Judge Finds Probable Cause After Detective’s Testimony in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause on July 11, a day after hearing about the investigation of a murder case on July 10.

Darvin Banks, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old William Spriggs on May 22 2024 on the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. According to court documents, upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Spriggs, who was pronounced dead on scene.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who works in the criminal investigation and homicide branch, said her role was to investigate the shooting that occurred by collecting video footage, reviewing the arrest warrant and interviewing witnesses.

The detective stated that an eyewitness reported maced Spriggs because he was acting aggressive, intoxicated and involved in a physical altercation with a woman prior to the shooting. Out of concern for her own safety, according to the detective, the witness maced Spriggs in an attempt to break up the altercation.

The witness stated she was facing Banks when the victim approached, so she could not speak to the victim’s demeanor prior to the shooting. However, the witness was able to identify the suspect from a series of photos.

The prosecution asked Judge Brandt to find probable cause because video footage reveals that the defendant unnecessarily involved himself in an altercation happening between people he did not know. Video footage shows an individual, identified as Banks, becoming upset, leaving the scene, changing his clothes, arming himself and then walking back to the scene. The prosecution insinuated that this was an attempt to cover his tracks.

Additionally another eyewitness at the scene of the shooting heard Banks state “you can’t stop this” before shooting the victim. The witness begged and pleaded for Banks not to further escalate the situation, according to the prosecutor.

The victim was shot four times in the posterior of his body, indicating he was turned away from the suspect. Given these facts, the prosecution argued that there was premeditation and probable cause.

Defense attorney Peter Fayne argued that the defendant acted in self-defense in response to Spriggs’ aggressive behavior. He emphasized that Spriggs had to be maced due to his aggression.

Fayne also pointed to video footage showing a weapon, stating that while it’s unclear where it came from, it appears to have fallen from Spriggs’ pocket.

The prosecution responded by arguing that there is no evidence a gun was drawn prior to the shooting, suggesting that Spriggs may have pulled a weapon only in response to being shot or in an act of self-defense.

“You don’t get to shoot and kill someone because they are intoxicated,” the prosecutor said.

Banks is being held at the DC Jail pending a Grand Jury. A felony status conference was scheduled for Aug. 14.

Judge Finds Probable Cause After Challenged ID in Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a carjacking incident during a hearing on July 14.

Antwon Brown, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in the incident that occurred at the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE on July 20, 2023.

According to court documents, Brown allegedly approached the complainant at the loading dock of a storage facility. Brown allegedly offered his assistance before snatching the complainant’s car keys from around her neck and stealing her car nearby. The stolen car was spotted by the police later that day. The car crashed while the suspect was attempting to flee, and although two suspects were arrested from the vehicle, Brown allegedly escaped on foot.

The prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Detective (MPD) assigned to Brown’s case as a witness. The detective testified that, over the course of his investigation, he identified a suspect with the same unique police identification number as Antwon Brown.

During cross-examination, Brown’s defense attorney, Quiana Harris, argued that MPD violated proper identification procedure. It is standard MPD procedure for an officer to conduct identification interviews separately, so that one witness does not influence the other’s claim, insisted Harris.

However, the detective testified that both the witness and the complainant were present when the photo of Brown was shown. The witness was shown Brown’s photo first, and proceeded to exclaim, “That’s him, that’s him!” The complainant then requested to view the photo and only then alletedly confirmed Brown’s identity.

Harris criticized the fact that the detective based his initial identification of Brown not on surveillance video, but on body-worn camera footage of Browns’ arrest, which the detective then compared to a photo from a police database. Harris argued that this was not a credible identification.

The detective additionally testified that the victims reported there were no tattoos or scars on the suspect’s body. Harris had Brown stand before the court to present the tattoos which cover his left hand, as well as the long scar running along his lower left arm.

Harris argued for Brown to be released to an all-male sober house with 24-hour confinement and GPS monitoring. The prosecution argued that Brown should continue to be held due to the threat he poses to the community.

While Judge Nolan stated that the court did not credit the detective’s identification of Brown, he ultimately determined that the witnesses’ identifications were enough to find probable cause, despite the breach in procedure.

Judge Nolan granted Brown 24-hour supervised release, conditional upon the sober house being capable of providing 24-hour GPS monitoring.

If this condition cannot be met, Brown will be returned to custody.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 15.

‘Justice Can’t Bring Back My Son,’ Says Grieving Mother of 16-Year-Old Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a murder defendant to 25 years during an emotional sentencing on July 11.

Bernard Eddy, 25, was found guilty of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The charges stem from his involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

During the sentencing, Judge Ryan stated that no matter what happened at sentencing, many wouldn’t be pleased with the outcome due to the different meanings and understanding of justice each individual has.

“Justice can’t bring back my son,” the victim’s mother said with tears streaming down her face. She also stated that not only did her family lose someone special, but that Eddy’s family was also losing someone to the system.

The prosecution highlighted the evidence of stalking, the nature of the crime, and the defendant’s “obsession with firearms.” Prosecutors detailed that Eddy was heard saying “there goes a body,” before following the victim and shooting him in the back of the head.

Prosecution also acknowledged that instead of Eddy telling the police that Brathwaite could have been a suspect for a different murder case, Eddy decided to take matters into his own hands and kill Brathwaite.

The prosecution requested a 31 year sentence, asking for the top of the guideline for the murder charge and consecutive sentences for the two non-violent offenses.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney acknowledged the loss and pain of the victim’s mother, but attempted to paint Eddy in a sympathetic light.

Swaney cited Eddy’s own trauma, and noted that Eddy had previously been shot twice before and lost many family members and friends to gun violence.

Swaney said Eddy had become wrapped up in the cycle of violence within his neighborhood.

“The time you give me I will use to become a better person, a better father, a better son, and a better brother,” said Eddy whose family also attended the hearing in support.

Judge Ryan listened carefully to both sides and encouraged Eddy to truly take the time to be that better person because he still has an opportunity to do so.

Noting the nature of the crime and the absence of any real mitigating circumstances, Judge Ryan sentenced Eddy to 20 years for the murder charge, the mandatory minimum of 5 years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 20 months for carrying a pistol without a license. The sentences for the possession and carrying charges are concurrent to each other, but consecutive to the murder charge.

No further dates have been set.

‘I Didn’t Survive This for Silence,’ Says Shooting Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld heard a victim’s impact statement as she sentenced a shooting defendant to three years on July 11.

On May 6, Isaiah Smith, 29, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license, and tampering with physical evidence for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on the 3500 block of 13th Street, SE on May 22, 2022.

Smith reportedly had been in a relationship with the victim who was found shot in the head. On the night of the incident, Smith fled the scene, and disposed of the weapon in the Potomac river. The victim, however, survived after being found by the defendant’s mother. She had bullet fragments surgically removed from her brain.

“On May 22, I was shot in the head by Isaiah Smith. We were drunk. I woke up screaming, alone, and no one was there,” the victim stated.

The victim has since experienced neurological difficulties due to her injuries. “I can hardly walk – my right leg doesn’t move the way it should. I can’t read and understand as well as I used to. I forget things. Everything takes effort now: talking, thinking, moving. Every day feels like survival.”

“[My kids are] too young to understand what happened but old enough to know something changed,” she said, “this is the impact: a mother who can’t mother the way she wants to.”

The victim also expressed her dissatisfaction, mentioning that it feels like her suffering isn’t adequately represented in Smith’s sentencing as he faces charges of carrying a pistol without a license and tampering with physical evidence, but not for shooting her. “I didn’t survive this for silence. I survived to speak for myself,” she said as she finished her statement.

“What you just heard is someone who was irreparably changed when she didn’t deserve to be,” said the prosecution. “The victim and her family are more than just a statistic. This is a case where the victim was shot in the head and miraculously survived, and is here to tell us about it.”

The prosecution also reminded the court that the defendant had fled the scene, leaving the victim.

“I don’t think there is anything that Mr. Smith could say to heal [the victim,]” said Smith’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar, who made arguments on Smith’s behalf. “He regretted every single minute” of his actions on the date of the incident, Sukumar continued.

Smith, who had been crying, made a short statement before Judge Hertzfeld. “What happened was inexcusable. I sincerely regret leaving [the victim] in that moment. She and I were in a good place,” and “leaving her was the worst mistake of my life.”

Sukumar mentioned the three years Smith had spent atoning for his actions by pleading guilty, being fully compliant with the court, and cooperating with the prosecution when he met to explain what happened during the night of the shooting. Without Smith’s confession, “the prosecution would have known very little about what happened in that room,” said Sukumar.

Sukumar called the incident “an aberration of an unexpected situation,” and “not the kind of thing [Smith] would have done in any other situation.”

Judge Hertzfeld imposed a sentence of 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license and 12 months for tampering with physical evidence, which will run consecutively. Smith will also be required to serve three years of supervised release and must register as a gun offender.

“I can’t get over the fact that you left her there,” said Judge Hertzfeld to Smith. “I don’t think that the way you behaved in the aftermath speaks of a true accident. That’s unthinkable.”

Hertzfeld maintained the stay away order at the prosecution’s request.

Sukumar requested a partial jail and home confinement sentence.

“This is one of those cases that keeps you up at night,” Judge Hertzfeld said, denying the request.

No further dates were set.

Defense Requests Medical Alert for Murder Defendant

A defense attorney requested medical attention for a defendant after learning about “inhumane conditions” in the DC Jail before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 7.

James Lewis, 47, is charged with felony murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, and contempt for allegedly killing Brenea Franklin, 30, on Jan. 30, 2021, on the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE.

Lewis’ attorney, Mani Golzari, requested a medical alert for Lewis due to the worsening conditions of the DC Jail. Lewis had complained of mold in his cell; loss of taste and smell, which he claimed was unrelated to COVID-19; and inedible food that is unsuitable to his pre-diabetic dietary restrictions. Lewis also noted that the air conditioning in the DC Jail was non-functioning.

“If I had a place to hold defendants other than the DC Jail, I would certainly use it but that’s all we got,” Judge Ryan said, approving Golzari’s request for a medical alert.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.

Defendant Released After Celebratory 4th of July Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum released a defendant on July 8 who allgedly fired multiple shots in the early morning hours of the Idependence Day celebration.

Davon Camper, 26, is being charged with the unlawful discharge of a firearm for an incident that happened on the 4000 block of 4th Street NW, in which approximately 20 shots were fired.

Defense Attorney Janai Reed said that Camper has no recent prior criminal history and is employed doing night shift work at a chain grocery during the week.

Camper’s family members were also present in the courtroom including his wife hoping for his release.

“This was a very stupid thing to do. I want to make [that] clear,” said Judge Hildum.

Camper’s stable employment and nominal criminal history weighed in Judge Hildum’s decision to release Camper.

He set conditions that Camper could not possess guns or ammunition in the DC area and issued a stay away order from the block where Camper had fired the shots.

Camper’s family rose, smiling and sighing in relief at the Judge’s decision in keeping with his release terms.

The parties are slated to reconvene for a status conference on Aug. 18.

Detective ID’s Suspect in Armed Carjacking Case

A detective testified about the evidence he collected in a carjacking, and probable cause was found before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on July 8 and 9.

Rodale Broadus, 21, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident on Aug. 15, 2024 on the 900 block of 24th Street, NW.

According to court documents, two suspects, one of them carrying a gun, allegedly approached the victim who was standing near his Toyota Camry, took his keys and wallet, entered the car, and drove away. Broadus was identified as one of the suspects. The identity of his co-defendant remains undisclosed.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective involved in the case. He identified Broadus in the courtroom, noting he was first arrested in Prince George’s (P.G.) County, Maryland immediately following the carjacking, and was later arrested in DC on a fugitive warrant.

The detective testified the victim indicated that he was inspecting the front passenger side window of his car, thinking there was damage, when the suspects approached. The officer said the victim identified Broadus as the gunman and as doing most of the talking during the incident.

On July 8, Judge Herrmann ordered the hearing to be continued to July 9 due to a medical emergency in the courtroom. Defense attorney Lauren Morehouse objected to the continuance because the case was ongoing longer than the three days allowed to press charges.

Judge Hermann said the deadline had been been waived for good cause given the medical emergency and new information that had been revealed earlier in the hearing that notes from the detective’s investigation had not been shared with the court.

On July 9, Morehouse filed a so-called Jencks motion, requesting all written or recorded statements made by prosecution witnesses relating to their testimony.

Morehouse alleged that the prosecution knew about the detective’s notes but did not present them to the court or plan to do so.

“Every single system failed to get these notes for us,” Morehouse argued.

Morehouse motioned to strike the witness’ testimony, but Judge Herrmann pointed out that the evidence was still recoverable, thus denying the motion.

During the defense’s cross examination, Morehouse asked the detective why so little video was taken during the investigation, in particular the interview with the victim.

The detective replied he does not like to interview witnesses or victims on camera to keep which could make them uncomfortable.

The detective also revealed the victim could not identify pecific features of the suspects at the scene, but allegedly identified Broadus as a perpetrator after he was detained in Maryland.

Morehouse argued that there was not enough evidence for probable cause because the detective did not conduct a thorough enough investigation. Judge Herrmann disagreed, citing Broadus was reportedly found with keys to the stolen vehicle and a gun was located in an apartment building in Prince George’s County where he was chased by a MPD helicopter.

Morehouse requested Broadus be released, citing his age, family support, and extensive work history. The prosecution objected, noting that Broadus was facing similar assault and carjacking charges in Maryland in a case that occurred prior to this incident. Judge Hermann denied Broadus’ release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 29.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the prosecutor’s evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on July 8.

Bernard Fuller, 56, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or place of business and endangerment with a firearm in a public place after he allegedly shot a pistol at Fort Stanton Park located at the 1800 block of Erie Street, SE on June 17.

According to court documents, two unknown suspects approached Fuller and a victim at a park bench with a gun and bear Mace allegedly causing Fuller to fire in their direction.

Defense attorney Angela Ramsay confirmed he has had no pretrial compliance issues and the judge allowed him to remain on release pending future proceedings.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 25.

Shooting Co-Defendant Wants Separate Trial to Testify in The Case

A defendant allegedly involved in a fatal shooting motioned to sever from his case from two other co-defendants before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on July 10. If the judge agrees, one of the remaining defendants could benefit from exculpatory testimony.

Deandre Sams, 29, Raymond Mathis, 38, and Keshawn Lavender, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with attempt to kill while armed, attempted robbery while armed, conspiracy while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller during an attempted robbery on Sept. 6, 2023, on the 200 block of M Street, SW. Two other individuals were injured during the incident.

Lavender filed a motion to sever from his co-defendants on June 20 on the grounds that he would not receive a fair trial due to potential conflicts of interest that would arise from the defendants’ testimonies.

Specifically Sams says he does not want to implicate them with his testimony.

Unless Sams’ case is severed he could not testify that Lavender allegedly had no plan to commit a robbery, rather only buy marajuanna from the victim the day of the crime, according to his attorney, Jessica Willis. Sams’ testimony could potentially lead to Lavender’s exoneration.

Additionally, Sams will not seek immunity for his testimony.

The prosecution requested more time to give a response to the motion and received a deadline of July 21.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.

Mental Health Experts Testify About Stabbing Defendant’s Competency

Mental health specialists testified that a stabbing defendant demonstrated severe psychological abnormalities before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park during a July 11 competency hearing.

Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, cruelty to children, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a May 27, 2020 stabbing of a 30-month-old child on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

The prosecution cross-examined a neurologist who testified in a previous hearing that Wright may not be competent to stand trial because of his diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorders, major depression and possible bipolar disorder. Wright also sustained a concussion around the time of the incident, which the witness testified could have impacted his memory and cognition.

He also testified that the threshold for competency to stand trial is low. According to the Department of Justice, the defendant must rationally understand the court proceedings and be able to consult with their attorney in order to be found competent.

The prosecution scrutinized the witness’ knowledge of the case, since he never personally evaluated Wright or talked with the doctors and nurses that treated Wright in the hospital. He testified that his expert opinion is based on medical records and nurses’ notes.

According to his testimony, Wright taught a doctor how to play chess, which the prosecution argued showed competency. However, the witness said that video games and chess do not require a high level of conscious thought.

During defense attorney Christen Romero Philips’ redirect, the expert said that the ability to play chess and competency to stand trial are not one and the same.

Another witness for the defense, a clinical and forensic neuropsychology expert, informed the court on the different symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and a lack of energy. He testified that while Wright has experienced hallucinations before, his main symptom is a lack of energy and “effort.”

The witness is also an expert on malingering, which he said refers to the intentional production or gross exaggeration of symptoms to achieve an outside goal or incentive, such as avoiding trial.

He does not believe Wright is malingering based on his review of reports from testing.

Philips also questioned the witness on Wright’s ability to play chess and how that relates to his competency. She referenced a famous chess player named Bobby Fischer, who was highly successful despite severe mental illness. The witness agreed that it is possible to play chess while not being competent to stand trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 21 to continue expert testimony.

Carjacking Suspect Mentally Restored, Will Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld deemed a carjacking defendant competent following a mental restoration effort, but denied the defense’s request for release during a hearing on July 8.

Derrick Curtis, 23, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in the carjacking of a Moped scooter on Dec. 30, 2024, at the 1500 block of Benning Road NE.

According to police reports, Curtis pushed a driver off his moped before allegedly fleeing on the stolen scooter.

Curtis was found competent after his first evaluation. However, the defense requested Curtis undergo a second competency exam starting on July 2 given serious reservations about Curtis’ abilitity to understand the changes against him and help his attorney, Todd Baldwin. The baseline is necessary for a defendant to go on trial.

After undergoing competency restoration, doctors at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital have say they have restoree him to competence through reality based treatment, requesting that he be returned to the jail pending trial.

Though the parties had no objections to the finding, Baldwin requested that Curtis be released from jail on 24-hour home confinement pending trial.

Baldwin explained that it was the dangerous conditions at the jail, as well as violent incidents he experienced while there, that initially eroded Curtis’ mental health.

Judge Hertzfeld denied the request, explaining that Curtis’ release could endanger the community. . Hertzfeld requested that Curtis be moved from the general population in the Central Detentential Facility (CDF) to the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) in the DC Jail to help keep him mentally stable.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 13.

Defendant Gets 30 Days to Consider Independent DNA Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a homicide defendant additional time to consider independent DNA testing on July 8.

Aaron Walker, 20, Dasani Dawson, 20, are charged with robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, armed carjacking, first degree premeditated murder while armed for their alleged involvement of the fatal shooting of Brian Buxton, 20, on Aug. 9, 2022 on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW Washington DC 20032.

Malique Outland,19, their co-defendant, is charged with robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and armed carjacking while armed, for allegedly being the getaway driver after the homicide occurred.

Dawson and her co-defendants were late because Dawson missed the bus to the courthouse. During the hearing, the prosecution presented physical evidence including cartridge casings, a projectile taken from the victim’s head, DNA swabs from the getaway car, clothes including shoes ,a ski mask, and a Glock firearm. All three of the co-defendants’ DNA were said to be found in the vehicle.

Lisabeth Sapirstein, Dawson’s defense attorney, was under the impression Dawson wanted to waive her right to DNA testing, but then she told Sapirstein she wanted to have the evidence tested. Sapirstein asked Judge Park to reconvene in 30 days to discuss how her client would like to proceed.

Due to the uncertainty, all parties received additional time to decide.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 22.

‘They Might Have Me Killed By Then,’ Says Stabbing Defendant Pleading For Release

A stabbing defendant expressed concerns about his safety in jail and the speediness of his trial during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 11.

Aaren Striplin, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on July 4 on the 900 block of G St, NW. The victim received lacerations to the legs and was pepper sprayed in the eyes during the incident.

During the hearing, Striplin told the court he was involved in an altercation with other inmates at DC Jail which required him to be treated in the jail hospital.

“I don’t want to get a mental evaluation, I just want to go to trial,” Striplin said. “They are killing me at the jail.”

Striplin’s defense attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, asked Judge Arthur to schedule a preliminary hearing and release Striplin pending trial. Striplin argued he needed to be released in order to manage property he owns.

The prosecution asked for a mental observation hearing in the next few days and requested the defendant be detained.

“They might have killed me by then,” Striplin said, objecting to his continued incarceration.

Judge Arthur denied Striplin’s release motion, saying he was a flight risk and a danger to the community if released.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 17.

Elderly Stabbing Defendant Gets Mental Competency Exam

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a stabbing defendant to undergo a mental competency exam during a mental observation hearing on July 11.

Jacqueline Lewis-Robinson, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing using a pair of scissors. The incident occurred on June 30 at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Morris Road, SE.

During her mental observation hearing, Judge McLean ordered Lewis-Robinson to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for mental observation to develop a full competency report.

At Lewis-Robinson’s last hearing on July 3, her defense attorney, Claudine Harrison’s, request for psychological testing was granted and a preliminary forensic screening was ordered.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 18 to determine competency once examinations are complete. In order to stand trial a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and work with his attorney to put on a defense.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan accepted a homicide defendant’s request to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence during a July 8 hearing.

Richard Dyson, 58, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 62-year-old Donella Bryan, on April 19 on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Bryan’s body was recovered from a dumpster. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

Wole Falodun, Dyson’s attorney, alerted Judge Ryan of his intent to waive the preliminary hearing on his client’s behalf. Judge Ryan made sure Dyson understood the implications of this decision before ultimately accepting the waiver.

Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 8.

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