Man Charged with 2nd Degree Murder Rejects Plea Offer

During a status hearing June 26, the defense counsel for a man facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, rejected the prosecution’s plea offer.

Lavonne Beckett is charged also with driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug and reckless driving for his role in Tanisha Ray’s death on the 600 block of Florida Avenue, NE in 2017.

According to court documents, after Beckett and Ray smoked a cigarette laced in PCP, a mind altering drug, the two sped down Florida Avenue. Ray was in the passenger’s seat.

Witnesses told police Beckett’s car struck a “Hess” gas station pole and ultimately caught on fire. Police found Ray unresponsive and trapped in the car. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

The prosecution offered a plea that would have reduced Becketts charges to involuntary manslaughter.

Beckett’s defense attorney, notified the court that Beckett’s case is in the process of being transferred to another lawyer at the Public Defender’s Office.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck scheduled a status hearing on July 17 in light of the new counsel transition.

Does Murder Defendant’s Social Media Posts Suggest Guilt?

The prosecution revealed incriminating evidence June 26 from various social media accounts during a preliminary hearing for a murder case.

Torey Stockton is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Jasmine Light on Jan. 17. The Metropolitan Police Department found Light’s body on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE. According to court documents, the drive-by shooting began near King Convenience Store, located on the 1500 block of U Street, SE and ended on the 2000 block of U Street, SE. Stockton also injured three other people during the shooting.

During his testimony, Detective Manuel Isaac Duval verified pictures and videos taken from Stockton’s social media account. One of the videos showed Stockton waving a semi-automatic uzi, which is identical to the one reported in the shooting.

According to Duval, Stockton found articles on the shooting and posted them on his Instagram account with the caption “my va ass be smokin yall.”

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause for the crime. She said there was “clear and convincing evidence” that shows Stockton would be a threat to the community. Stockton is being held without bond.

To assist with Stockton’s defense, Gemma Stevens is slated to join James Williams on his defense counsel. Williams told Judge Dayson that he believes Stockton’s case is very complex and having an additional defense attorney would help.

Williams said the one witness who identified Stockton as the shooter has a history of mental health and drug issues. Williams said the witness could only identify Stockton after being shown a picture, and that the witness might have some benefit from implicating Stockton.

The prosecution questioned the defense’s theory that the witness could benefit from implicating Stockton because the witness did not have a deal with the government.

Stockton is scheduled for a felony status conference on Aug. 21.

Defense Tells Judge Prosecution is Withholding Murder Evidence

During a hearing June 25, defense counsel told a judge that the prosecution failed to hand over crucial evidence and witness statements relating to a murder case.

Jeremiah Jordan, 26, and Jerrell Powell, 21, are co-defendants charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting Antoine McCullough on the 3500 block of 18th Street, SE in 2016.

According to court documents, surveillance videos captured three individuals and McCullough, 30, involved in a verbal altercation. The group followed McCullough after he left, and one suspect was recorded shooting the victim. Witnesses told the police that McCullough said he was jumped. McCullough died shortly after.

Jordan’s defense counsel, Ronald Resetarits, told D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that the prosecution’s evidence implicated Powell, but not his client.

Resetarits said he did not receive surveillance or forensic data against his client. Apparently, the only evidence against Resetarits’ client is witness testimony. According to court documents, a witness told police that McCullough’s final words incriminated Jordan. However, the witness’s motives were questioned by the judge.

The identity of the witness is being held by the prosecution for safety reasons. The prosecution said it is aware that withholding information is unconstitutional, but the information will be disclosed before the July trial date.

Brandi Harden, Powell’s defense attorney, requested a motion of severance because she requested a competency evaluation for Powell. According to Harden, she has not been able to get Powell to cooperate with her.

Powell was found incompetent in May.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said she will rule on the motion after she receives Powell’s results.

Both defendants are scheduled for a hearing to discuss the severance motion on July 13.

Judge Rescheduled Hearing for Suspected Toddler Killer

A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a murder defendant’s preliminary hearing from June 25 to July 13 because counsel needed more time to further investigate the case and resolve another issue that was not disclosed.

Brian Wooden is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing his girlfriend’s one-year-old son, Carter Sanders, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE on May 16.

Wooden’s preliminary hearing has been rescheduled twice.

Sanders was found unconscious at Wooden’s residence, suffering from multiple abrasions and contusions as well a fractured skull. According to court documents, Wooden, 28, tried to shift the blame onto other children that were present at the time of Sander’s death.

Murder Trial Witness Admits to Lying

During a murder trial, a witness admitted to lying to the police and prosecutors about a stabbing in Northeast DC.

An eyewitness supposedly told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecutors that she saw three men attack Lenard Wills on the 700 block of 24th Street, NE in 2015. Joseph Barbour,38; Willie Glover, 40; and Charles McRae, 66, are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in Wills’ death.

“I didn’t see anything. I was in the bedroom,” the witness told Barbour’s attorney. The witness said she lied to police when she said she could see a man hitting Wills, 50. During earlier testimony, the witness said she saw the robbery unfold through a slightly-ajar bedroom door.

The witness said that smoking crack and snorting heroin damaged her memory. She said she smoked crack on the night of the incident.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 26.

Convicted Murder is Sentenced to 45 Years

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a man to 45 years for his role in a 2014 murder.

James Young was charged with first-degree murder while armed and armed robbery in connection with a drug deal. He and Tyrone Height shot Willard Shelton on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE in 2014. Instead of being sentenced together, Height requested a change in counsel. He said he wanted to hire a private attorney. The judge scheduled his sentencing on July 13 to give the new lawyer time to review the case.

A jury convicted Young of first-degree murder while armed, obstruction of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed and first-degree burglary while armed.

Shelton’s family delivered impact statements that spoke to the man the victim was and how milestones, such as high school graduations, will no longer be as special because Shelton is not their to celebrate with them.

“I read their letters […] it hurt me,” Young told DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee, requesting to be sent to a prison near his family.

The defense took the opportunity to explain the punishments that Young, 25, will experience while he’s in prison. He said that Young will miss his daughter’s whole life, that he will miss her first communion, birthdays and graduations.

Young’s parents sent DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee a letter that spoke to Young’s character. During the sentencing, Young’s father told the judge that his son had changed for the better during the time he has been incarcerated.

“I’ve heard that you’re a good man, a decent man, [but] you weren’t on that day,” Judge Lee told Young. “You could have done better.” After Young’s prison term, he will also be required to serve five years on supervised release.

Murder Defendant Wants Separate Case for Trial

Aiming to have his trial held during the summer, a defendant in a murder case requested to sever his case from his co-defendant ‘s case.

Devonte Johnson, 29, and Antoine Byrd, 38, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Robinson Pal, 29, at a nightclub on 1100 block of 17th Street, NW in 2016.

Byrd’s defense counsel requested a delay in the trial for additional DNA testing on a knife. The delay would amount to more than a year’s wait. Byrd’s DNA, as well as DNA from four unidentified people, were found on the knife used in the stabbing.

Delaying the trial for additional testing would push the summer trial date to the fall of 2019. Both defendants would be detained until trial. Johnson asked to sever his case from Byrd’s so he could have his own trial in July.

The prosecution said separate trials would cause a double-inconvenience to witnesses since they would essentially be participating in the same trial twice.

“I don’t think anyone is as inconvenienced by this as Mr. Johnson,” said Johnson’s attorney. “I’m gonna go home and sleep in my bed… Mr. Johnson has been detained since 2016.”

D.C. Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said efficiency alone was a good enough reason to not sever, but he noted that it was problematic for Johnson to wait more than a year for a trial.

On June 20, the defendants were severed.

Johnson is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing on July 13. His trial is scheduled for July 30. Byrd’s trial is scheduled for October 7, 2019.

Murder Defendant Receives 55 Year Prison Term

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced June 22 a defendant to nearly 55-years in prison for two murders.

In 2015, Joseph Minor murdered Gregory Lee on Christmas Eve on the 1200 block of Stevens Road, SE. In April, a jury convicted Minor, 27, of first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a weapon during a crime of violence. Judge Judith Bartnoff sentenced Minor to 47 years for the 2014 homicide.

Minor also pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in 2017, receiving an additional sentence of more than eight years. After his prison term, Minor will be required to serve five years on supervised release.

According to court documents, a witness said Minor shot Lee, 28, and Minor’s co-defendant, Maurice Blakey, shot another person. The other person survived. The witness told officers at the Metropolitan Police Department that Minor and Blakey, who was 25 at the time, got into a verbal confrontation with Lee. News outlets reported the shooting occurred because of a dispute over a stolen jacket.

Blakey is currently serving a 22-year sentence for second-degree murder.

“This is a family that doesn’t get to celebrate Christmas anymore,” the prosecution told the judge.

Document: Homicide on Skyland Place, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested June 25 Kenneil Cole for allegedly shooting Keon Wallace, 24. The case against Kenneil Cole was dismissed on Feb. 1, 2023.

According to the police, Wallace was found suffering with gunshot wounds on the on the 2400 block of Skyland Place, SE. The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of June 25.

Cole is charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Voluntary Manslaughter Defendant Receives 5+ Years

A defendant convicted of voluntary manslaughter was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison and five years of supervised release for causing a man’s death during a car chase in 2016.

The defendant, David Mclane, struck Kenneth Morris‘ vehicle, pushing him into a tree while trying to evade the police in a stolen Lexus.

The brother-in-law of the victim said he wanted to see Mclane receive a severe sentence. According to the brother-in-law, Mclane hit Morris, 31, while he drove to give his mother a Christmas gift.

“Our family is serving a life sentence,” the brother-in-law said. “People say time heals all wounds… I haven’t seen it. I haven’t felt it. I wonder when it will start.”

Mclane’s defense attorney said Mclane was remorseful and noted that he had no record of criminal conduct outside of this incident. His defense attorney said he graduated high school at the head of his class while incarcerated.

“He’s done everything he can to improve himself,” the lawyer said.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Bond Review

During a hearing on June 22, a DC Superior Court judge denied the defense’s motion for a bond review.

Antonio Upshaw is charged with first-degree murder while armed. He allegedly shot Tyrone Johnson, 24, at Lee’s Liquor, a liquor store located on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, in 2017. Upshaw has been on a no bond status since December of 2017.

Judge Judith Bartnoff denied the defense’s motion because there was not any evidence that would warrant the court to set a bond.

According to court documents, witnesses heard gunshots coming from an alley and saw a gray sedan leaving the alley soon after. Surveillance videos captured a man, who looked like Upshaw, 28, sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Another felony status conference is scheduled for July 20. Upshaw’s case has not been seen by a grand jury as of June 25.

19 Year Old Held Without Bond

During an arraignment, a D.C. Superior Court judge refused to release a teenager who was arrested for murder on June 21.

Eric Maurice Smith,19, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of Rondell Wills on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE. Wills’ death was the result of a drive-by shooting. He was not the intended target. According to WJLA, Wills, 38, died while he tried to protect children when the shooting occurred.

Pierce Suen, Smith’s attorney, told the judge that there was one witness and the whole case lacked evidence that implicates his client. Citing court documents, Suen said the main witness didn’t know who or what they saw.

The prosecution said there was another witness who gave a partial license plate number that matched a stolen car used in the drive-by. Smith’s fingerprints were on the steering wheel of the car. Surveillance footage also captured a person who resembled Smith in the car.

According to Suen, the car was stolen a week before the murder, so Smith’s prints could have been left before the drive-by occurred.

Suen requested Smith’s release because the teenager was enrolled in school and had no prior felonies.

Despite Suen’s argument that there was no substantial evidence against his client, D.C. Magistrate Judge Errol Arthur denied Smith’s release. He is being held without bond.

Smith is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 2.

Fear of Retaliation Prompts Eyewitness to Struggle with Testimony

On June 21, testimony from a woman who witnessed a murder was spotty because she feared she would be killed.

Charles McRae, Willie Glover and Joseph Barbour are charged with first-degree murder while armed. According to the prosecution, the defendants stormed into an apartment on the 700 block of 24th Street, NE and stabbed Lenard Wills.

The witness, who was crying and visibly upset during her testimony, said she didn’t want to be a part of the case. “I’m afraid I’ll be killed,” she said.

The witness said she was in another room getting high on crack cocaine when three men entered the apartment. When she came out, Wills, 50, was being attacked and his girlfriend was screaming.

The witness said she heard Wills’ girlfriend yelling “give it to ‘em Nardo! Give ‘em what they want!” and saw a short man in a mask hitting Wills on the side of his face. Nardo was Wills’ nickname.

Prosecutors expressed suspicions that the crime may have been drug-related, but the judge said events, such as McRae’s comments on getting money from the apartment, were consistent with a robbery.

During the witness’s grand jury testimony, she said McRae, 66, left the apartment after the robbery. But, during the trial, she said McRae stayed behind. The witness also said there was tension between McRae and Wills’ girlfriend, and that McRae threatened to hurt the girlfriend because of the way she spoke to him.

The witness also noted that Wills always kept a knife with a pearl handle. When Glover, 40, and Barbour, 38, spoke to police after the incident, each had visible stab wounds. A knife, with Barbour’s blood on it, was found in a trashcan near the scene.

The witness is expected to be cross-examined on June 25.

Convicted Killer Receives 12-Year Sentence

On June 22, Martel Hall received a 12-year sentence as restitution for the death of a 31-year-old Washington, DC resident. But, the victim’s family was not happy with the judge’s decision.

Hall, 29, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in April. According to court documents, he stabbed David Neal, 31, in front of the victim’s older brother, in a 7-Eleven parking lot on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW in 2017. Neal and Hall were apparently involved in a physical altercation at the time of the stabbing.

“I’m not happy with the court on this,” Neal’s brother told DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson. “This was premeditated murder. But, I forgive him. He admitted his mistake and pled guilty.”

Judge Dayson also sentenced Hall to five additional years under supervised release.

“This was spontaneous, it wasn’t supposed to end like this,” Hall told Neal’s family. “I’m so sorry”.

Counsel Debates Witness’s Prior Knowledge of Murder

During a murder trial, counsel disagreed about a witness’s prior knowledge of a 2014 murder.

The defendant, Andre Joyner, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Jamie Washington, 31, on the 700 block of 18th Street, NE. Joyner is also charged with tampering with evidence for getting rid of the clothes he wore on the night of the homicide.

Earlier in the trial, the witness told the jury that Joyner confessed to Washington’s murder while they were housed in the same jail unit. Kevin Mosley, Joyner’s attorney, accused the witness of lying about the confession. Mosley said the witness was shown documents detailing the case while in jail and was attempting to recall information from the documents to implicate his client.

Even though the witness said he did not know the details of the case, he did admit that Joyner showed him his ex-girlfriend’s cousin’s testimony from a prior hearing.

The prosecution told the judge the testimony in question did not include details about the murder. The prosecution also said the document only contained the cousin’s name, age and birthplace.

According to the prosecution, it’s possible the jury might think the witness had prior knowledge about the facts of the case via the cousin’s testimony and therefore fabricated Joyner’s confession.

The witness, convicted of first-degree murder while armed in a homicide that is not related to the case, entered a government plea deal that would downgrade his charges to second-degree murder in exchange for testimony in Joyner’s case.

Without the plea offer, the witness faced a sentence of 30- 60 years in prison. However, under the parameters of the plea, the witness could receive 13- 25 years. If the prosecution finds the witness gave “substantial cooperation” the judge could sentence the witness to less than 13 years.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff agreed that the cousin’s testimony did not contain relevant facts to the case. Judge Bartnoff ruled that, during closing statements, the defense cannot say the witness gathered facts about the case from the cousin’s testimony.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 25.

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