One Felony Arraignment, Two Preliminary Hearings Scheduled for Murder Cases

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 6, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Three murder cases will proceed with litigation as DC Superior Court judges scheduled them for additional hearings on Jan. 6.

Judge Yvonne Williams scheduled a felony arraignment for a defendant accused of killing a disabled woman.

Vaughn Kosh is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Alayna Howard on Dec. 7, 2019, on the 1700 block of Capitol Avenue, NE. 

According to court documents, the victim was on dialysis and had one leg, causing her to need assistance getting to and from her apartment.

Last month, the 49-year-old defendant was indicted on charges of first-degree murder while armed with victim who was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree burglary, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with intent to kill while armed.

Kosh’s next court date is scheduled for April 26.

Two other murder defendants were also scheduled for hearings to determine if their cases have enough evidence to go to trial.

Ernest Cleveland, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Edward Pearson on Nov. 26, 2020 on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey reported that they have not received a plea offer and asked that the prosecution consider extending one.

Judge Gerald Fisher scheduled Cleveland’s preliminary hearing for Feb. 12.

Cleveland is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed in this case.

Kevin Goggins, a 20-year-old charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Yisa Jeffcoat, is scheduled to have his preliminary hearing on Feb. 5. 

Jeffcoat was 28-years-old when he was fatally shot on Oct. 9, 2020, on the 1600 block of W Street, SE.