Judge Finds Substantial Probability For 16-Year-Old Murder Defendant

A judge said the evidence presented against a 16-year-old murder defendant showed there was substantial probability that he committed the murder.

Titus Iracks is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Larry Harrell on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE, on June 13.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said her decision was based on Iracks’ “sufficient role in aiding in an armed robbery.” Judge Dayson ordered Iracks be held at a youth facility in Washington, DC until his next hearing.

According to court documents, Iracks allegedly robbed Harrell, 43, with two of his friends.

The documents indicate that there were apparently two shooters with two different guns. But, authorities could not determine which gun killed Harrell. The second shooter was not charged.

Surveillance footage showed one suspect, which Devlin identified as Iracks, initially running away from the scene, and then shooting toward a parking lot of a Circle 7 convenience store.

Iracks allegedly told Detective Devlin that he only shot the gun “to look good” and “didn’t want to get involved in the robbery or harm anyone.”

According to the prosecution, footage also shows Iracks aggressively pointing a gun at a witness.

Iracks is being charged as an adult for the murder. Iracks is scheduled for a felony conference on July 12.

Judge Sentences Convicted Murderers to 20 Years in Prison

On July 9, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced two men to 20 years in prison for a murder they committed more than a decade ago.

Don Hancock and Reynauld Cook were found guilty of second-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of Nacarto Gladden on the 4900 block of Quarles Street, NE in 2004.

According to court documents, multiple witnesses reported that they saw Hancock, 34, pull Gladden, 32, from his car and force him to the ground. Apparently, Hancock and Gladden were “tussling” when Cook, 34, shot Gladden.

During Hancock’s hearing, Judge Judith Bartnoff said she received a letter from Hancock claiming his innocence and requesting a sentence below the sentencing guidelines.

Several members of Hancock’s family told the judge that Hancock was not a killer.

“I am just gonna ask that you have mercy on my son,” Hancock’s mother told the judge.

Cook’s family was present for the sentencing but declined to speak. Cook said that he too maintains his innocence and asked for the lowest sentence possible.

“I appreciate that Mr. Cook maintains his innocence but that’s not what the jury thought,” said Judge Bartnoff. “There’s nothing that can make this better or easier, a man lost his life in horrible circumstances.”

Each defendant is also required to serve five years on probation following their release.

Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to 4.5 Years

On July 10, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a man to less than five years in prison for his involvement in a 2017 homicide.

Per the terms of a plea agreement, Antwaun Kingwood pled guilty to obstruction of justice and carrying a pistol without a license. He was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in connection with the shooting death of Steven Edward Stewart on the 2200 Block of Minnesota Avenue, SE in 2017.

According to court documents, surveillance footage shows Kingwood, 25, pulling a gun from his waistband and shooting Stewart, 33, outside a store on Minnesota Avenue. A witness identified Kingwood as the shooter.

Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Kingwood to 4.5 years in prison and six years on probation following his release.

Was Murder Defendant Competent During 2017 Stabbing?

On July 9, a DC Superior Court judge said there was a possibility a man facing 12 charges, including multiple murder charges, was not competent at the time he allegedly committed a homicide.

El Hadji Alpha Madiou Toure is charged with fatally stabbing 34-year-old Corrina Mehiel on the 600 block of 14th Street, NE in 2017. According to the medical examiner, Mehiel’s injuries “suggest some sort of torture.”

Toure, 30, is charged with felony murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed, first-degree sexual abuse, kidnapping while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, robbery while armed, first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle and felony credit card fraud.

According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Mehiel at her car, which was parked near her apartment. Two hours later, a black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and ripped jeans was seen driving away in Mehiel’s car. Over the course of the next five days, the same individual was caught on footage at multiple ATM machines making withdrawals from Mehiel’s account. He allegedly withdrew a total of $4,000.

Toure was initially deemed incompetent in July 2017 and ordered to inpatient care at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric hospital, until September 2017, when he was deemed competent.

During a status hearing, the prosecution motioned for a Frendak inquiry, which dictates that a judge cannot mandate a defendant to use an insanity defense if they voluntarily choose not to.

Judge Juliet McKenna said that during the initial competency screening there were concerns that Toure was “illogical” and “disconnected.” She also mentioned Toure was on anti-psychotic medicine at the time of the murder and had a history of schizophrenia.

Judge McKenna gave the defense time to file a response to the inquiry. A response is due by Toure’s next status hearing on Aug. 15.

Suspect Wanted in 12th Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 48-year-old Xavier Jerome Dunmore.

Dunmore is wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant for second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Wykeena Ferguson, 40, on the 700 Block of 12th Street, SE on June 10.

Dunmore is described as being a black man, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, 280 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Police said Dunmore is considered armed and dangerous.

A reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in DC.

Document: Homicide on Newcomb Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

On July 5, police found two adult males and one adult female suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to an area hospital. After all life-saving efforts failed, 26-year-old Derek Jeffrey Taylor was pronounced dead.

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.

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

Document: Second Victim Dies in 2017 Shooting

A second victim in a 2017 shooting died July 8.

According to the District of Columbia medical examiner, 23-year-old Kevin Kennedy succumbed to his injuries more than a year after he was shot on the 600 block of 14^th Place, NE. Ronnell Tye Reaves, 22, is the other victim who died in the shooting.

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Matthew Moore on Feb. 6, 2017, in connection with the shooting. Moore is charged with second-degree murder while armed.

According to a press release, the police will pursue additional charges against Moore.

Case Dismissed: Once Praised for Fighting the Odds, A DC Native Now Fights A Murder Charge

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

On June 26, in the basement of the DC Superior Court House, Kenneil Cole appeared before DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Errol Arthur for his arraignment. The court clerk announced that Cole was charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Cole’s defense attorney, James King, told the court, “My client pleads not guilty. This act was in self-defense.”

According to court documents, on the evening of June 25, Cole and his roommate, 24-year-old Keon Wallace, argued about Wallace leaving the apartment located on the 2400 block of Skyland Place, SE. Cole told police Wallace pulled out a semi-automatic .40mm pistol during the argument. Apparently, Cole tried to get the gun away from Wallace and ultimately shot him 12 times.

Cole is being held without bond. He is scheduled for a felony status conference on Sept. 21.

Who is Kenneil Cole?

Cole was born in Ward 8 in 1994. When Cole was 14 his mother died and he was separated from his family.

“This led to me being in foster care and eventually, being homeless,” Cole said during a speech at the See Forever Foundation Gala in 2016. The foundation supports educational institutions in DC under the Maya Angelou moniker. “As my life seemed to spiral out of control, I made some poor decisions and ended up incarcerated as a juvenile.”

Cole completed high school at the Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings Youth Detention Center, located in Laurel, Md., where he eventually graduated. He went on to enroll at Delaware State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government Activities in 2016.

Cole began an internship with the same district attorney’s office that prosecuted him as a juvenile. In his time working with Attorney General Karl A. Racine, Cole designed an award called “Right Direction,” which celebrates wayward youths that have defied their circumstances and persevered through hardships. Racine’s office formally nominated Cole for the same award when he graduated from Delaware State University. Cole won the award.

Apparently, Cole went on to lead youth programs and work in DC politics despite the adversity he faced as a juvenile.

Trish Nelson contributed to this article.

Document: Arrest Made in Homicide on Pennsylvania Ave., SE

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested July 9 James Manuel Johnson for allegedly fatally shooting Johnathan Grady on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Johnson, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed. According to the police, Johnson is one of two suspects in the murder. He allegedly shot Grady, 29, on June 28.

As of July 9, authorities have not apprehended the second suspect.

June Homicides in DC

Even though the total number of homicides decreased from 19 homicides in May to 15 homicides in June, Ward 8 still ranked as Washington, DC’s most deadly area.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were eight homicides (53.33 percent) in Ward 8 in June. One of the homicides stemmed from a police-involved shooting of Marqueese Alston, a 22-year-old resident of Temple Hills, Md. The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the shooting. The two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.

Ward 7 followed behind with a total of three homicides (20 percent). Wards 5 and 6 accounted for two homicides, each (13.33 percent).

There were no homicides in Wards 1,2,3 and 4.

Man Rejects Murder Plea

On July 9, a man rejected a plea offer that would have downgraded his murder charges.

Gregory Williams is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Andrew Alphonso Cook III on the 1700 Block of North Capitol Street, NE in 2017.

According to court documents, a witness told the police that they saw Cook and Williams, 43, arguing and fighting the night of the murder. Another witness said they saw Cook collapse on the street behind a parked car.

The prosecution offered Williams’ a plea deal that would have reduced his charge to voluntary manslaughter. Per the voluntary sentencing guidelines, Williams would have faced 10.5 – 18 years in prison.

During a felony status conference, the defense rejected the plea. The prosecution then notified the court that she would have a formal list of indictments by Sept. 1.

Williams is scheduled for another felony status conference on Aug. 31.

Judge Grants Appeal Trial Date for 2012 Murder

During a hearing on July 6, a DC Superior Court Judge granted an appeal trial date for a man who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

In 2013, a jury found former Marine Michael Poth guilty of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Philip Bushong, who was also a marine, on the 700 block of 8th Street, SE in 2012. DC Police say Poth stabbed Bushong to death after they had an argument, during which Poth said a homophobic slur.

Poth was sentenced to 11 years in prison. However, he was granted a new trial after appealing his case because of juror misconduct. Apparently, a juror failed to notify the court that he was a registered sex-offender, according to the Washington Post.

Judge Iscoe set the new trial date for July 23.

Defense Says Real Assailant Not on Trial

A defense attorney in a three co-defendant murder trial said another man was arrested carrying a knife on the same night and in the same neighborhood as a fatal stabbing.

The attorney said the man was carrying a kitchen knife in his waistband on the night Lenard Wills was killed in 2015. According to prosecutors, Wills, 50, was stabbed in a crowded apartment during an attempted robbery on the 700 block of 24th Street, NE. Joseph Barbour, Willie Glover and Charles McRae are charged with first-degree murder while armed for his death.

When asked why he never examined the kitchen knife, a detective said the name of the man carrying it never came up in his investigation. A medical examiner who testified earlier in the trial said it was possible that Wills was stabbed with a kitchen knife.

A defense attorney for Barbour also highlighted body camera footage that showed a conversation with a witness, who later identified Barbour as one of the attackers, saying the assailant came from “upstairs,” not necessarily from the apartment where the stabbing occurred. During his testimony, the witness said he recognized Barbour from his clothes and mannerisms.

The trial is scheduled to resume on July 6.

Joyner is Not Guilty of 2014 Murder

After a previous mistrial and being held in jail for more than three years, a man was found not guilty of murder on June 28.

Andre Joyner was charged with second-degree murder while armed for the stabbing death of 31-year-old Jamie Washington on the 700 block of 18th Street, NE in 2014. Joyner, 28, was also charged with tampering with physical evidence for getting rid of his clothes from the night of Washington’s murder.

After four days of deliberation, a jury unanimously agreed that Joyner was not guilty of second-degree murder while armed for Washington’s death. However, they did find Joyner guilty of tampering with evidence.

According to the voluntary sentencing guidelines, Joyner could face a maximum of two years in prison for tampering with evidence.

Throughout the two week trial, multiple witnesses, including Washington’s mother and Joyner’s ex-girlfriend, testified about the events leading up to the murder.

During closing statements, the prosecution attempted to convince the jury of Joyner’s guilt by alluding to the testimony of one of their cooperating witnesses. According to the cooperating witness, who was housed in the same jail unit as Joyner, the defendant confessed to Washington’s murder.

Subsequently, Joyner’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, attempted to place doubt in the minds of the jury by shifting the blame to the defendant’s ex-girlfriend, who testified as part of a plea agreement with the government. She also faces charges related to Washington’s murder.

Mosley told the jury that the girlfriend was the “aggressor” based on her intoxicated state and because she was motivated by her stolen laptop, who she believed Washington stole.

The prosecution cautioned the jury not to be “blinded” by the “scorned woman” stereotype that Mosley was implying.

Joyner is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 6.

Judge Sets Trial Date for 2016 Murder

On July 5, months after the original trial date was set, a DC Superior Court Judge scheduled a new trial date for a 2016 murder.

Paul Swann, 27, and his co-defendant, Traveous Lamont Brown, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Adam Edwin Barker on the 2000 block of Langston Place, SE in 2016.

According to court documents, Barker suffered a single gunshot wound to the back. Apparently, the bullet traveled to Barker’s head and caused significant brain damage.

The murder allegedly happened after Barker, 21, testified against the man charged with his uncle’s murder.

Brown, 28, pled guilty as part of a plea bargain on June 14 and is awaiting sentencing, He is scheduled for a status hearing on July 27.

Swann and Brown’s cases were subsequently severed.

Swann’s was initially scheduled to go to trial on Feb. 28 with Brown as his co-defendant, but it was postponed because the defense wanted to conduct additional DNA testing. Since then, the trial has been rescheduled four times.

During the hearing, Judge Ronna L. Beck set a new trial date for July 11.

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