Judge finds probable cause against defendants in fatal 2017 shooting

Even though, the defense team for suspects of a 2017 murder case argued that testimony from several witnesses has been unreliable and inconsistent, a Superior Court Judge found probable cause.

Both Kevin Sorto, 20, and Victor Hernandez, 17, have been charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of 16-year-old Yoselis Regino Barrios. Barrios was pronounced dead at a local hospital after the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found him and an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1300 block of Rittenhouse Street, NW.

Hernandez’s attorney, Brandi Harden, called an MPD homicide detective to the witness stand to testify about six witnesses that he interviewed following the alleged murder.

Through her line of questioning, Harden insinuated that two of the witnesses had the chance to talk to each other before speaking to the detective, potentially leading to a fabricated account.

According to the detective, a witness saw Sorto on an Instagram live video in the back seat of a moving car allegedly bragging about something he had just done.

The homicide scene involved two cars, a red four door sedan and a silver car. The detective noted that a witness in a silver vehicle intended to purchase marijuana and testified that he heard gunshots but couldn’t see exactly where they were coming from – only that the first shot was fired from a red car with four doors.

Upon further questioning of the detective, Harden revealed that one of the witnesses changed his story over the course of three interviews about which car the shooting came from.

Although the witness originally claimed that shots might have come from the sliver car, the witness later revealed that it was only an assumption and that the first shot most definitely came from the back seat of a red car. The red car was confirmed to be stolen and was later dropped off at an undisclosed location after the homicide, according to witness testimony and admission from Hernandez.

Assistant United States Attorney Tom Saunders argued the witnesses’ testimonies and text messages were consistent with the Instagram live video and a surveillance video from a nearby building.

He said witnesses confirmed that Hernandez was driving the red vehicle and Sorto had fired gunshots from the back seat, arguing the accounts from the witnesses and the stolen car were enough to find probable cause for both defendants in the crime.

Judge Ronna Beck ruled the testimonies were reliable and that probable cause was present for both defendants. Additionally, she found substantial probability that Sorto had fired the gun from the back seat of the red car.

Beck ordered Hernandez and Sorto continue to be held without bail to “ensure the safety of the community.”

A status hearing is scheduled for May 18, 2018.

1991 triple homicide trial continues

An eyewitness, a firearms expert and the chief medical examiner were called Jan. 30 to testify in a 1991 triple homicide murder trial that began more than a week ago.

Benito Valdez is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly fatally shooting Curtis Pixley, Keith Simmons and Samantha Gillard. Officers found the three bodies with apparent gunshot wounds in Langdon Park, located in Northeast D.C., on April 23, 1991. Valdez was charged on February 16, 2016, and has been held without bail ever since.

Michael A. Green, the only eyewitness to the homicides, who is currently being held for second-degree murder in another homicide from 1999 and three counts of voluntary manslaughter for the homicides of Pixley, 29, Simmons, 24, and Gillard, 23, continued his testimony on Jan. 30. He told the jury that Valdez, who he teamed up with to sell drugs, was the only one who fired any shots. Green said Valdez used two separate guns in the shooting.

The prosecution called a firearms expert to the stand to corroborate Green’s statement. The expert told the jury that the bullets recovered from the crime scene were from two separate guns.

In addition, the prosecution called Chief Medical Examiner Roger Mitchell to testify about the photographs taken during the autopsies of the bodies. Mitchell showed the jury where the bullet wounds were found on the bodies of the decedents.

The trial is expected to continue on Jan. 31.

Police arrest alleged shooter in homicide of 16-year-old girl

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Jan. 29 Dekale Bowman in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl in Northeast D.C. The arrest was in pursuance of a felony arrest warrant by D.C. Superior Court.

Bowman, 18, was charged with second-degree murder, according to the police. The suspect is a resident of Northeast D.C.

On the 1000 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE, on Jan. 25, the MPD found Taiyania Thompson, a resident of Northeast D.C. suffering from a gunshot wound inside of a residence. Thompson died on Jan. 28 at a local hospital.

Eyewitness testifies in triple homicide trial

A Northeast D.C. resident and an eyewitness to a triple homicide that occurred in 1991 were called to the stand Jan. 29 to testify in a murder trial that began on Jan. 22.

Benito Valdez is currently standing trial for allegedly fatally shooting Curtis Pixley, Keith Simmons and Samantha Gillard on April 23, 1991, in Langdon Park. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers found the three bodies, lying facedown, with apparent gunshot wounds. Valdez was charged with first-degree murder on Feb. 16, 2016.

On the sixth day of trial, prosecutors called Ronnie Coppins, a resident of the neighborhood, to the witness stand. He was apparently the first person to discover the victims’ bodies. Coppins testified that he saw three bodies lying facedown in the grass.

Coppins’ testimony was corroborated by Michael A. Green, an eyewitness to the homicides, who the prosecution also called to testify. According to the prosecution, Green, 47, teamed up with Valdez to sell drugs on the morning of the homicides. He is the only eyewitness and is currently being held without bond for the alleged second-degree murder while armed of a separate homicide in 1999.

Green entered into a plea agreement with the government in 2016, pleading guilty to one count of second-degree murder for the homicide in 1999 and three counts of voluntary manslaughter for the homicides of Pixley,29; Simmons,24; and Gillard, 23.

Green told the jury about how he started selling drugs with a gang that controlled drug sales in Langdon Park. The gang he sold drugs with was able to control sales in the park due to Valdez’s aggressive reputation, the witness said.

Green told the jury he and Valdez were selling drugs in the early hours of April 23, 1991, in Langdon Park. Green said he and Pixley were neighbors on South Dakota Avenue in the Northeast quadrant of the city, which is about a five minute drive from the park.

According to Green’s testimony, Pixley and Simmons went to the park looking to buy drugs from him and Valdez. Pixley asked Valdez to buy three rocks of crack cocaine for $50, Green said. However, after Pixley handed the crack cocaine back to Valdez, some drugs were missing. Green said that neither Pixley or Simmons had the money to pay for the drugs, so Valdez pulled out a gun.

Later, according to Green’s testimony, Gillard sought out Pixley and Simmons and was forced to perform oral sex on Valdez as payment for the lost drugs. Green said Valdez ordered the three to lay down on their stomachs before he shot them with two different types of guns.

According to Green, he and Valdez then drove to Valdez’s mothers house to clean and disassemble the guns. Valdez’s mother drove the two to the Francis Scott Key Bridge where Valdez then threw both guns over the edge.

Green said Valdez paid someone named “Tricky Rick” with drugs to tell officers they were elsewhere during the homicide.

The trial is expected to continue on Jan. 30.

16-year-old girl killed in Northeast D.C.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 1000 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE, on Jan. 25.

At around 3:10 p.m., police responded to a shooting, where they found 16-year-old Taiyania Thompson, a resident of Northeast D.C. suffering from a gunshot wound inside of a residence. She was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed from her injuries three days later on Jan. 28.

The MPD has not identified any suspects, but a vehicle of interest has been identified in the case. The vehicle is described as a 2017 white Kia Sorento SUV.

The vehicle has a Maryland tag of 1DD2833 and may have front end damage.

Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of this homicide or any other homicide in D.C.

Man fatally shot in Southeast D.C.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE on Jan. 28.

At approximately 10:08 p.m., police responded to the location for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered 26-year-old Todd Green, a resident of Southeast D.C., suffering from gunshot wounds.

Green was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The MPD has not named any suspects at this time.

Police are offering up to a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and a conviction on this or any other homicide in D.C.

Defendants in 2014 homicide case reject plea offer

Defendants in the 2014 homicide case of 38-year-old Willard Carlos Shelton rejected a plea deal today presented by the government approximately a week ago.

Tyrone Height and James Young, who have been charged with five counts of first-degree murder while armed and three counts of felony murder while armed, will return to court on Feb. 14 for a motions hearing.

Shelton was shot and killed on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE. Young, 24, and Height, 25, were both apprehended on Sept. 3, 2014.

A trial is set for March 13.

Man accused of killing Marcus Manor awaits jury selection

The man accused in the 2015 fatal shooting of 38-year-old Marcus Manor rejected a plea offer today and now awaits jury selection.

Demetrius Brandon, 29, a resident of Temple Hills, Md., was arrested on May 8, 2017, and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Manor was shot on the 2900 block of Sherman Ave, NW on Oct. 20, 2015. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Brandon decided in court today to reject a government plea offer that would’ve guaranteed a sentence of anywhere from 18 to 42 months. Brandon would’ve needed to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while unarmed. He decided to proceed with the trial.

Judge Danya Dayson hopes to begin jury selection on Jan. 31. The prosecution team, led by Attorney Edward O’Connell, foresees a four to five day trial, and continues to finalize its line of witnesses.

In addition to Brandon, Kevin Chase, 29, a resident of Northwest D.C., was the first suspect arrested in relation to Manor’s murder. Chase was taken into custody on Oct. 26, 2015 and also charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Chase will also appear in court on Jan. 31 for a status hearing, but his trial will take place after Brandon’s trial.

Fatally shot woman marks eighth homicide in D.C. in 2018

On Jan. 26 a woman was shot to death in Southeast D.C. The homicide registers as the eighth homicide in the city in 2018.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, at approximately 8:28 p.m. officers found Bernadette King, a resident of Southeast D.C., suffering from apparent gunshot wounds on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE. The Office of the Medical Examiner declared King, 49, dead at the scene.

Police are offering a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and a conviction on this homicide and any other homicide in D.C.

Williams’ defense team needs more time for discovery, plea offers

During a Felony Status Conference Jan. 26 defense attorneys Anthony Matthews and Amanda Rogers said they needed more time to review discovery and contemplate possible plea offers in a 2017 homicide case.

The defense team is representing Gregory Williams, who is charged with first-degree murder from allegedly stabbing Andrew Alphonso Cook III on Sept 23, 2017. Cook, 46, died on Sept. 25, 2017, from his injuries.

A new status hearing has been set for March 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Williams, 42, was arrested on Dec. 4, 2017, and is being held without bond.

Defense seeks to test items with own lab in 2016 homicide case

During a status hearing Jan. 26 in the case of a suspect charged with allegedly killing an 18-year-old in 2016, presiding Judge Milton Lee inquired about updates in the case.

Defense lawyers for Antwan Buchanan requested Innocence Protections Act (IPA) rights to test items with their own lab. IPA rights seek to ensure the fair administration of the death penalty and minimize the risk of executing innocent people. The defense has not chosen a lab to test items.

To the request, the prosecution asked that the defense list the items they would like to test by item number and description. Defense said they will send the proposal to the prosecution within two weeks.

In addition, the prosecution resent Jan. 26 transcripts and materials from witness 28 in the case for Judge Lee to review for exculpatory purposes.

Buchanan, who was 41 years old at the time of the shooting, was charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting death of Teshean Jermaine Ashe on Sept. 13, 2016, on the 700 Block of 16th St., NE.

Another status hearing has been set for March 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Witness cites social media video in connection with 2017 homicide

A law enforcement detective was called to the stand Jan. 26, during a preliminary hearing, to share information about his work in a 2017 homicide case. He revealed that a witness told him the suspects bragged about allegedly killing a 16-year-old juvenile male on social media.

Kevin Sorto, 20, and Victor Hernandez, 17, were charged with first-degree murder while armed of the shooting death of Yoselis Regino Barrios.

Marvin Washington, the case’s lead detective, said witness 1, who was interviewed by law enforcement, said they found out about the shooting from an “Instagram live” video. In the video, Sorto was seen inside of a moving vehicle and said they had “scored.” The witness also said they had seen Sorto holding guns on Instagram live many times before.

In addition, video taken from surveillance footage from the 1300 block of Fort Stevens Drive, NW showed a red four-door vehicle and a silver four-door vehicle driving near the scene of the crime. The witness said the two vehicles shown in the video are driving away from the crime scene located on the 1300 block of Rittenhouse St., NW immediately after the shooting.

Washington said he believes the vehicle in the video matches the car associated with Kevin Sorto.

The defense counsel requested a copy of the video from the government in order to identify whether or not the vehicles matched. However, the government said they would only give screenshots of the red vehicle in order to protect the identities of other bystanders.

Sorto and Hernandez are being held without bond.

Defense prepares to conduct DNA testing for 2016 murder

A woman who was arrested in connection with the murder of Levi Kinte Davis is scheduled to stand trial later this year.

Carmelita Henderson was arrested on Dec. 14 2016, and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

The defense counsel said it is still in the process of selecting a lab to conduct DNA testing. Independent testing is being conducted by the defense after the government said Henderson’s DNA was found on one of the gun shells in her car.

The defense also made a motion for Henderson to be released, with the argument that the defendant had not previously had any offenses nor were any weapons found on her. Defense Attorney Michael Rosier said that DNA found on the shell casing did not prove she had committed the murder since the DNA could have gotten on the evidence when it was found in her car.

However, Judge Judith Bartnoff denied the motion to modify the defendant’s release status and set a trial date for Sept. 24.

Officers found Davis on the 4200 block of East Capitol St. NE on Sept. 16, 2015. He had apparent gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Henderson is being held without bond and is due back in court on April 6 for a status hearing.

Homicide suspects waive right to have DNA testing done

Two suspects who are charged with allegedly killing Demetrius Medlay have waived their right to have DNA testing done.

Kevin Grover and Justin Robinson are both charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Medlay’s 2016 homicide.

Judge Judith Bartnoff asked the defendants if they understood their rights to have DNA testing conducted. In addition, the government extended a plea offer that was rejected by the defense counsel.

A trial has been set for both defendants on May 7.

Medlay was found with apparent gunshot wounds on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. on Feb. 24, 2016. Officers took him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Grover was arrested on Aug. 23, 2016, and Robinson was arrested on July 21, 2017.

Both Grover and Robinson are being held without bond and are due back in court on April 20 for a trial readiness hearing.

Defendants in 2014 Homicide Case Mull Over Plea Deal

The 2014 homicide case of Willard Carlos Shelton is still in limbo as of Jan. 26 because both defendants are currently considering a plea deal presented by the government less than a week ago.

James Young and Tyrone Height have been charged with five counts of first-degree murder while armed and three counts of felony murder while armed, amongst other charges, in the shooting death of Shelton, 38, a resident of Alexandria, Va., on Aug. 31, 2014. The Metropolitan Police Department found Shelton, suffering from gunshot wounds, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE. Young, 24, and Height, 25, were apprehended on Sept. 3, 2014.

At a recent status hearing the defendants expressed interest in a government plea deal, but according to their lawyers, they needed more time to review the paperwork and make a decision.

We “definitely need to go over the paperwork,” Joseph Caleb, the attorney for Height said. Caleb said he wanted to get a clearer direction, but his client is prepared to accept a plea deal.

Judge Milton Lee emphasized that he did not want to add extra pressure to the defendants or anyone else in the case, but he did make it clear, especially to the defendants, that a decision had to be made. Judge Lee asked the prosecution on Jan. 22, when the plea deal was offered, to give the defendants a week to make a decision.

Height told Judge Lee that he was feeling pressured because he has been in the courtroom twice within one week about making a decision in regard to the plea deal. Height said he would feel more comfortable with making a decision on Jan. 29.

“It’s a decision of my life,” he said. “I mean why wouldn’t I?”

Ferris Bond, the attorney for Young, said that even though his client was familiar with his rights, they would like to have time to go over the paperwork.

The court addressed the plea deal after the defendants were granted time, by Judge Lee, to discuss their case together in a private setting.

Both parties are scheduled to address the plea deal with a definitive decision before Judge Lee at 9 a.m. on Jan. 29. Caleb assured the judge that he would be in communication with the prosecution throughout the weekend about the defendants’ final decision.

If a plea deal is not reached, a trial is set for March 13.

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