the defendant’s criminal record.
Dyer’s attorney, Matthew Davies, requested that Judge Edelman stick with the plea agreement, emphasizing a trial would be long and difficult with no guarantee of a conviction.
Davies also requested that Dyer be sent to a prison with a medical facility to help treat his shattered knee and nerve damage he sustained during the shooting, according to Davies, who implied that Dyer has already been punished for his actions.
Judge Edelman responded, “The fact that he was shot does not reduce his responsibility.”
Dyer was sentenced to 12 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release after, during which he will be required to complete both a drug and mental health assessment.
Judge Edleman cited firing as many as 200 rounds at the gun memorial service in his reasoning for the sentence in addition to the fact that the defendant faced two major criminal charges before turning 30.
No further dates were set.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying suspects involved in an unlawful discharge of a firearm on July 12. Officers responded on the 1200 block of G Street SE, where evidence of gunfire was found, though no injuries were reported. Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspects.
DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean released a stabbing defendant on July 11 to undergo mental health treatment, essentially giving him a second chance to rebuild his life.
“Please take advantage of all the work these wonderful people have done for you,” Judge McLean said refrerring to an unlikely coalition of the prosecution, the defense and the victim in this case.
Gregory Edmonds, 34, was sentenced to 24 months of incarceration, suspended, and two years’ probation for assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his involvement in the stabbing of his father on July 4, 2023 on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE.
Based on Edmonds’ ongoing battles with mental illness and substance usage, as well as requests from his father, Edmonds faced no jail time. His sentence was instead focused on recovery, with both parties working with the Department of Rehabilitation and Development to create treatment plans for his release.
After failing to meet his initial requirements, Judge McLean revoked and resentenced Edmonds to repeat probation paired with a more robust treatment plan involving entry into a North Carolina mental health facility, where he and his family live. To monitor progress, the court set a follow-up hearing to validate compliance.
Judge McLean expressed her gratitude to both parties for their focus on rehabilitation, telling Edmonds the rest is up to him.
Parties are set to meet on Aug. 15.
DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a murder defendant to 16 years in prison on July 9.
On April 23, Tyriq Williams, 34, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Terry Clark on Jan. 7, 2023 on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE.
Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 14-to-18 years of imprisonment. Clark’s cousin and his mother. His cousin described that Clark had a “special gift for making people feel warmth and love.” Clark’s cousin explained that the loss of Clark has left a wound on the family that has followed them.
Clark’s mother and cousin presented victim impact statements in court, “It doesn’t just take away life, it also robs families of simple things like ice cream after dinner,” said his cousin.
Clark’s mother also came forward, asking the courtroom why her son died? There was no answer.
The prosecution described Clark as a happy, loving person who was killed in a senseless act of violence. They requested Judge Edelman impose 216 months of incarceration due to the serious nature of the offense and the lack of mitigating circumstances.
The prosecution claimed that Williams’ actions were not the result of undiagnosed PTSD, noting that he appeared calm and collected before and after the shooting.
Williams’ defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, expressed sympathy for Clark’s family. “No sentence will bring Terry back,” he stated, noting that, while Williams made a terrible choice, his own exposure to gun violence affected his response to Clark’s behavior.
Mosley claimed that Clark had been acting erratically the night of the incident, and Williams perceived his behavior as a threat. “The way you perceive things is impacted by your past trauma,” he said.
Williams offered his sincere apology to Clark’s family, saying “I’m very, very sorry for what I’ve done.”
The defense proposed Williams receive a sentence of 14 years, and as requested he will be sent to a facility within 180 miles from DC.
Judge Edelmann expressed his deep sympathy for Clark’s family. “I’ve learned, 15 years up here, regardless of sentence, I’m unable to bring someone back,” he said.
Williams graduated high school, had strong family support, and maintained employment, according to Judge Edelman. This was Williams’ first contact with the criminal justice system.
Judge Edelman sentenced the defendant to 192 months of confinement, followed by five years of supervised release. The judge required he seek mental health assessment and treatment during his incarceration. Williams will receive credit for time served.
No further dates have been set.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan dismissed a shooting defendant’s case after denying the prosecution’s request for an indictment extension on July 10.
Darrion Blake, 28, was charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Denard Orlando Hartwell, which took place on Aug. 18, 2018, on the 4400 block of Livingston Road, SE.
Judge Ryan denied the prosecution’s request for an indictment extension of three weeks – the original indictment deadline was July 10. The prosecution requested an extension because the lead detective had just undergone back surgery and would not be able to testify before the grand jury until August.
However, Blake’s attorney, Errin Scialpi, argued that the homicide occurred in 2018, but Blake was not arrested until 2024. Scialpi also stated that keeping the case open impacts Blake’s career as he has been in home confinement for the past eight months. The prosecution had nine months to file the indictment, from the time the detective testified in October of 2024 until now.
In DC, most cases must be indicted within 90 days except for the most serious offenses.
Judge Ryan ultimately found that there was no cause to extend the indictment deadline and dismissed the case without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled based on prosecutorial discretion.
No further dates were set.
A stabbing defendant was given a “gift” sentence before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 10.
On June 27, Leonard Hampton, 30, pleaded guilty to simple assault for his involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on the 1700 block of Euclid Street, NW on Jan. 11.
Hampton reportedly stabbed the victim in response to an argument that had occurred between the victim and Hampton’s mother.
During the hearing, the prosecution urged Judge Salerno to impose a sentence of 180 days with credit for time served, recognizing the victim’s reluctance to press charges.
The prosecution stated that “180 days is a gift,” and emphasized the benefit of the plea deal, which significantly reduced Hampton’s potential sentence of 36-to-78 months. “Even if his intentions were good and he intended to defend his mother, this was not the way to do it,” the prosecutor said.
Hampton’s attorney, Justin Boggs, asked the judge to impose a time served sentence, allowing him to be released immediately. Boggs noted that Hampton had already served 168 days in jail and had completed more than 80 electronic programs during his incarceration. Boggs also highlighted that Hampton had been fully prepared to proceed to trial prior to accepting the plea deal.
Hampton addressed the court, saying, “I take full responsibility for my actions,” and expressed that he wished he had handled the situation differently.
Judge Salerno sentenced Hampton to 168 days of incarceration with credit for time served, stating there was “not a whole lot of difference” between that and the prosecution’s request of 180 days of incarceration.
No further dates were set.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking suspects involved in an unarmed carjacking that occurred on June 25 in the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. The victim was assaulted by multiple suspects who then stole his vehicle and fled. Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspects, and the MPD is requesting the community’s assistance in identifying them.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 24-year-old Charles Rucker in connection with the fatal shooting of 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle on July 5 in the 1000 block of 14th Street, SE. Honesty succumbed to her injuries on July 7. Rucker has been charged with First Degree Murder while Armed.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are searching for 24-year-old Charles Rucker, who is alleged to be involved in the fatal shooting of 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle on July 5 in the 1000 block of 14th Street, SE. The young victim succumbed to her injuries on July 7. Rucker is wanted on charges of First Degree Murder while Armed, and a reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 47-year-old Maurice Gaskins, of Arlington, VA, in connection with a fatal shooting on June 27 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. The victim, identified as 29-year-old Deandre Lewis of Northeast, DC, was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene. Gaskins, who was known to the victim, has been charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 59-year-old Robert Harris in connection with an assault that occurred on July 1 on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Harris allegedly attacked a victim with a knife, resulting in minor injuries, before fleeing the scene. He has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).
DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release in a hearing on July 15 due to a detainer for a burglary in Maryland.
Traviyan Hardy, 24, and Kevin Lester, 36, are charged with unarmed carjacking for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred at the 300 block of 40th Street, SE on June 13.
Both co-defendants were present in a hearing to discuss any outstanding issues before their trial begins on Sept. 29. Hardy’s defense attorney, Everald Thompson, asked if she could be released prior to trial.
The prosecution opposed this. Judge Pipe said she would continue to hold Hardy based on the nature of the crime and detainer Hardy currently has for an alleged burglary and a crime of violence in Maryland.
The parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 18.
