Police Officer Calls Mass Shooting Crime Scene ‘Mayhem’

A former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) patrol officer described total chaos following a triple homicide, mass shooting crime scene before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 24. The multi-faceted litigation, ongoing for four years, involves six defendants facing a laundry list of felony charges for wanton attacks resulting from what appears to be a neighborhood feud.

William Johnson-Lee, 22, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each face nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each have one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee was accused of two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also each have an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Dubose and Queen are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, as well. Dubose has additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee each have an additional charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 32, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in getting rid of the evidence and avoiding getting caught in connection with the case.

The prosecution called a key MPD officer to the stand to testify about his response to shootings on Oglethorpe Street, NW and Longfellow. The Oglethorpe shooting took place around an hour before Longfellow, and prosecutors claimed that Kamar Queen and his friends were targeted, causing them to retaliate.

Shortly after arriving at the Oglethorpe location, he was summoned to Longfellow. There, his body-worn camera footage depicted his putting up crime scene tape, but he was still able to get a good look at what happened. He mentioned the difficulty MPD had in controlling the large crime scene because there were so many bystanders in the blocked off area.

During cross examination, Johnson-Lee’s defense attorney, Peter Fayne, questioned the witness about the scene, who described it as “mayhem,” adding that it had “a lot of moving parts.”

The prosecution also called a forensic scientist to the stand to finish his testimony from the day before. He explained the collection of many items of physical evidence recovered from the scene on Longfellow, such as bullet fragments, casings, sneakers, a backpack, and a pair of jeans.

During the cross examination, the witness admitted that smaller crime scenes are easier to manage.

Outside the presence of the jury, Thompson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller argued the rap videos the prosecution planned to introduce pitting two groups–the Kennedy Street Crew (KDY) and the defendants–against each other were non-equivalent and would prejudice the jury.

While drugs have not been raised as issue in the current case, according to a release from the US Attorney’s Office last September, KDY had an extensive drug trafficking operation in Northwest DC and “armed itself with fire power to facilitate the drug trade and defend its territory from rival crews.”

Judge Kravitz did not yet rule on the videos, but plans to before the next witness takes the stand.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 28.

Witness Claims Overhearing Homicide Defendant Confess, Then Threatened

A witness claimed she overheard a homicide defendant confess to shooting the victim and fleeing the U.S. in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 28.

Ranje Reynolds, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

A witness testified that she overheard Reynolds confessing to shooting Boothe and fleeing the U.S. at her cousin’s house in Jamaica. Her cousin and Reynolds were close friends and she saw Reynolds a number of times at his house.

She testified that she was in the living room while her cousin and Reynolds were on the verandah, a porch style outdoor space common in Jamaican architecture. The living room and verandah were connected making it easy for her to hear what they were saying clearly.

This witness later told U.S. Marshals in Jamaica about the incident and gave a description of Reynolds’ car which led to his arrest.

The witness testified she is now seeking asylum in the U.S., alleging someone threatened her with a gun at her home to “shut your mouth” after she spoke with authorities. While there is no evidence the warning was related to this case or specifically Reynolds, the witness believes it is. Neither party brought up the asylum issue in court.

Reynolds’ attorney, Cheryl Stein, mentioned the witness was paid $1,500 dollars for giving information that led to Reynolds’ arrest. However, the witness said she did not know about the money until after reporting what she heard. She noted the experience has been distressing and she is not enjoying testifying or the aftermath of coming forward.

A special agent from the FBI described his training as an expert member of the Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST) and confirmed that he is CAST certified.

The agent went over call detail records in this case showing that after 4:30 pm the day after the shooting, no calls were made from Reynolds’ phone. The testimony will continue April 29.

The court also discussed a potential scheduling issue for a jury member who has to leave town on Friday, probably not before 3:30 pm, but would be back by lunchtime the following Monday.

Stein moved for this juror to be excused, but the prosecution stated that would be premature as there would not be much time lost. The prosecution also stated there is a higher standard needed for dismissing a juror this late into the case. Judge Park concluded that if the juror could be in court for most of the day on Friday and Monday there is no reason to excuse him.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Judge Appoints Defense Co-Counsel One Month Before Shooter’s Sentence

Responding to defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh’s request to withdraw from Aaron Brown‘s case, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt agreed on April 28 to appoint a second attorney to hold meetings with Brown during the month leading up to his sentencing.

On Dec. 20, 2024, Brown, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in two shootings that occurred on March 1, 2020. One occurred on the 600 block of S Street, NW, resulting in the death of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes and the injury of a second juvenile. No injuries were reported from the other shooting, which occurred on the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

Through the deal, prosecutors agreed to limit their sentencing request to 18 years in prison.

At the April 28 hearing, Judge Brandt noted that Brown’s plea agreement, unlike most others, is subject to Rule 11(c)(1)(C) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Plea deals of this type place limits on the sentence that can be imposed, so the attorneys’ statements at sentencing don’t have as much effect.

“There is no strategy or anything like that that is going to be impacted,” Judge Brandt said. She asked why Brown wanted to change attorneys under these circumstances.

“My interests no longer align with Mr. Brown’s interests,” Fullwood-Singh told the court. Regarding Brown’s sentencing, she said, “All the work is done,” but added, “I still have to visit my client.”

Fullwood-Singh declined to say more in open court, citing attorney-client privilege. She suggested Judge Brandt ask Brown if he wanted to provide more explanation.

“We’re having trouble communicating with each other respectfully,” Brown stated. “I might overtalk her, and she might say, ‘Are you listening, or do you want me to leave?’ and I might become impatient.”

“I apologize to her also for losing my composure,” said Brown. “I know I need to listen to her when she speaks. I just want her to be able to listen to me when I speak.”

Judge Brandt urged Brown to continue working with Fullwood-Singh for the last few weeks of the case.

“Mr. Brown is not asking. I am asking,” Fullwood-Singh responded. “May I approach under seal?”

“I have a better idea of what’s going on,” Judge Brandt said after a private bench conference with Fullwood-Singh. “I’m going to appoint a second attorney to co-chair the remainder of this with Ms. [Fullwood-]Singh.”

Judge Brandt asked all parties for understanding if she needed more time than usual to find an attorney who was not disqualified from representing Brown by previous involvement in some aspect of the case.

“This case has been expansive, and a lot of attorneys have touched this case,” Judge Brandt explained. “If you give me until the end of the day or tomorrow, we’re going to make this work.”

“I think your public apology went a long way to righting the ship,” Judge Brandt told Brown.

Parties are next slated to convene on May 23.

Accused in WMATA Shooting Takes Plea

Defense attorney Albert Amissah told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 28 that his client, Javarry Peaks, intends to accept a plea agreement offered by the prosecution, as soon as the prosecutor provides the necessary paperwork.

Peaks, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the intersection of 22nd Street and Minnesota Avenue, SE, on March 8. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

According to arrest documents, a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) bus driver testified to seeing the defendant shoot the victim in the chest, then exit the bus and run away down the street.

Court documents state that WMATA surveillance footage from inside the bus before the shooting shows the victim talking to an individual identified as Peak who blocks him from leaving his seat, holds onto his backpack, follows him between the back and front of the bus, and pushes him.

The prosecutor told the court that the plea agreement will require Peaks to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

In return, the prosecution will dismiss all other charges related to the case and will waive an enhancement to the charges for committing a crime of violence against a WMATA passenger. According to the prosecutor, that enhancement would have increased the length of Peaks’ prison sentence by one-and-a-half months.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for May 1.

Carjacking Co-Defendants Waive Rights to Preliminary Hearings

Two carjacking co-defendants waived their rights to preliminary hearings before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Jamari Robinson, 18, and Devyn Black, 16, are charged with unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and robbery while armed, for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 26 on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE.

Under special circumstances, including the severity of the crime, juveniles can be tried as adults.

Black is additionally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and unlawful discarding of a firearm or ammunition.

During the hearing, Stephen LoGerfo, Robinson’s attorney, and Julie Swaney, Black’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of the co-defendants’ intent to waive their rights to preliminary hearings, and Judge Glover accepted the waiver, finding Robinson and Black made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

The defense requested the court consider release, citing dual limited criminal histories and attendance in school. The prosecution presented video footage showing evidence of the defendants committing the alleged incident.

Judge Glover determined the hold will continue.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 30.

Parties Dispute Eyewitness Claim That Shooting Victims Were Armed

The prosecution questioned the veracity of an eyewitness’ testimony that the victim and his mother aimed guns at the defendant. The assertion came during a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 28.

Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE on Aug. 1, 2024.

Wells’ defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, called upon an eyewitness, Wells’ girlfriend, who lived in the apartment where the shooting occurred. The witness said that the night of the incident, her neighbor banged on the wall between their apartments, walked through the back door without knocking, and started speaking about a previous altercation between her son and Wells. “She just flipped,” said the witness.

The witness testified that she did not see Wells with a firearm, but the mother and her son, who had followed her into the apartment, each had a gun aimed at Wells who had his hands up. The witness said she then cut off the lights, ran toward the front of the apartment, hid in a closet, and heard eight-to-ten gunshots.

During cross examination, the prosecution alleged that the witness never saw the victim and his mother with guns. Prosecutors played a phone call between Wells and the witness in which she allegedly said “I ain’t know that bitch had a f***ing gun…She had one and he had one?” They asked the witness to explain inconsistencies between the call and her testimony and she repeated that the mother and son had guns aimed at Wells.

During questioning, the witness admitted that Wells allegedly told her he shot the son and his uncle.

The prosecution called the lead detective in the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who described the apartment where the shooting occurred, as “extremely disheveled.” The witness elaborated that he saw cartridge casings and a revolver on the floor, in addition to evidence that bullets had been shot into the walls. The detective also said that MPD recovered a Glock inside a children’s backpack.

The detective said no evidence of firearms was found in the other apartment, where one of the victim’s resided with his mother. According to the detective, the mother gave MPD permission to search her apartment but they were unable to because the son refused and the search warrant was declined.

During cross examination by Burrell, the detective confirmed that evidence showed two different guns were fired in the apartment where the shooting occurred, and that he could not eliminate the possibility of weapons in the victims’ residence.

According to court documents, a crawl space connected the apartment where the shooting occurred to the apartment directly below. The detective said in the apartment below, he observed blood spatter near the walls and crawl space, broken glass, and a shirt on the ground that appeared to have been used to wipe the floor.

The detective also testified that individuals at Spar Liquor, located on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, called 911 on Wells’ behalf on the day of the shooting, and he was subsequently taken to the hospital. Prosecutors played surveillance videos of the rear and front parking lots of the store, in which the detective identified Wells walking towards the store and two individuals carrying Wells in a later video clip.

According to court documents, Spar Liquor is approximately 1.6 miles away from the location of the shooting.

The trial is scheduled to resume on April 29.

Document: Police Arrest Man in Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 41-year-old Darius McIntrye, who is alleged to have been involved in a shooting on April 14 in the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

The incident left an adult male with life-threatening injuries, and he was stabilized by officers before being transported to a hospital. McIntrye has been charged with Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun).

Crime Scene Evidence Detailed in Triple Murder, Mass Shooting Case

Evidence painting a picture of the crime scene was presented to the jury in a mass shooting that claimed three lives. The case was argued before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 23.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each incurred nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each face one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee is accused of two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also each have an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Dubose and Queen are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, as well. Dubose has additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee accused of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

The prosecution called an analyst from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who documents, photographs, collects and preserves evidence who said most of the evidence had been located by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives and officers on the scene. The jury viewed body-worn camera footage of her using a metal detector searching the grass for additional evidence.

During cross-examination, Peter Fayne, Johnson-Lee’s attorney, pointed out that an officer in the body-camera footage was touching the grass without gloves. The DFS witness agreed that this was not proper protocol and it posed a risk of potential contamination.

The witness testified during follow-up prosecution questioning that there was no additional evidence found in the area where the officer touched the grass.

The prosecution presented a color diagram to the court marking locations of ballistic evidence, including where bullet casings were found. Two different colors were used to separate the .40 caliber cartridge casings based similar markings–meaning they are likely to have been fired from the same gun. The prosecution said this diagram was a reference tool for the jury.

Mussay Rezene’s defense attorney, Camille Wagner, objected claiming there was not enough testimony to authenticate the diagram as evidence in terms of separating the remnant markings.

The judge decided “the safest way to proceed is to use a black and white version” of the diagram and the prosecution complied.

Wagner still objected to the diagram because of its descriptive captioning, saying the jury would infer the separation between certain .40 caliber cartridge cases.

Judge Kravitz overruled the defense saying that the issues were not large enough to delay the court and admitted the ballistic evidence.

The prosecution also called a former employee for MPD’s Office of Communications department who posted Tweets for the agency and drafted an MPD press release that identified a vehicle in connection with the homicides.

David Akulian, Johnson’s attorney determined the communications person didn’t know the license number of the vehicle or how many passengers might be inside.

The prosecution also called an MPD detective who ordered police to increase the size of the crime scene once he realized there was likely evidence outside of the taped boundaries.

During the cross examination, Fayne questioned the effectiveness of the move, and the witness admitted anyone who had walked through the area prior could have contaminated the evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 24.

Document: 13 Year Old Arrested for Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 13-year-old male suspect in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on April 26 on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

The juvenile victim was found conscious and breathing with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Teen Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Frederick Etheridge, 16, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of armed robbery and three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

On May 16, 2024, Etheridge allegedly brandished a firearm at a victim and demanded his vehicle, and the victim complied. On January 3, 2025, Etheridge was said to brandish a firearm at a victim and demanded his car keys and personal property. The attempt to seize the vehicle was unsuccessful, but the personal property was stolen.

During the hearing, Theodore Shaw, Etheridge’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the motion, finding Sharps made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Shaw requested the court consider Shaw’s release to home confinement on GPS, citing a limited adult criminal history and strong ties to the community.

The prosecution asked that Etheridge continue to be held in this case, citing strong evidence to counter release and video surveillance.

Judge Glover determined Etheridge should continue to be held. Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.

Murder Co-Defendants Waive Right to Independent DNA Testing

Shooting co-defendants waive their rights to independent evidence testing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 24.

William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the May 14, 2021, homicide of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of Second Street, NW.

According to court documents, Davenport said he was selling drugs and the shooting may have been in retaliation for a robbery.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt informed the defendants that under the federal Innocence Protection Act (IPA), they have the right to independently test evidence.

Both William and Violet agreed that they can’t change their minds once a jury reaches a verdict. Their IPA waivers to forego DNA testing were accepted by Judge Brandt.

Additionally, the defendants pre-trial release status was discussed at the hearing.

A report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) revealed that Violet was in compliance, while William has had “some ebbs and flows,” according to Judge Brandt.

Judge Brandt acknowledged that he has an “addiction issue,” and that William is trying to get sober. She hopes that the next report verifies that.

Parties will return on Sept. 19.

Defendant Found Guilty of Teen’s 2019 Murder

A homicide defendant was found guilty of murder by a jury on April 22 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Bernard Eddy, 25, was charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

The jury convicted Eddy of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors stated that Eddy approached Brathwaite while walking alone to a friend’s house in the neighborhood.

Evidence presented by the prosecution included a 15-second cell phone video showing Eddy celebrating the murder hours after the shooting, which was recovered eight days after the incident. Prosecutors suggested a possible revenge motive for the killing in that Brathwaite may have been involved in the murder of Eddy’s friend.

The jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating one day.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20 for sentencing.

Judge Extends Shooting Defendant’s Curfew

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt modified the terms of a shooting defendant’s release on April 24.

Daniel Cary, 33, and Chantel Stewart, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020. At the scene, the victim suffered a collapsed lung caused by a gunshot wound to the back.

According to the prosecutors the shooting stemmed from an ongoing beef between Stewart and the victim that degenerated into an argument about their boyfriends. Cary was allegedly the trigger man.

Alvin Thomas, Cary’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt to his client’s request to modify his current curfew. According to Cary, he is only able to work 20 hours per week with his current 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. curfew.

Cary works in construction, and a full workday would make him late to curfew. Both Cary and Stewart are currently compliant with the terms of their release, according to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Brandt granted his request, pushing back Cary’s curfew to 9 p. m.

Additionally, parties mentioned possible plea negotiations. Stewart’s attorney, Jesse Winogard, requested more time as he has a busy trial schedule.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 31.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Murder Defendant

D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park wants a shooting defendant to undergo further analysis of his mental state following a finding of incompetency during a hearing on April 24.

Rodney Whiting, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Feb. 14 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE.

Judge Park ordered a full mental competency evaluation for Whiting before attempting to proceed with a trial. In order to stand trial a defendant must be able to understand the charges against him and assist in own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene for another mental observation hearing on May 10.

Probable Cause Found For Defendant’s Second Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover determined probable cause was met in a second stabbing case for a defendant on April 22.

James Gregory, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on March 26, 2025 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified to the nature of the incident, saying that a witness on scene allegedly identified the assailant as Gregory. The detective reviewed the CCTV footage showing the altercation, where a knife appears to be brandished.

However, the detective testified that the victim did not know the defendant, and the physical description he provided of Gregory was contrary to his actual physical appearance.

The prosecution argued there is sufficient evidence in this case to determine probable cause, but Santia McLaurin, Gregory’s attorney, disagreed, maintaining that the burden of proof has not been met.

Judge Glover ultimately determined that probable cause had been established.

Defense requested Gregory’s release, on the grounds that he serves as a full-time caretaker for his mother, and he himself has health issues that aren’t being treated in the DC jail.

The government argued that Gregory has a history of violent crimes, and committed the alleged offense while on pre-trial release for another crime. Judge Glover ruled that the hold will continue.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 13.

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