Murder Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two homicide co-defendants pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman during a hearing on June 18.

Antoine Tucker, 31, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, attempted robbery while armed, attempted robbery while armed, three counts of three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Vernon Harrison on June 22, 2022, on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Nakia Pearson, 31, was originally charged with accessory after the fact while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from her alleged involvement in assisting Tucker with his crime.

Tucker’s defense attorney, Terrance Austin, and Pearson’s attorney, Peter Odom, informed Judge Edelman that both defendants agreed to plea deals with prosecutors.

Tucker pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed with an agreed-upon sentence range of nine-and-a-half-to-12 years of incarceration.

Pearson pleaded guilty to attempting to carry a pistol without a license with an agreed-upon sentence range of up to 180 days of incarceration.

Judge Edelman accepted Tucker and Pearson’s guilty pleas.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 5.

Domestic Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied the defense’s request to release a defendant in a non-fatal domestic shooting case during a June 13 hearing, after waiving a preliminary hearing.

Bernard King, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a domestic shooting on June 7 on the 1900 block of 18th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the shooting victim was with King’s children’s mother.

King’s defense attorney, Karen Minor, alerted Judge Raymond of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and proceed to trial.

The prosecution requested that King continue held throughout the case because, they argued, he has a dated yet serious criminal history and there are no conditions of release that would ensure the safety of the community.

Minor asked Judge Raymond to release him with electronic monitoring because he has no prior bench warrants, his prior convictions are old and he can live away from the victim and he has a job.

Nonetheless, Judge Raymond ruled that King did pose a safety threat and that he be held for trial.

In addition to being detained, Judge Raymond also ordered that going forward King stay away from the victim.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 1.

Judge Releases Murder Defendant with GPS Monitoring

DC Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz ruled that a murder defendant will be released with GPS monitoring at a status hearing on June 13.

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.

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.

The prosecution noted that the defendant had been rearrested on two new charges, a sexual misdemeanor and assault with a dangerous weapon. Thomas’ defense, Alvin Thomas, responded that these cases against Thomas have been dismissed.

Under his release conditions, Judge Kravitz ruled that Thomas’ previous stay away order will stay in effect. She will also require drug monitoring for PCP.

The next status hearing is scheduled for July 11.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Denies Release For Carjacking Suspect, ‘Acting Erratically’

After hearing arguments and evidence in a carjacking, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld found probable cause to move forward with the case and detain the defendant in a hearing on June 16.

Rashad Ricks is charged with unarmed carjacking and destruction of property less than $1000 for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on May 20 at the Hard Rock Cafe on the 900 block of E Street, NW.

According to court documents, Ricks was observed acting erratically before approaching the victim’s vehicle and forcing the victim out of her car. After failing to put the vehicle into gear, Ricks exited the vehicle and entered the nearby Hard Rock Cafe, where he allegedly flipped a table.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on the officer who responded to the scene and arrested Ricks. He provided an in-court identification of Ricks, and testified he wrote down the victim’s statement in which she claimed the suspect was “acting erratically” and moving toward her vehicle before forcing himself into her car.

In collecting additional statements, the officer claimed that witnesses in the restaurant stated that the suspect was screaming and flipping tables there. According to the officer, witnesses claimed the suspect was removed from the restaurant and detained before the officer was able to arrive on the scene and arrest Ricks. Following the arrest, the complainant positively identified Ricks as the suspect.

Varsha Govindaraju, Ricks’ attorney, presented arguments against a probable cause finding, arguing that due to Ricks’ erratic behavior he was mentally incapable of commiting the crime. Govindaraju also argued that the prosecution lacked evidence for the destruction of property charge, since restaurant witnesses stated on body-camera footage that Ricks was actually not flipping tables.

Judge Hertzfeld ruled that the evidence in the case was sufficient to establish probable cause.

The prosecution argued in favor of holding Ricks pre-trial, citing that he was in violation of supervised release conditions at the time of the incident, faced serious previous charges, tested positive for cocaine and PCP, and involved a pregnant woman in the incident.

Govindaraju argued in favor of releasing Ricks on GPS monitoring and while getting substance use treatment, with the alternative of bed-to-bed treatment at a secure facility. Govindaraju noted Ricks’ ongoing cognitive issues stemming from his involvement in a serious car accident.

Citing the defendant’s violation of supervised release at the time of the incident, Judge Hertzfeld denied Ricks’ release.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27.

Fleet Manager ID’s Defendant Said to Rent Car Used in Mass Shooting

A fleet manager for the stolen car the prosecution says was used in a mass shooting testified before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 16.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, are charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and injured three additional individuals.

Mussay Rezene, 32, and Toyia Johnson, 53, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants discard evidence and avoid arrests.

A former fleet manager at Zap Car Rental, the agency that provided the car said to be used used in the shooting and later reported stolen by Johnson, took the stand. He testified that in a fleet of about 50 to 60 cars, the rental company only had one black Honda Accord. The car was verified in a photo and video evidence.

The manager also confirmed prosecutors’ evidence of a rental contract for two cars in Johnson’s name, the second of which was the Accord. In testimony, it was explained the manager met Johnson when she initially rented the car and was present the day she came in to report it stolen. It was noted rental cars cars are tracked with a GPS device.

However, in cross-examination, it was revealed that the detectives on the case were told that GPS data isn’t necessarily accurate.

An investigative analyst in the homicide section of the US Attorney’s Office created a presentation summarizing findings from subpoenas on Instagram account records, media, and texts. The accounts were authenticated and tied to verified emails and phone numbers. However, concerns were raised that the full context of the messages was lacking.

Thompson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, argued that a lack of evidence is simply a lack of evidence.

Judge Kravitz agreed and warned the parties not to make unsubstiantiated comments about the absence of certain Instagram evidence. He stated that evidence should be treated as if it doesn’t exist and should not be charactized.

The court went through part of one of the two summary slideshows. This one contains a timeline of photos and videos from posts and stories tied to accounts of interest in the investigation, labeled with the timestamp and account. The media displayed defendants together.

The prosecution presented a timeline of media posts and accounts from May to September of 2021 allegedly tying the defendants together.. Judge Kravitz made a point to emphasize to the jury that words and symbols used in the media were admissible only to prove emotion and the state of the person who posted them.

A deputy medical examiner at the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that all three victims from the mass shooting died of fatal gunshot wounds in a manner of homicide. The witness determined that Joyner had four gunshot wounds, Braxton had one gunshot wound, and Dyson had three gunshot wounds and one graze wound. None of the victims could have survived without medical intervention.

Parties were asked to reconvene on June 18.

Police Evidence, Phone Records Presented in Mass Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz heard from witnesses, including a detective and investigative analyst, in a mass shooting case with six co-defendants during a hearing on June 18.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective to the stand to testify about slang terms used in messages exchanged among the defendants. The detective explained that his experience working in MPD’s homicide unit and conducting thousands of interviews with civilians made him qualified to decipher the coded language.

Such as “smacks” to refer to tinted car windows and “drake” or “draco” to refer to AK-47 style automatic pistols, which the prosecution said were used in messages to and fron the defendants.

The prosecutors also questioned the detective about the arrest of Johnson-Lee on May 24, 2023 at the 8000 block of Eastern Drive in Silver Spring, Maryland inside his mother’s vehicle.

The detective said a search warrant for Johnson-Lee’s car did not yield any weapons.

During cross-examination, Johnson-Lee’s lawyer, Peter Fayne, asked the detective what items were found inside of the vehicle. The detective said MPD seized four cellphones from the vehicle and submitted search warrants to look through them.

Prosecutors also questioned the detective about Dubose’s arrest on Oct. 13, 2021 because he was present for Dubose’s questioning. The detective said MPD seized a silver color chain, a Zap Car Rental receipt, shoe lace holders, a ticket and black and green Nike Air Jordans, which were presented to the jury.

The prosecution also presented a Ring camera video image they believe to be one of the defendants running through a yard on the 1300 block of Hamilton Street, NW with a ski mask on, which is located near the shooting occurred.

The prosecution called an investigative analyst, who presented a series of phone records to the jury from before and after the crime, detailing calls from Aug. 20 to Sept. 30. The phone records suggested that the defendants interacted often leading up to the hour of the crime and minutes after.

The investigative analyst told the court that any communication that may have taken place over Apple’s Facetime or iMessage features were not evidence he had investigated as he was only able to track phone calls and SMS–or short message service–messages.

In a cross-examination, Rezene’s attorney, Kevin Robertson, questioned the phone numbers he had analyzed, hinting that there may have been other individuals involved in the string of calls. The witness confirmed that he had only analyzed ten phone numbers that were all provided by the prosecution and admitted there were some phone numbers, presented in court, which he had not investigated substantially.

Further, the prosecution indicated that two of the phone numbers used in the string of calls allegedly associated with Dubose and Johnson-Lee had deleted their accounts with their phone carrier, immediately after making their last calls, specifically on Sept. 10 and 13.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 23.

Probable Cause Found in Infant’s Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan determined the evidence shows a homicide defendant was the perpetrator in the fatal beating of a child during a hearing on June 13.

Wayne Blake, 24, is charged with first-degree murder – felony murder and cruelty to children, for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of his child, 18-month-old Journee Moore, on Sept. 28, 2024 on the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

According to a press release from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Moore was found suffering from cardiac arrest. It was later determined she succumbed to blunt force injuries in a filicide–the killing of a son or daughter.

In order to establish a history of abuse, prosecution asked the lead detective about an August 31, 2024 incident when Moore had spent the weekend with Blake and allegedly suffered bruises during the encounter.

The pictures shown in court show bruises along the child’s hairline. When Moore’s mom asked about what happened, the defendant claimed Moore had fallen in the bathtub and hit her head against the metal railing. However, police were not called and no cause of the injuries was determined.

Autopsy photos showed bruisesn on both sides on the baby’s cheeks healed laceration and a healed cut. There were also circular bruises all along her chest, upper and lower back, thigh, and hip.

Kevin Mosley, Blake’s attorney, pointed out that the witnesses who lived with the defendant had never seen him hit, yell, or kick the victim. In fact, Blake was often happy to take care of Moore and never complained to the victim’s mother that Moore visited too much, argued Mosley.

On the other hand, Mosley said Moore’s mom was characterized as a bad mother by multiple other witnesses including her own father. She would allegedly leave Moore for long periods of time.

Then the prosecution asked the detective about Sept. 27, 2024 the day before the incident when the victim was picked up by her paternal grandparents from daycare because she wasn’t feeling well. Although she threw up multiple times, Moore was never taken to the doctor, and the cause of her illness was unknown.

Mosley shifted the focus to the following day, Sept. 28, when Moore and her mother were at the defendant’s house where the defendant then took care of the victim all day. Mosely highlighted how Blake fed her, cooked for her, and played with her while Moore’s mom was in the other room napping and watching TV. Moore’s mom and other witnesses who lived with the defendant including Blake’s mom, dad, and uncle also saw Blake and Moore napping together for part of the day.

Mosley displayed video footage of the victim and defendant together in the elevator. In the first video, it shows the defendant holding the victim while they make faces and laugh together, Blake also plants multiple kisses on Moore’s face.

Mosley argued that the defendant cared for Moore and that she was not afraid around him.

The focus then moved to the defendant’s room which had bottles all over the floor and near the bed. The detective admitted that she had seen countless bottles, some of which were left open as well. Blake testified that the victim fell off the bed, and defense suggested the bottles may have been the cause of facial injuries.

When Moore’s mom came up she saw that Moore was lying unconscious on the ground and that Blake was administering CPR. Although the victim’s mom herself was CPR certified and claimed Blake had been doing it incorrectly, she did not step in to do it herself and merely corrected Blake.

The prosecution argued that CPR could not have caused the bruises shown during the autopsy and that the defendant himself admitted to being with the victim at the time some of the injuries were sustained.

They also brought up that once the case had been declared a homicide, the defendant called Moore’s mom panicked and scared, claiming that he wanted to kill himself. These actions, the prosecution argued, were signs of consciousness of guilt rather than a sign of concern as the defense suggested.

The prosecution also said that they don’t have to prove intention and that reckless action is also considered during probable cause. They reminded the court that they had also established a history of abuse, referring to the weekend in August as well.

The judge left briefly to consider the case and decided in favor of the prosecution that there was probable cause that the defendant contributed to Moore’s death.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 27.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz denied release for a murder defendant at a felony status conference on June 13.

Maurice Ford, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terrell West, 32, that occurred on Jan. 16 at the unit block of Ridge Square, NW.

Ford’s defense, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that, due to Ford’s limited criminal history and his prior record of perfect compliance, he should be released as he awaits further proceedings.

The prosecution noted that West’s mother opposed Ford’s release and also commented that the defendant was on the run in a previous case.

O’Sullivan responded that the defendant had no prior relationship with West or his family. O’Sullivan also noted that Ford was in the community for a month after the incident with no further incidents, and he willingly turned himself in.

O’Sullivan argued that Ford’s Sixth Amendment rights had been infringed, as the defendant allegedly refused to see his lawyer, preventing him from exercising his right to representation.

The defense argued that DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park conducted an erroneous analysis of the dangerousness question under the bail statute following a preliminary hearing on April 8. Judge Kravitz was unconvinced and agreed with Judge Park’s assessment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 22.

Judge Denies Release For Murder Defendant After Emotional Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause and denied release for a defendant accused of aiding and abetting in a fatal nightclub shooting during a hearing punctuated by grief and anger on June 13.

Cotey Wynn, 44, is charged with aiding and abetting in relation to first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2023, at the former CRU Lounge on the 1300 block of H Street, NE. The incident resulted in the death of 33-year-old former Morgan State University basketball star Blake Bozeman and the injury of three other victims.

Judge Brandt began the hearing by walking through minute-by-minute breakdown of video footage captured by the club the night of the shooting. Based on the footage, the judge said it can be inferred that Wynn and the shooter had some sort of relationship.

Although the shooter and Wynn arrived in separate vehicles, the prosecutor said the pair could be seen interacting multiple times throughout the night, whispering to each other and even returning to the black SUV that Wynn drove to the lounge about halfway through the evening. It is alleged that this is when the two armed themselves before re-entering the club.

The second time the men entered CRU Lounge, they appeared to bypass security more quickly than they had earlier in the night, according to Judge Brandt. The judge said this suggested they may have skipped the security check upon reentry.

Although Wynn is never seen firing a weapon, he is said to observe sitting calmly at the bar as chaos unfolds around him. After the shooting, the gunman allegedly gestured toward Wynn, who remained seated, Judge Brandt stated. The shooter then fled the scene in the black SUV that Wynn had arrived in, according to court documents.

After reviewing the video footage, Judge Brandt ruled there was sufficient evidence to find probable cause connecting Wynn to the shooting.

Defense attorney Brian McDaniel requested Wynn be released under limited conditions. A co-worker and acquaintance of the defendant testified to his character, stating that Wynn had been working in violence intervention and prevention up until the time of his arrest.

During cross-examination, the prosecution asked the witness if he was aware of Wynn’s criminal record. The co-worker admitted he knew Wynn had a criminal history but wasn’t sure what the specific charges were.

The prosecution pointed to Wynn’s extensive criminal record dating back to the 1990s, noting that Wynn had been acquitted in connection to three other murders. His probation had also been revoked on two separate occasions.

The prosecution argued strongly against his release, and Bozeman’s parents delivered emotional impact statements.

Blake’s father spoke first, calling his son a high-achieving and law-abiding citizen. “Only four percent of Black men in this country have a master’s degree, and my son was one of them… This will affect generations,” he said.

Bozeman leaves behind three young children, the oldest of whom is just 10 years old, his parents stated. His father said they will now have to grow up without their dad.

Next, Bozeman’s mother testified about the devastating toll the family’s loss. She described Blake as a good son, a good father, and someone who always made time for his kids. She noted that he had been a single dad at one point. She stated “More important than being accomplished, he was loved.”

Citing Wynn’s violent criminal history and the fact that the alleged shooter remains at large, which raises the possibility that Wynn may know his whereabouts, Judge Brandt ultimately denied his release.

As parties discussed the next court date, several of Wynn’s supporters appeared via Webex video and began shouting slurs and obscenities at the judge in reaction to her decision. The hearing ended abruptly.

The court is expected to reconvene on Aug. 15.

Judge Extends Plea Deal Negotiations in Delivery Service Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman gave the defense more time in a June 13 hearing to come to an agreement on a plea deal for a teen delivery shooting at the beginning of the year.

Michael 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.

In a May 7 hearing, the prosecution presented video evidence showing 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.

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.

Alexander has since plead guilty to the charges, stipulating that the prosecution would not seek an indictment. They rejected the deal, prompting defense attorney Albert Amissah to ask the court for time to consider a new plea agreement.

The judge agreed with Amissah’s request and set 90 days before the next hearing on Sept. 12.

Judge Will Consider Carjacking Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean told attorney Theodore Shaw she’d consider his request for release of a carjacking defendant during a hearing on June 17.

Paquette Deshazier, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possessing a firearm during an act of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 2200 block of Newton Street, NE on May 13.

During the hearing, Shaw requested 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring for Deshazier. Judge McLean said she needed to review Judge Herrmann’s probable cause findings before discussing the possibility of release.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 1.

Shooting Defendant Reluctantly Agrees to Plea Deal

A 2023 shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 13.

Dontrell Harrison, 47, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on April 17, 2023. The incident occurred on the 2100 block of I Street, NE.

Additionally, Harrison was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in a stabbing that took place on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE, on April 22, 2024.

During the hearing, Harrison accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill stemming from the shooting, and simple assault stemming from the stabbing, in exchange for all other charges being dropped and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a 96 month sentence for assault with intent to kill, which will run concurrently to the 180 days for simple assault.

According to court documents, Harrison had attacked a victim with a knife before being subdued by the victim’s son. The victim’s son identified the defendant as his cousin.

Harrison raised small objections as the plea terms were being read, saying “I don’t agree with the wording, but it’s what I agreed to,” further elaborating that he did not have the intent to kill the victim in the shooting.

However, after being allowed further discussions with Errin Scialpi, Harrison’s attorney, he rescinded his objections and fully accepted the plea agreement. “There’s no issue,” said Harrison.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Aug. 22.

Judge Modifies Homicide Defendant’s Release, Allowed to Work

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted the defense’s request on June 13 to modify a 2024 homicide defendant’s release conditions so that he may travel to work.

Jeremiah Simms, 25, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Erik Mewborn, 44, on Sept. 14, 2024 on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE.

According to court documents, Simms was allegedly caught on surveillance in what appeared to be a robbery. When the individual being robbed produced a gun, the two engaged in a shootout. As the individual ran away, Simms allegedly went in pursuit.. Mewborn, who was sitting outside on the steps of a building, was caught in the crossfire and was shot in the head.

Mani Golzari, Simms’ attorney, requested his client’s release conditions be modified so that Simms, who is currently under home confinement, may travel to work.

Judge Dayson granted the defense’s request maintaining all previous release conditions, with the addition that, as soon as Simms’ employment and schedule is verified by the court, he may begin travel for work.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 22.

Suspect Found Guilty in Garage Shooting

A jury found a shooting defendant guilty ibefore DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 17.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, was convicted on two counts of carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home, for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 800 block of V Street, NW on March 2.

According to a witness who lived nearby, Reed was part of an altercation between two groups at the Unity Lounge bar. Court documents note that after she left, Reed allegedly hid behind a wall. As a vehicle was exiting a parking garage, she allegedly shot at it, while the witness watched ncident unfold.

That car ended up colliding with another vehicle, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) rushed to investigate. Police found Reed at the parking garage but let her go since they let her go after failing to find a firearm.

According to court documents, the MPD then met with a witness, who gave a description of the shooter who the police later connected to Reed on the basis of her unique jacket and shoes.

The MPD issued a warrant for Reed, but she turned herself in weeks later.

During the trial, the prosecution presented photos and videos of the shooting. All of them showed Reed traveling back and forth between the parking garage and the bar, accompanied by her brother or her girlfriend before allegedly opening fire on the vehicle.

Reed’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, argued that the shooter in the video is not Reed, because even the witness that gave the police a description said the shooter was a man.

Kopecki also explained that the detective involved in the case performed a “targeted investigation” by ignoring all the other groups that were moving to and from the parking garage.

Ultimately, the jury trial found Reed guilty.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Deemed Mentally Incompetent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe deemed a shooting defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial in a hearing on June 16..

Donnell Hannah, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident, allegedly sparked by an altercation with his partner and her ex-boyfriend, that took place on July 21, 2022 on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

Upon review of a doctor’s report on Hannah’s mental competency to stand trial, Judge Pipe decided to continue his hearing for further mental observation as he was deemed mentally incompetent. In addition, she ordered Hannah to be placed in an outpatient competency restoration program, resume his classes, and continue to work with his doctors.

To stand trial a defendant must show that he is mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and can assist with his own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 31.

Search