Judge Finds Murder Defendant Competent for Sentencing

During a mental observation hearing Aug. 27, a DC Superior Court judge found a murder defendant competent to proceed with sentencing.

In February, a jury found Christian Romero guilty of second-degree murder while armed for the stabbing death of Dimas Fuentes-Lazo on the 800 block of Kennedy Street, NW in 2016.

According to court documents, Romero, 26, and Fuentes-Lazo, 38, got into an altercation after Romero smacked Fuentes-Lazo’s car side mirror. Ultimtely, Fuentes-Lazo was stabbed mutliple times in the upper body, inlcuding his face.

Romero was originally scheduled to be sentenced in May. However, the hearing was delayed twice for undisclosed reasons. During the third attempted sentencing, Romero repeatedly insisted he didn’t understand what was going on until court marshalls forcibly removed him from the courtroom.

On Aug. 27, Judge Juliet Mckenna found Romero competent based on information in a medical report.

Counsel did not challenge her finding.

Romero is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 14.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Two Murders

During a status hearing Aug. 24, a murder defendant pleaded guilty to shooting two people.

Matthew “Moju” Moore pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while armed after confessing to shooting Ronnell Tye Reaves and Kevin Kennedy on the 600 block of 14th Place, NE in 2017.

According to court documents, police arrived on 14th Place and found 22-year-old Reaves deceased in the driver’s seat of a car. Kennedy, 23, was in critical condition in the passenger seat.

According to a proffer of facts, surveillance footage shows Reaves walking toward the car, where his remains were later located, and sit on the driver’s seat. Moore, 34, is seen approaching the vehicle, leans in the direction of the car and shoots both Reaves and Kennedy.

Moore previously pleaded not guilty for the fatal shooting of Reaves. He claimed he acted in self-defense.

Kennedy succumbed to his injuries on July 8.

According to the voluntary sentencing guidelines, Moore could face a prison sentence ranging from 24 to 36 years. He is also required to serve an additional five years on supervised release.

Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26.

Police Arrest 2 of 4 Suspects in 10 Year Old’s Murder

The Metropolitan Police Department apprehended two of four suspects wanted for the shooting death of a 10-year-old girl in July.

According to a press release, officers arrested 21-year-old Quentin Rayfield “Q” Michals on Aug. 27 and Qujuan Thomas, 20, on Aug. 25. Both are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Makiyah Wilson on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE as she went to purchase ice cream from an ice cream truck. According to news reports, a five dollar bill her mother gave her was in her hands.

Michals turned himself in to authorities on Aug. 27.

Michals and Thomas are scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 27.

According to court documents, at the time, Thomas was on probation for armed robbery. The Washington Post reports that he had also been arrested in Prince George’s County, Md. on drug charges.

In July, Prince George’s County police arrested Kevin Eugene Jones and charged him with carjacking and assaulting a woman in Lanham, Md., on July 1. Jones apparently stole the vehicle, a black Infiniti, that was used in the shooting. The vehicle was found in Temple Hills, Md. Jones, 20, has not been charged for Wilson’s death.

Police have not released a motive, but news reports state that the shooting may have resulted from a neighborhood dispute. The case is still under investigation.

An award of up to $45,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.

“Makiyah Wilson should still be with us. She should have gone to school this week,” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press conference Aug. 25. “We won’t be satisfied until we find justice in her murder.”

Police released a video of the shooting on July 17.

The shooting death of Wilson has been one of a slew of homicides in the District during a violent summer. As of Aug. 27, there have been 103 homicides in DC. There have been 30 homicides, including a fatal stabbing that was classified as self defense since the summer began on June 21, according to D.C. Witness data.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Second Suspect in April Homicide

During an arraignment Aug. 22, a magistrate judge found probable cause that a second man was involved in an April homicide.

Kevin Carter, 30, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder for his connection in the death of 33-year-old Yusef Turner on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Keith Sweptson is also charged with Turner’s death. Sweptson, 29, is charged with first-degree murder.

During his arraignment, Carter pleaded not guilty.

Subsequently, Steven Ogilvie, Carter’s defense attorney, argued that the judge couldn’t find probable cause because the police relied on unreliable witnesses to identify the defendant.

According to Ogilvie, one witness relied on “street rumors” to implicate Carter and couldn’t name the direct source who started the rumor. Ogilvie said another witness was “financially motivated” to implicate Carter. Apparently, the witness did not identify Carter until after hearing about the financial reward.

Judge Sean Staples ordered that Carter be held without bond due to the severity of the charges and his criminal history. According to the DC Courts, Carter has two prior felony convictions for drug charges in 2006 and 2008.

Carter is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 31. Sweptson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 17.

Defense Attorneys Withdraw from Murder Case

A DC Superior Court judge granted a motion for defense attorneys in a murder case to withdraw after their client requested a change of counsel.

On July 17, a jury found Willie Glover, Joseph Barbour and Charles McRae guilty of felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances for their involvement in the death of Lenard Wills, 50, on the 700 block of 24 Street, NE in 2015.

The trio was also found guilty of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, burglary one while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, assault with the intent to commit robbery while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.

During a status hearing on Aug. 23, Glover told Judge Craig Iscoe why he no longer wanted to be represented by his attorneys. The motion was formally submitted on Aug. 6.

Judge Iscoe found Glover’s rationale satisfactory and granted the motion.

To address Glover’s concern over new counsel, Judge Iscoe chose to withhold from formally appointing a new attorney. Instead, Judge Iscoe said he wanted a public defender to speak with Glover first.

Judge Iscoe scheduled a status hearing on Aug. 28, at which point Glover is expected to notify the court of his new counsel.

Glover, 40; McRae,66; and Barbour, 38, are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 14.

Murder Defendants Ask Judge to Lift Separation Order

Three co-defendants in a murder case told a D.C. Superior Court judge Aug. 23 that they would like their separation order lifted.

William Cunningham, 31, Marcus Martin and Marc Butler are charged with first-degree murder while armed and conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Derryk Johnson on the 600 block of N Street, NW in 2016.

During a status hearing, Dana Page, Martin’s defense attorney, requested the separation order be lifted. She said, as a result of the separation order, Martin, 21, had been in solitary confinement for the duration of his time at D.C. jail.

Dorsey Jones, Butler’s defense attorney, also supported the motion. According to Jones, Butler, 22, has been prevented from entering a GED program because of the separation order.

Subsequently, the prosecution approached Judge Craig Iscoe and explained their rationale to maintain the separation order. Judge Iscoe said he considers the reasons valid and denied the request to lift the order. Even so, he did show concern about the restrictions the defendants faced.

Judge Iscoe said he would inquire about the situation with D.C. jail authorities.

A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9.

My Summer Internship at D.C. Witness

Stephen Seizilles de Mazancourt interned at D.C. Witness during the Summer of 2018.

When I started my internship at D.C. Witness, I knew it would be an excellent learning opportunity.

The internship provided me with first-hand experience in the DC Superior Court, where I learned about the U.S. judicial system.

Not only did I research the cases I was reporting on, but, to understand court documents, I also spent time researching the previous cases that set important precedents in the U.S. common law system.

While in court, I saw various steps that homicide cases may go through and witnessed various emotional burdens that may fill the courtroom, ranging from family members’ heartrending impact statements to a judge fiercely condemning a defendant who showed pride in obstructing justice.

My internship at D.C. Witness was an invaluable experience that helped me improve my reporting and writing skills.

I found it incredibly rewarding to make progress on these fronts while on a mission to fight against misinformation, and trying to help a community disrupted by crime.

Check out Stephen’s articles, here.

Document: Homicide on Evarts Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department found Aug. 23 Travis Barksdale suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 600 block of Evarts Street, NE.

According to a press release, Barksdale died at a local hospital.

Police are currently offering up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this homicide or any other homicide in DC.

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

Counsel Questions Witness’s Mental Health

Counsel and a Superior Court judge addressed Aug. 22 the competency of a witness in a murder case. The witness’s mental health issues could be a reason to cancel the defendants’ upcoming trial.

Turell Campbell, 24, and 25-year-old twin brothers Marquete and Marquese Murray are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Isiah Agyekum on the 100 block of Darrington Street, SW in 2015.

Their trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 15.

During a trial readiness hearing on Aug. 22, the prosecution informed Judge Craig Iscoe that an “essential” witness was hospitalized on Aug. 2 because of mental health problems.

Counsel said the witness shouldn’t be allowed to testify if incompetent.

However, if the witness is deemed incompetent, the prosecution said they would likely not be ready to proceed to trial.

Matthew Davies, Kevin Mosley and Brandi Harden, the defendants’ defense attorneys, said the witness’s statements from the night of the murder should also be reconsidered if that witness is found incompetent. The witness apparently provided police with information about 25-year-old Agyekum’s murder.

Judge Iscoe ruled that a competency hearing should be held before a jury is selected. As of Aug. 22, a date for the competency hearing has not been scheduled.

A status hearing is scheduled for Sept. 6.

Lack of Indictment Forces Judge to Release Murder Defendant

After two failed attempts, a murder defendant was finally released after the prosecution failed to get an indictment before the agreed upon deadline.

Stephon Williams was charged with second-degree murder while armed in 2017 for allegedly shooting Jamar Morris, 28, on the unit block of M Street, NW in 2016.

Williams, 25, requested to be released and placed in the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) twice before — on Feb. 1 and again on May 17. DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe initially denied both requests.

On July 27, Judge Iscoe extended the prosecution’s deadline to seek an indictment to Aug. 22.

At that time, Prosecutors said they still needed to find two individuals and could not give a specific date of when they would speak with the witnesses. The prosecution’s status has not changed.

“I have no choice but to release you,” Judge Iscoe told the defendant.

Williams is set to be released on personal recognizance. He will be subject to random drug tests and must report to court sporadically.

He is also scheduled for a status control hearing on Oct. 17.

Document: Police Arrest Another Suspect in 2017 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Aug. 22 a second individual in connection with a homicide that happened days after Christmas in 2017.

Police arrested 22-year-old Marcel Vines and charged him with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Kerrice ” Kay Kay” Lewis, who was a resident of Hyattsville, Md. Police found Lewis in the trunk of a car on the 800 block of Adrian Street, SE. According to news reports, the car was on fire.

Police also arrested Ashton Briscoe on Feb. 10. He was charged with first-degree murder while armed as well. Briscoe is being held without bail. His case is awaiting a grand jury. He is scheduled for a felony status conference on Sept. 25.

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

Document: Police Arrest 2nd Suspect in April Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Aug. 21 a second suspect, Kevin Carter, in connection with a homicide that occurred in April.

Carter, 30, is charged with first-degree murder (premeditated) for allegedly assaulting 33-year-old Yusef Turner on April 5 in a laundromat on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Police also arrested Keith Sweptson in April. However, since Sweptson’s arrest, authorities have been vocal about a second suspect.

Sweptson, 29, is charged with first-degree murder. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled on Sept. 17.

According to police documents, a witness said there was a physical altercation between Sweptson and Turner a few days before the homicide. Sweptson tried to pull a gun on the decedent, but it dropped during a scuffle, the witness said.

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

Judge Sentences Man to 15 years in Prison

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced Aug. 17 a man to 15 years in prison for his involvement in what she called a “senseless” murder.

In May, Demarius Jackson accepted a plea offer and pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for the death of 19-year-old Kennedy Amaya-Olivares.

According to a proffer of facts, in July of 2017, Jackson, 25, and his girlfriend and friends went to the DC Waterfront, 3500 block of Water Street, NW, where they encountered Amaya-Olivares and his friends. According to the prosecution, the groups engaged in a verbal altercation that escalated into a “juvenile fight over heated words fueled by summer heat and intoxication.”

The prosecutor said that outside of a broken glass bottle there were no other weapons present at the fight, until Jackson pulled out a gun and shot Amaya-Olivares three times. Jackson also shot an unnamed male twice, he sustained non-life threatening injuries. Police pronounced Amaya-Olivares dead on the scene.

The prosecution asked that Jackson be given the maximum sentence, 16 years.

On Aug. 21, during the sentencing, both Jackson and Amaya-Olivares’ families were present. Amaya-Olivares’ sister spoke on behalf of her family.

“Sixteen years is not enough for us,” she said. “ Life wouldn’t even be enough for us.”

Jackson addressed the court and apologized for his actions. He explained that he initially thought his girlfriend was in danger, but acknowledged that his actions were excessive.

“I made a terrible and rash decision and I’m man enough to admit it,” he said.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Lee Goebes, told the court that his client had an undiagnosed mental illness associated with the grief of losing multiple family members.

Jackson told the court that his little sister died of cancer in 2015 and later that year his cousin was killed from senseless violence. Jackson also said he learned that his uncle had died before going to the Waterfront the night he fatally shot Amaya-Olivares.

Subsequently, Judge Danya Dayson said that the word “senseless” sums up the actions that took place the night of Amaya-Olivares’ murder. Prior to sentencing Jackson, she noted that Jackson was on probation at the time of the shooting, and therefore not permitted to carry a gun.

Following his release, Jackson will serve five years on probation.

Was a 2015 Murder an Act of Self-Defense?

During a status hearing, defense attorneys in a 2015 murder case told a judge that their client acted in self-defense and requested evidence to support their theory.

Brian Jackson is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Joshua ” Pooty” Steele on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Jackson, 29, told police that Steele approached him and started to pick a fight. At first the two engaged in a verbal dispute, but then the fight escalated when Steele punched Jackson in the face and they had to be separated. While apart Steele told Jackson he was going to kill him. Ultimately, the duo fought again and that’s when Jackson allegedly pulled out a pocket knife, stabbed Steele and fled.

On Aug. 16, the defense requested that the prosecution hand over Metropolitan Police Department reports and files as well as any other documents that would support their theory that Jackson acted in self-defense when he allegedly stabbed Steele.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said the prosecution had until Aug. 24 to set a date for when they would have the materials ready to give to the defense.

Jackson is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP). John Fowler and Dominique Winters, Jackson’s attorneys, requested that he not be required to have a Global Positioning System (GPS), a device used to track his location.

Fowler argued that Jackson has a job and has been in “perfect compliance” for three years.

Judge Dayson noted the severity of Jackson’s charge and that he does not have a curfew nor is he required to report for drug testing. Judge Dayson said Jackson’s release is under the “least restrictive means” and denied the defense’s request.

Jackson is scheduled for another status hearing on Nov. 30.

Murder Defendant Requests Jury Trial

On Aug. 20, a murder defendant pleaded not guilty and asserted his sixth amendment right to a speedy trial.

Jordan Smith is charged with first-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Yashika Green on the 200 block of Wayne Place, SE in 2017.

Smith, 32, is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and illegal possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

According to court documents, Green, 42, had been smoking cigarettes laced with PCP, a hallucinogenic drug, with Smith’s girlfriend in his apartment when he got into a verbal altercation with her.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department found Green unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Green was transported to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries four months later.

During an initial interview conducted by MPD detectives, Smith’s girlfriend said she neither knew nor remembered all of the facts leading up to the decedent being injured because she was under the influence of PCP.

During a second interview conducted by MPD detectives, Smith’s girlfriend said she pretended to be high in her initial interview to avoid answering the detectives’ questions because she was concerned for her safety. She said Smith has anger management issues and had been physically abusive to her in the past.

Two weeks after the altercation, MPD detectives interrogated Smith. According to court documents, Smith told police he smoked a significant amount of marijuana and had no recollection of the night of the shooting.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe set the trial date for Nov. 12, 2019.

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