Independent Counsel to Advise Murder Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ruled that an independent counsel be appointed to advise a murder defendant in what was supposed to be a sentencing hearing on May 2.

On March 28, Erin Sheffey, 28, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Kwiyon Maddox, 32, on Aug. 15, 2021, on the 2100 block of 16th Street, SE.

However, Sheffey’s attorney, Peter Cooper, filed a motion to withdraw from the case due to a complete breakdown in communication between the attorney and defendant.

Judge Kravitz ruled that an independent attorney will be appointed to advise Sheffey on whether or not to withdraw his guilty plea. The prosecution did not object, however they did state that this would be Sheffey’s third attorney in this case.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.

Defiant Defendant Delays Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park alerted parties in a shooting case that the defendant was returned to the DC Jail on May 7, after he refused to go along with a courthouse search.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These charges stem from Shelton’s alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on Nov. 9, 2020 on the 3000 block of 14th street, NW.

Shelton’s attorney, Emily Sufrin, explained that he was transported to the courthouse for his detention hearing before Judge Park. However, once Shelton arrived at the courthouse, he refused to be searched.

Judge Park agreed to set a new date.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 22.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Following Mistrial

A shooting defendant, who was granted a mistrial after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on May 5.

Dayquan Henderson, 23, was originally charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a nonfatal shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE, on May 11, 2024. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Daniel Klover, Henderson’s attorney, alerted Judge Pipe of his intent to accept a deal extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of possession of an unregistered firearm. Through the deal, parties agreed to dismiss all other charges, and the prosecution agreed to limit the sentencing request to a fully suspended sentence.

Kovler also requested that Henderson, who was released on Feb. 21 following the mistrial, be removed from GPS monitoring and lift the imposed curfew of 10 p.m. to six a.m.

The prosecution opposed, asking he remain with the same release conditions. Judge Pipe agreed with the prosecution, stating “[Henderson] has done well… I would like to continue to see him do well.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25 for sentencing.

Murder Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a homicide defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing on May 5.

Derek Turrentine, 42, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old James Price on Sept. 15, 2024 on the 400 block of 50th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers discovered Price in an alley behind a recreation center. He sustained four gunshot wounds to his left cheek, the back of his neck, left shoulder, and left forearm.

Surveillance cameras allegedly captured an individual, identified as Turrentine, following Price into the alley, where they had a physical altercation. Turrentine then reportedly stood over Price and shot him before fleeing the scene.

During the hearing, Turrentine’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar, informed the court of the defendant’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Brandt accepted the waiver, finding Turrentine made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Judge Brandt also granted the defense’s request to postpone arguments concerning the defendant’s release until parties convene before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 6.

Prosecutors Show Emotional Videos of Fatal Shooting Aftermath

The prosecution introduced emotional footage of the aftermath of a fatal-shooting from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers’ body-worn cameras during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on May 6.

Alonzo Brown, 28, and Naquel Henderson, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the shooting that killed 21-year-old Michael Taylor and injured two additional victims on Jan. 12, 2019 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Brown and Henderson are two of five men charged with Taylor’s death. Stephon Evans, 24, and Tavist Alston, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. Carlos Turner, 27, is scheduled for sentencing May 16.

According to Steven Kiersh, Brown’s attorney, Turner accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder. However, D.C. Witness has been unable to confirm the terms, as they are under seal.

During opening statements, prosecutors argued Brown and Henderson committed the shooting as retaliation for their friend’s death, the day after his funeral. According to court documents, the defendants were close friends with 19-year-old Shamar Marbury who was fatally shot on Jan. 1, 2019 on the 4200 block of Barnaby Road, SE.

Prosecutors told the jury they will introduce surveillance videos during the trial that allegedly captured the defendants entering and exiting the building when the shooting occurred. “Eight seconds, that’s all it took,” said the prosecution.

They also played footage from the officers’ body-worn cameras that showed the aftermath of the shooting, including one officer attempting to resussitate Taylor with chest compressions. In the videos, a woman is heard hysterically shouting “Please God,” repeatedly.

The prosecution also informed the jury that Turner agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and will testify during the trial.

During defense opening arguments, Kiersh asked the jury to keep an open mind, decide the case on the facts, and consider potential bias in Turner’s testimony. Kiersh alleged that Turner received a plea deal with a charge carrying a lower sentence in exchange for fabricating a story that incriminated Brown. Kiersh said Turner received an “incredible bargain, but he’s gotta pay up.”

Henderson’s attorney, Julie Swaney, also urged the jury to doubt Turner’s testimony because it will be “rumors, guesses, and lies” about her client. Swaney noted it is important for the jury to keep the evidence against the co-defendants separate.

Following opening statements, prosecutors called two MPD officers who responded to the crime scene. One officer described it as chaotic with debris, metal fragments, and evidence of bullet damage on the bottom of the stairs.

The prosecution also called an eyewitness who testified that there were four-to-five young black males in the hallway of the apartment complex when he arrived. He said he went into his girlfriend’s apartment, heard 15-to-20 loud gunshots in the building, and called 911. The witness testified that he could not identify any of the men.

The trial is scheduled to resume on May 7.

Plea Offer Would Wipe Out Most of 57 Counts Against Shooting, Robbery Suspect

Prosecutors offered to drop virtually every charge against 19-year-old Rodney Bennett in return for a plea deal that would virtually eliminate a 57-count indictment against the shooting and robbery suspect.

The agreement was presented in a May 7 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan. It would require Bennett to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of armed robbery. If accepted, the remaining 55 counts would be dropped. However, if the case proceeds to trial, Bennett could face 50 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Bennett is currently charged with endangerment with a firearm, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

In addition, he faces two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, and robbery. All charges were committed during release.

There are also two counts of robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an unlawful discharge of a firearm on a public space at the 600 block of Edgewood St, NE on Aug. 28, 2024, and two armed robberies at the 1300 block of Neal Place, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and at the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW on Aug. 29, 2024.

Bennett’s attorney, Michael Madden, said he appreciates that prosecutors are leaving the plea open for consideration. The matter is complicated by the prosecution’s testing of DNA evidence which is anticipated by June. Prosecutors must decide which evidence to test and whether it’s worth the money, given the pending plea.

If testing proceeds, Bennett will have a hearing to decide whether he wants to do independent testing of the evidence the prosecution chooses to test.

Judge Ryan described what he called a “universe of seized evidence” in the case. Thus, testing is the “biggest hurdle to overcome before trial could go forward,” said the judge. He estimated it could last two months unless Bennett takes the deal.

Lamenting that the DC Court doesn’t have enough judges, Judge Ryan said he could put the trial on his calendar for the second half of 2026.

“I’m a pretty optimistic guy,” said the judge. As for the plea, he told Bennett, “The decision you make is up to you.”

In the omnibus indictment, Bennett is also charged with endangerment of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for an incident that occurred on Aug. 26, 2024, but the incident location is unknown.

The next hearing in the case is set for June 12.

Murder Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two murder co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 2.

Eric Sheffield, 20, and D’Andre Montgomery, 19, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, felony murder with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr., on Dec. 16, 2023, on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE. An additional individual sustained life-threatening injuries, but survived.

During the hearing, Nathaniel Mensah, Sheffield’s attorney, and Hannah Claudio, who stood in for Sylvia Smith, Montgomery’s attorney, alerted the court of the defendants’ intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Dayson they had shipped out evidence to be tested for DNA, and requested to return in 90 days to ensure the testing is complete before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.

Homicide Victim’s Wife Calls Stabbing Defendant ‘Malicious and Wild,’ Still Released to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a fatal stabbing defendant to home confinement, despite the victim’s family opposing it, during a hearing on May 2.

Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence, for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd on June 22, 2024, on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

Kevann Gardner, Bonaparte’s defense attorney, filed a motion to release Bonaparte to the community, stating she has continuously worked to improve herself during her incarceration. According to Gardner, “she has now completed an addiction program and is currently eligible for a residential treatment program.”

During the hearing, prosecutors opposed the request, stating Bonaparte had been convicted for a similar incident in 2013, in which she stabbed her brother. In that case, the prosecution stated, she received a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentence, which allows young defendants to have their convictions sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. According to the prosecution, that case is “very similar to what happened here.”

Prosecutors also raised concerns about Bonaparter’s substance abuse issues, stating, “at the core of this case is substance abuse. It had an impact on what happened.” According to the prosecution, Bonaparte was allegedly under the influence of a substance when she allegedly stabbed Boyd twice in the chest.

“Time and time again we found ourselves in a position of Ms. Bonaparte not complying with release conditions,” the prosecution insisted, citing Bonaparte’s release being revoked in October 2024 due to her drug abuse and dependence.

“She’s clean and sober,” Judge Ryan stated, adding she has gone through drug treatment while she’s been incarcerated at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) in the DC Jail.

“If she relapses, I’ll deal with it by putting her in a position where she can no longer do that,” Judge Ryan advised, telling Bonaparte “you cannot afford to relapse when you’re in the community.”

Boyd’s wife opposed the request, stating “I feel like she shouldn’t be able to have her freedom,” adding she’s “malicious and wild.”

“I want her to have the best chance at succeeding,” Judge Ryan stated, ordering Bonaparte be in home confinement at all times, except for previously approved appointments, and will be evaluated by staff at the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to decide what treatment she needs for her drug issues.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea, Highlights Drug Treatment Success

A defendant accused of a stabbing rejected a plea deal and opted to proceed to trial during a hearing on May 5 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

John Scogins, 54, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 9, 2024 at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Scogins, the victim, and a third individual were aboard a Metrobus when a verbal argument between Scogins and the victim escalated to a physical altercation and resulted in a stabbing.

At the last hearing on March 21, Judge Brandt ordered Scogins to attend an outpatient drug treatment program. A representative of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) informed the court that Scogins completed treatment but noted a recent positive drug test for cocaine. The PSA representative added that Scogins is compliant with his pretrial conditions, including no GPS infractions.

Alvin Thomas, Scogins’ attorney, asserted that Scogins did not test positive since the last hearing and asked the judge to maintain his release conditions.

The prosecution agreed Scogins is overall more compliant and that most issues were addressed at the last hearing.

Judge Brandt remarked that Scogins appeared well and showed a marked improvement than before she imposed his current pretrial conditions.

During the hearing, Scogins also rejected an offer extended by the prosecution to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.

Murder Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

A murder defendant’s attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on May 2 of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Korin Agnew, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Korey Glasker on Sept. 11, 2024 on the 3700 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, surveillance footage captured an individual, identified as Agnew, holding a firearm on the porch of the residence where Glasker was located. Glasker’s body was recovered near the front door. Glasker’s parent was able to identify the suspect as Agnew from images recovered from the incident, and told officers he was “a family friend,” who possibly sold weed for Glasker, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Marnitta King, Agnew’s attorney, alerted Judge Ryan of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, stating the parties are in plea negotiations that may resolve multiple of Agnew’s cases.

King also stated she would not be requesting his release at the hearing, but reserved her right to do so at a later date.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.

Third Co-Defendant Arraigned in 30-Year-Old Murder

A third co-defendant in a 30-year-old homicide case entered a not-guilty plea during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on May 6.

Jeffrey Edelen, Ron Wright, 50, and Tyrone Long, 54, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder and first-degree felony murder for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and death of 19-year-old Ricardo Burbano on March 30, 1992 on the 100 block of Q street, NW.

According to court documents, Burbano died from strangulation, stab wounds, and blunt force head injuries.

Edelen’s attorney, Julie Swaney, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, and asserted Edelen’s right to a speedy trial. Swaney did not request Edelen’s release because he is held for a different matter.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 29.

Homicides Increase in April

D.C. Witness data shows a dramatic uptick in homicides in the month of April.

Data shows that homicides increased from four homicide incidents in March to nine incidents in April. The incidents accounted for 12 total victims.

Of the nine incidents, the Metropolitan Police Department has only apprehended one suspect, 26-year-old Josiah Garrison, as of May 5.

Garrison is charged with second-degree murder in a domestic violence incident for allegedly shooting his wife, 25-year-old Taeje Butler, on April 9 inside their apartment on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. D.C. Witness reported that Garrison’s 4-year-old daughter told police he shot Butler.

“Daddy had been playing scary movie games… daddy went to the closet, and got the gun and then boom,” stated an affidavit that was read during a preliminary hearing on April 24.

Garrison is saying the gun went off during a struggle. He told police that Butler had mental health issues, saying she was the one who got the gun from a closet inside the apartment.

Probably cause was found, but Garrison was released from jail on home confinement and has a stay away order from the four and five-year-old, the oldest of the defendant’s children, who police interviewed. Garrison has five children in total.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park said that he was worried the four year old and Garrison’s five year old would not be found competent for trial.

According to Judge Park, Garrison’s five year old witnessed the shooting, but he couldn’t process it.

Garrison’s next hearing is scheduled for May 20 before D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Along with Garrison’s hearing, the court held hearings for approximately 93 homicide cases and 48 non-fatal shooting cases in April.

Of those cases, D.C. Witness data shows that approximately seven non-fatal shooting cases and 15 homicide cases closed with either a plea offer or verdict.

Judge Rules Teen Suspect Probably Committed Delivery Service Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found Michael Alexander, 19, was likely responsible for a shooting that could easily have turned into a murder.

“Mr. Alexander intended to kill the complaining witness by shooting him in the head,” said the judge in a preliminary hearing on May 7;

Alexander, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 21 at a pick-up location of the GoPuff delivery service on the 300 block of S Street, NE.

During the May 7 hearing, the prosecution called the investigating detective who responded to the initial call reporting a shooting. The officer described the sequence of events as captured by three surveillance cameras positioned inside and outside the building.

The initial sequence shows a person identified as Alexander and the victim in a room packed with messengers picking up packages of food and other items stored in bins ready for delivery. According to the detective, Alexander and the victim interact but there’s no audio of the encounter.

In the following clip two people are seen running out of the building, with the victim apparently circling around Alexander who then, according to the arrest affidavit, aims a gun directly at the victim’s head, fires one shot grazing the victim in the ear.

Police say the victim didn’t actually identify Alexander as his assailant although another GoPuff employee recognized him from a photo.

The prosecutor said the shooting followed an argument inside the building which rapidly escalated.

The victim, “engaged in conduct not appropriate in any workplace,” said the prosecutor but that didn’t justify Alexander’s allegedly violent response.

Alexander’s Attorney, Albert Amissah, said the facts show otherwise and that his client acted in self-defense.

“He was chased, attacked and reacted,” said Amissah.

In his ruling finding probable cause, the judge said the video evidence was compelling.

“Mr. Alexander comes back and produces the gun with the man’s back turned toward him, fires back at him hitting him in the head,” said Judge Ryan.

While awaiting trial, Amissah argued for Alexander’s release based on his strong family support including a newborn daughter. Further, the defendant is enrolled in a trade school.

However, Amissah acknowledged that Alexander is on probation for a juvenile matter pending in Virginia. After a confidential conversation with the prosecutor and Amissah, the judge ruled that Alexander should remain in custody.

“I can’t be sanguine that the circumstances of this case would not repeat themselves based on contacts in other jurisdictions,” said Judge Ryan, agreeing with the prosecutor that Alexander could not safely be released into the community.

The next hearing in the case is set for June 6.

Judge Lambastes Police For Losing Car as Evidence in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman was at a loss to understand how a blue Honda that belonged to a murder victim mysteriously disappeared from police custody. The car that was ultimately junked could have contained a trove of exculpatory evidence, according to defense lawyers.

At times during the May 6 hearing the Judge labeled the behavior of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers as “unbelievable” and “bizarre,” as well as showing “casualness.”

“The level of indifference goes beyond simple negligence,” said the judge, though he ruled out bad faith on the part of the police.

Anthony Green, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Terence Akindo on the 2300 block of 13th Place, NE on July 30, 2023. Akindo died from gunshot wounds to his head and chest.

With jury selection in the case scheduled for May 12, Green’s attorneys motioned the judge for sanctions against the prosecution for what they say is “bad faith” and negligence in handling the investigation.

“Good faith efforts to supply the information don’t exist in this case,” argued Sylvia Smith from the Public Defender Service who accused the police of “covering up some of the things they’ve done.”

What Judge Edelman also seemed to be struggling with is how the victim’s car, found three doors from the murder scene, seemed to vanish along with any paper trail of what happened or what the vehicle contained.

The defense claimed their case has been prejudiced because evidence in the vehicle, owned by a reputed drug dealer, like DNA or physical items was lost.

The prosecutor argued it was impossible to know whether anything inside the missing car is relevant to the case. “The defense doesn’t know what they don’t know,” said the prosecutor. She also maintained whatever was in the car was of low value.

Judge Edelman remained skeptical. “There is this whole mystery of the paperwork,” he said.

“What does the court do to make it right?” asked Judge Edelman. While he didn’t grant a defense motion to dismiss the case, he said the police behavior in this case warranted sanctions that could be imposed during trial.

The defense also motioned to strike prosecution video of Green, saying it showed him at the scene of a shooting in Montgomery County on July 15, 2023, just two weeks before Akindo was murdered.

Specifically, the prosecution is seeking to demonstrate that a distinctive pair of green shoes shown in the Montgomery Country sequence are a match to shoes recovered from Green in a search and identifiable as Green’s in surveillance footage near the crime scene.

The prosecution says the gun that was used in the Montgomery Country shooting is the same one that Green used to kill Akindo. Green has been charged but not convicted in the Montgomery County matter.

The defense argued that the jury will infer guilt on Green’s part by associating him with events leading to a homicide. However, Judge Edelman okayed the material in opening arguments.

In a move that Judge Edelman said was “fairly extraordinary,” the prosecution wants prospective jurors to be asked if they might be biased against the US Department of Justice because it has been surrounded by political controversy enforcing Trump Administration policies.

The judge is making final edits to the jury questionnaire.

Jury Deliberates Shooting in a Dispute Between Neighbors

Closing arguments were presented and the jury began deliberations in a shooting between neighbors case before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 29.

Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 1, 2024, on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

The prosecution began their closing argument by emphasizing to the jury that they should strongly consider the evidence and facts of the case during their deliberations. This was a violent case, and the violent nature of the charges should be considered as such.

Wells was not acting in self-defense, the prosecution said, but maliciously and violently. “Donnell Wells brought a gun to a fist fight,” said the prosecutor

The dispute was seemingly petty, but Wells escalated it into violence.

In her testimony, the victim’s mother, who lived at the Newcomb Street address, stated an altercation began when she asked her neighbors to move inside, since she was bothered by their loud music and the pungent smell of marijuana coming from their patio. After she asked a second time, she testified, Wells, a friend of the noisy neighbor, began arguing with her and yelling obscenities.

Wells allegedly shot until the gun until it was empty. Two victims were injured in the shooting, which the prosecution qualified as excessive force.

The defense emphasized in their closing arguments that this was an act of self-defense, in which reasonable force is allowed if one believes that they are in imminent danger.

The defense continued by stating that Wells truly believed that he was in grave danger of being harmed during the dispute, and acted accordingly. Thus, Wels did not use excessive force, but reasonable force.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

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