Jail Stabbing Defendant Released Pending Plea Negotiations

DC Superior Court Judge Arthur Errol set release conditions for a defendant in a DC Jail stabbing case during a July 9 status hearing, as plea negotiations continue.

Valentino Allen, 35, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful introduction of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business. The charges stem from a Jan. 15, 2024 stabbing of two inmates at the DC Jail.

Allen has been on release under a cash bond since January.

Judge Errol issued a stay-away order from both complainants and barred Allen from possessing a firearm. He declined to impose a curfew, stating it would remain off the table as long as Allen remains compliant with his release conditions and supervised release requirements.

Defense attorney David Akulian requested that no curfew be imposed to allow Allen to continue working, citing his client’s compliance with all court orders to date.

The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12.

Judge Grants Prosecutors More Time to Indict in Jail Stabbing

An indictment deadline extension was granted for a jail stabbing before DC Superior Court Todd Edelman on July 10.

Travis Haney, 37, is charged with assault with intent to kill for a stabbing that occurred at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Sept. 14. One person was injured.

Charges were originally brought against Haney on Sept. 26, 2024, and the nine month deadline to indict has since passed. An indictment is a formal accustion by a grand jury indicating there’s enough evidence to go to trial.

Haney’s lawyer, Carrie Weletz, made a motion to dismiss the case on June 27. She argued that as it was a jail stabbing, the prosecution knew who the witness was but still failed to file an indictment.

Judge Edelman dismissed the motion and gave the prosecution a 30 day extension to indict. He stated that the prosecution has made efforts to indict but was delayed by circumstances beyond their control.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 14.

Responding Officer Testifies About Aftermath of Shooting

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was questioned about his handling of a crowd scene in the wake of a shooting in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 9.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from an incident in which the suspect allegedly aimed a gun at a group of five people, then opened fire, injuring one victim on Nov. 9, 2020, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

Both prosecuting and defense attorneys used the MPD detective’s body-worn camera footage from the day of the shooting as evidence and in their line of questioning.

Shelton’s attorney, Emma Mlyniec, questioned the detective about potential witnesses he encountered in a nearby alley who he said seemed “nervous and afraid” moments after the shooting. Body-worn camera footage showed some were lying down on the ground, some sliding underneath a fence, and some with their hands in the air.

The detective asked an individual on the ground if he had been shot or saw the shooter before letting him go, saying he didn’t match the suspect’s description and had no indication the person was involved.

Mlyniec argued that given these people were on the scene of the shooting, the detective failed to ask them appropriate questions, pat them down, or run a background check. She also noted that the detective testified the bystanders didn’t match the suspect’s description, but he didn’t have a description of the shooter at the time, which the detective admitted.

“You know how important it is to run people’s names right?” said Mlyniec before referencing a prior disciplinary report against the detective for apparently failing to run a witness with an active warrant’s name through the police database. The detective was also cited for improperly characterizing a witness’ statement, according to Mlyniec.

The defense played body-worn camera footage from another detective on the scene to show the testifying detective indicating to other officers he thought the group might’ve been involved and were visibly shaking when he approached them–yet still failed to interview them.

The prosecution rebutted that many people on the scene ran, and officers need a reason to stop and search people. The detective testified he had no basis to stop these people, saying that they “appeared to be concerned about where the shooter was.” The defense objected, citing speculation on the officer’s part, and Judge Dayson struck his comment from the record.

After leaving the alleyway to continue searching for the shooter, footage presented by the prosecution showed the detective was approached by people on the street suggesting that the shooter ran past and tossed something in a sewer drain.

The detective found a “black article of clothing,” later deemed a mask, by the drain, and said he stayed nearby to preserve the evidence. He testified that it was common for shooters to attempt to discard firearm evidence, and MPD often uses a magnet-type tool to recover them from sewage drains. However in this case, they did not recover a gun from the drain and no evidence was recovered besides the black mask.

Two other witnesses testified about a victim in the incident, a 64-year-old bystander who was shot in the arm and fled to his apartment building nearby where front-desk employees called 911. The victim was treated by officers until paramedics arrived on scene and transported him to Washington Hospital Center.

The trial is scheduled to resume on July 10.

Judge Rules Murder Defendant Must Stay on GPS Monitor

A homicide defendant was denied a request to remove GPS monitoring on July 11 by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz, on the grounds that she had consistently broke home confinement conditions.

Nichelle Thomas, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact to second-degree murder while armed, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, three counts of misdemeanor credit card fraud, threat to kidnap or injure a person, threat to injure a person, and four counts of obstruction of justice for an incident which occurred on Aug. 4 2023, on 2500 block of Pomeroy Road SE.

These charges stem from her alleged involvement in helping her boyfriend, Lewis Jones, 28, with the murder of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE, on Aug. 4, 2023.

Following a mental health screening exam on July 8, Thomas was recommended for substance abuse treatment with an out-patient service provider. Judge Kravitz was informed accordingly.

Thomas’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued for removal saying she was compliant with the terms of her release.

The prosecution rebutted saying Thomas had repeatedly been in breach of her agreement, leaving the home without authorization on a number of occasions.

They also brought up the potential danger of Thomas’ release from GPS monitoring, based on the seriousness of the crime and the scope of her drug usage, allegedly including PCP and other controlled substances.

Thomas had said that the GPS monitor was hurting her leg. However, Judge Kravitz said that if so they would make sure that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) set up an appointment to alleviate any issues and make the monitor more comfortable.

A PSA representative working on Thomas’ case said they would be transferring her to a Specialized Supervision Team that would coordinate her extensive out-patient treatment.

The transition from the home confinement status to GPS monitoring had been designed to facilitate her attending medical appointments. Thomas’ trial is set for October 2026 before Judge Kravitz. It was his hope that she received treatment in the interim.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 31.

Judge Questions Legality of Stabbing Defendant’s Plea Offer

DC Superior Judge Deborah Israel paused court proceedings to review the legality of a plea offer extended by the prosecution on July 11.

Alan Jackson, 40, is charged with first-degree burglary while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 5500 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

Jackson was arraigned and his attorney, Lauren Morehouse, informed the court of his intent to accept an 11(c)(1)(C) plea offer in which the defense and prosecution agree on a specific sentence. The plea offer required Jackson to plead guilty to second-degree burglary. In return, parties agreed on a range of 24-48 months of incarceration to run concurrent to his sentence from his 2020 case.

Judge Israel said she did not think it was legal for the plea offer to involve Jackson’s 2020 case, since he had already been sentenced for it. Although Morehouse said she had made similar plea deals before other judges, Judge Israel delayed the matter until the court thoroughly investigated the legality of the plea agreement.

The prosecution said they were keeping the plea offer open in the meantime.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 12.

Defendant Takes Murder Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz accepted a defendant’s guilty plea in a murder case on July 11.

Lewis Jones, 29, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, and obstructing justice for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE on Aug. 4, 2023.

As part of a plea agreement, Jones pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and obstruction of justice. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges. The deal includes a sentencing range of 10-and-a-half-to-22 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Had Jones rejected the plea and proceeded to trial, he could have faced more than 30 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release if convicted. Judge Kravitz confirmed on the record that Jones understood the terms of the plea before officially accepting the agreement.

Jones remains held in custody pending his sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 10.

Murder Defendant Delays Testing Decision After Co-Defendant’s Death

A murder defendant chose to wait to waive his right to independent testing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on July 11, after his co-defendant passed away last week.

Emmanuel Lewis, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kwame Keith, 25, on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on Oct. 30, 2023.

George Pendleton, 43, was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the same incident.

According to court documents, Pendleton passed away on July 5. The prosecutors have since dismissed his case.

During the hearing, the prosecution listed the evidence that would be admitted to the case as swabs of suspected blood that was found on the wall at the scene of the incident, a black leather glove and swabs of the top of a trashcan.

Prosecution also said they were in the process of waiting for another round of testing from Signature Science.

Lewis’ defense attorney, Russell Hairston, alluded they are not planning on requesting independent testing, however requested that they do not make a final decision until after all testing is complete.

Therefore the judge decided to hold off on waiving independent testing right until further notice.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct 3.

Defendant in Baby’s Murder Gets Outpatient Drug Treatment

A homicide defendant on release was granted a move from inpatient to outpatient drug treatment during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on July 3.

Christen Borden, 36, is charged with first-degree felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children with grave risk for her alleged involvement in the death of her five-month-old son, Kenneth Walton, on Feb. 11, 2023, on the 4000 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Walton died from multiple blunt force injuries.

Borden was not present during the hearing, but DC Pretrial Services Agency informed Judge Edelman that Borden has been compliant with her inpatient drug treatment program which ends next week. Borden’s defense attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, requested that Borden begin outpatient treatment after she completes her inpatient program.

Judge Edelman granted the outpatient treatment request. The prosecution requested to be notified if Borden fails any drug test before the end of her treatment.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 19.

Youth Defendant’s Emotional Letter Doesn’t Win Release

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a teen shooting defendant’s request for release made in an emotional statement on July 8.

Travis Thomas, 17, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with intent to commit any other offense for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 5400 block of C Street, SE. A 16-year-old sustained a gunshot to the face during the incident.

Thomas is being tried as an adult under Title 16 which gives prosecutors the option for certain serious crimes.

In his letter to Judge Kravitz, read by defense attorney Megan Allburn, Thomas expressed his regret. He stated that he’s learned a lot since being detained and saw rehabilitation as a valuable lesson. “I had to realize enough is enough,” the statement said.

Thomas said that the burden on his family was a lot, adding he desperately wants his mom to see him walk the stage as he intends to graduate high school later this month. According to Thomas, his detention will adversely affect his younger family members.

Thomas wrote he hopes to one day return and start a mentorship program for juveniles, aiming to inspire other young people who may be facing similar challenges.

“I don’t want to be a part of the percentage of Black men locked up, I want to be a part of the percentage that succeeds,” he stated.

Allburn claimed that if released, Thomas would be under supervision of his mother which is a stark contrast to prior to Thomas’s arrest when he was staying with friends.

The prosecution argued to hold Thomas because the accusations are very serious. The main concern was that shooting occurred at an elementary school playground on Easter Sunday and there was no specific target.

The prosecution also stated that they have overwhelming evidence that connects the defendant to the crime. They presented CCTV footage of an individual identified as Thomas firing, Tweets talking about guns, crime and violence, screenshots from a social media argument the day of the crime where Thomas allegedly ended the heated conversation with, “You know what happened, go check on dem boys,” all that along with cellphone locations and evidence of two separate carjackings that occurred at another time.

Judge Kravitz acknowledged, “He’s a kid and I don’t like to see kids in jail,” but ultimately denied the defendant’s release, citing the seriousness of the charges, the prosecution’s evidence, and the defendant’s criminal history.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 15.

Young Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained

A juvenile shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on July 8.

Ka’Raun Foster, 17, is charged with assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, and first-degree burglary while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. An individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Foster is being tried as an adult under Title 16. That gives prosecutors flexiblilty in determining whether to charge juveniles as adults for certain serious crimes.

Defense attorney Megan Allburn alerted Judge Kravitz of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and asked for release with GPS monitoring and 24 hour home confinement. According to Allburn, thus far Foster has been successful in a youth rehabilitation program at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’s (DYRS) Youth Services Center (YSC). He has had exemplary behavior and been a great model to other youth involved in the program, stated Allburn.

Allburn also mentioned that Foster has received recognition for being an outstanding scholar in math and winning debate team finals.

The prosecution argued against the defendant’s release based on the fact that Foster is currently on probation for two juvenile crimes committed prior to his arrest, emphasizing that all crimes are crimes of violence.

Judge Kravitz denied his release, stating no conditions would guarantee the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 15.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting Outside Bar

A fatal shooting defendant remains jailed without bond after DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz established probable cause during a preliminary hearing on July 7.

Dione Dorn, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jaydon Parson, 23, on Feb. 18 on the 700 block of H Street, NE.

According to court documents, Parson was shot outside of a bar on H Street after what appeared to be a verbal altercation with two other individuals occurred inside. CCTV footage captured Parson exiting the bar, and he was followed by the two suspects. He attempted to enter his vehicle when he was dragged out by one of the suspects. He shot the other suspect in the hand who then shot him several times before the two fled the scene.

During the hearing, the prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective leading the case. Surveillance video of the incident was shown including evidence of the verbal altercation within the bar, CCTV footage of the shooting on H street, and footage of the suspects fleeing the scene and driving off in a vehicle. The detective used Dorn’s distinctive red outfit as identifying evidence.

Court documents indicate that after the shooting, MPD officers were able to track the suspect vehicle to an apartment complex where Dorn was again allegedly captured on video in his colorful clothing. Detectives conducted interviews at the apartment complex, where the defendant’s brother, a resident, was able to identify the person in the video as Dorn.

The detective testified that Dorn provided his phone number during an interview conducted after the shooting. Cell site analysis was conducted and placed Dorn around H street before and during the shooting, as well as in the area of the apartment complex he allegedly fled to after the incident.

According to court documents, officers showed Dorn a photo of himself from the night of the incident to which he replied, “that looks like me, but I don’t own those clothes.”

Dorn’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, cross-examined the detective identifying Dorn as the suspect. The detective testified that nobody on the scene was able to identify the shooter, and the security at the bar had no information on the verbal altercation that occurred inside.

In response to Allburn’s questioning regarding physical evidence, the detective noted that the car the suspects used to flee was not registered to Dorn. Clothing and firearm evidence have not been recovered, according to the detective.

Judge Kravitz concluded that there was very strong evidence that the individual on the video footage committed the murder. He used Dorn’s own interview testimony, distinctive appearance, and cell site analysis as evidence for probable cause that the individual was Dorn.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10.

7th Street Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea deal, opting to take his case to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 3.

Devon Rogers, 26, is charged with unarmed carjacking and a misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred at the 800 block of 7th Street, NW, on May 23.

During the hearing, Rogers’ attorney, Gregg Baron, alerted Judge Arthur of Rogers’ intent to reject the prosecution’s plea deal on Rogers’ behalf.

The plea deal required Rogers to plead guilty to armed robbery in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 29.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A fatal stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal in a status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 2.

Kevin Johnson, 39, is charged with felony murder while armed, first-degree premeditated murder while armed and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 44-year-old Antonio Woody. The incident transpired on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE, on Oct. 6, 2024.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Brandt they had extended a plea deal to Johnson, which he had rejected. The deal required he plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 18-to-23 years of incarceration.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, reiterated the rejection but noted that parties are still exploring options for resolution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 15.

Judge Denies Probation to Non-Compliant Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert A. Salerno denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release on probation during a July 8 hearing.

On October 20, 2022, Mecca Lee-Bey, 21, pled guilty to robbery and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 2000 block of Good Hope Road, SE on Jan. 16, 2022. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, with 12 suspended, 18 months of probation, and three years supervised release..

While on probation, Lee-Bey did not show up to an earlier probation revocation hearing, which violated the terms and is currently detained. The court must decide if and how Lee-Bey will be resentenced.

In the July 8 hearing, Thomas Key was appointed as Lee-Bey’s new attorney. Key asked Judge Salerno about the possibility of Lee-Bey’s being put back on probation as he awaits re-sentencing.

Judge Salerno denied the request to release Lee-Bey, stating the circumstances have not changed since the last hearing.

Key requested more time to speak with his client as he is new to the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 30.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal DuPont Circle Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing during a preliminary hearing on July 3.

Donald Shield, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Dominique Ratiff, 36, at the intersection of Dupont Circle and the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW, on Dec. 30, 2024. The hub is one of the city’s busiest corridors fanning out to many of DC’s most historic locations.

The prosecution called the case’s lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide branch who testified about surveillance footage showing an individual identified as Shield allegedly leaving his bike and stabbing Ratiff in the neck from behind before fleeing the scene. It also showed the suspect fleeing back on his bike to his apartment looking at his right hand which the detective suggested could have been from wounds resulting from the stabbing.

In addition to the surveillance footage, five witnesses were interviewed about the incident, and asked to provide any useful description of the suspect. Several were provided, according to the detective. Most notably, some witnesses described the suspect as wearing some kind of orange glove or fabric on his right hand, while others claimed he had been wearing a dark-colored hat or hood.

The detective said though the defendant was never seen wearing these items of clothing in surveillance footage of the incident, several eyewitnesses confirmed he was wearing light-colored distressed jeans and a blue jacket.

Shield’s attorney, Bernadette Armand, focused the discrepancies in the eyewitness accounts relating to the suspect’s clothing. Though different descriptions of the suspect were provided, the detective claimed the eyewitnesses he spoke to in follow-up interviews were able to identify the suspect from still images taken from surveillance footage.

Judge Kravitz ruled that there was probable cause to continue with this case despite questions about the accuracy of the eyewitnesses. He stated that the surveillance video alone was sufficient to show Shield could be found guilty of the crime.

Parties concluded the hearing with discussion of the defendant’s current release on a GPS monitor. The prosecution indicated that they will argue for detention at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 1.

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