After a confidential conversation with D.C. Read more »

A defendant in a murder case is scheduled to proceed with trial five years after the initial murder occurred.  Thirty-two-year-old Brian Wooden is charged with two counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of felony murder for the death of his girlfriend's son, one-year-old Carter Sanders, on May 26, 2018, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.  Wooden’s attorney, Marnitta King, confirmed alongside the prosecution that they are prepared to move forward with trial, which is set to begin on June 12.  DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt informed the prosecution and defense that motions will be due on April 7 and any responses by May 12 for the case to be ready for trial.  On the night of May 16, 2018, Sanders was found unresponsive on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE. Read more »

A defendant’s attorney is attempting to change jurisdiction in a homicide case. Read more »

A homicide defendant requested one-on-one meeting with DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun at a Jan. Read more »

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted on Dec. Read more »

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt rescheduled the trial date for a homicide defendant with new concerns of supervised release violations.  Brian Wooden,32, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children and felony murder for the death of his girlfriend’s son, one-year-old Carter Sanders, on the 4700 block of Benning Road SE, on May 16, 2018. Read more »

“So cry me a river,” said DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt over the prosecutor’s explanation of an understaffed office to request a continuance of trial.   Brian Wooden, 32, is charged with two counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of felony murder in connection to the death of one-year-old Carter Sanders on May 26, 2018, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.  Wooden’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, raised concern over the prosecution’s request for a trial continuance. Read more »

During a Sept. Read more »

During a hearing on July 22, a murder defendant rejected a plea offer in connection to a 2021 shooting.  James Harper, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting of 39-year-old Bret Desmarteau on the 100 block of Sheridan Street, NE on May 27, 2021.  According to court documents, Desmarteau was parked behind Harper’s vehicle when the two began yelling at each other. Read more »

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled a trial readiness hearing for a man accused of killing his partner’s one-year-old child.  On May 16, 2018, emergency personnel responded to an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, following a 911 call that reported an unconscious child. Read more »

During a June 9 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee found a murder defendant mentally competent to stand trial.  Karon L. Read more »

Two co-defendants were arraigned on a five-count indictment for their alleged roles in a deadly shooting on a September night in 2020. Read more »

A prosecutor announced they plan to formally indict a defendant by the end of March. Read more »

A DC Superior Court judge agreed to lessen the pretrial release conditions imposed on a man accused of killing his partner's one-year-old child. Read more »

A murder defendant’s lawyer requested her client's release because she said his speedy trial rights are being violated.   Jacobi Williams, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 38-year-old Phillip Roache. Read more »