Homicide Watch D.C.

There was one homicide reported this week:

Donta Thrower from Northwest D.C. was killed after a shooting Friday night at the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, Northwest. He was found by police at approximately 9:24 p.m. suffering from a gunshot wound, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Davon Thomas was sentenced Wednesday, to four years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in connection with the January 2013 death of 53-year-old Emanuel Campbell. Campbell died from blunt force injuries in the hospital two weeks after Thomas assaulted him outside an apartment in Northeast D.C., where they both resided. According to prosecutors, moments before the assault, Campbell and Thomas had a verbal altercation inside the apartment. As a result of that first altercation, Campbell cut Thomas on the side of his neck. Prosecutors argued Thomas knew Campbell had previous medical frailties and overreacted by assaulting him.

Lillian Alvarado was found competent to stand trial for the death of her newborn son on November of last year. Alvarado is charged with first-degree murder and one count of cruelty to children for allegedly drowning and dismembering her baby after delivering him in the bathroom of her apartment in Northwest D.C., according to court documents. A status hearing is scheduled for July 24, at 10:00 a.m. to determine if defense attorneys will challenge the latest mental observation report.

Stephanie Lawson was sentenced Friday to 33 months in prison for the stabbing death of her friend, Karen Jordan. Lawson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in February but was initially charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors argued that Lawson stabbed Jordan in an argument over a $20 debt while she was at Jordan’s apartment playing cards. Before Lawson begins her sentence she’ll spend three weeks on high-intensity supervision while she finishes an externship program.

In brief:
Three homicides were reported this week in D.C.

• Simwone Keith Milstead was killed Saturday night in a shooting in the 2700 block of Langston Place, Southeast, according to MPD.
• MPD reported that 19-year-old Antwone Dwayne Tolson was killed after being shot in the 2600 block of Bowen Road Southeast.
• Ronnell Daniels, 40, was killed after being shot after in the unit block of 55th Street Southeast, according to MPD.

Jurors found Johnathan Dawkins guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Dwayne Brisbon. On Thursday, Dawkins took the stand to tell jurors he stabbed Brisbon because he feared for his life after another man restrained him while Brisbon beat him.

Lamonte Hill was sentenced to nine years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed in connection with the death of Brian Bloomfield. According to the proffer of facts, Hill and another man followed Bloomfield out of an apartment building and assaulted Bloomfield, stabbing him several times and shooting him once.

Sosefina Amoa, 26, was sentenced to four years in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of her infant son. As she is originally from Samoa, she will also face deportation after her release.

Earl Patrick, 48, was arrested and held on suspicion of first-degree felony murder in connection with death of 60-year-old Carlton Coltrane. Patrick is the second person arrested in connection with this case: Zerrick Brown was arrested and held on suspicion of first-degree felony murder in connection with the case.

James Brown, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of carrying a rifle in connection with the shooting death of Darnell Rivers. In exchange for his plea, Brown will be sentenced to 2 to 3 years in prison.

Carlos Parks and Troy Robinson pleaded innocent to charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery and conspiracy in connection with the shooting death of Tywayne Thompson. Police believe Thompson was shot after Parks and Robinson attempted to steal a scooter he was selling.

William Hunt will remain held in connection with the 2011 stabbing death of George White after Judge Rhonda Winston found substantial probability in the case. Police believe White was stabbed multiple times after an argument about a lawnmower.

In brief:
Three homicides were reported this week in D.C.

• The death of 60-year-old Carlton Coltrane, of Southeast D.C., May 9, was ruled a homicide on Sunday by MPD. According to police, Coltrane died of blunt force trauma three days after a robbery on Tuesday, May 6, at approximately 12:50 am, in the 400 block of 8th Street, Southeast.
• Elike Rahmon Richardson, 36, was found by police suffering from apparent stab wounds in the 4400 block of C Street, Southeast at approximately 9:10 p.m. on Tuesday. Richardson was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
• Jermaine Dews, 27, was killed in a shooting Wednesday on the 5800 block of Field Place, Northeast. According to police, at approximately 3:10 pm, officers responded to the sounds of gunshots and discovered Dews suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Daquan Tinker, 18, pleaded innocent Tuesday to first-degree murder, felony murder, armed robbery, and six related charges in connection with the 2012 shooting death of Terrence Robinson. On August 4, 2012, Robinson was found dead on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds to his body in the 2600 block of Douglas Road in Southeast, according to court documents.

Zerrick Brown, 42, was arrested Thursday, and held without bond Friday, on suspicion of first-degree felony murder in connection to the death of 60-year-old Carlton Coltrane. Coltrane died three days after being punched and robbed outside a 7-Eleven store on the 400 block of 8th Street, Southeast on May 9, according to charging documents.

In brief:
Two homicides were reported this week in D.C.:

• Mary Houston, 75, of Northeast D.C., was found dead in the 800 block of Channing Place Northeast on Wednesday after being reported missing Monday. Medical examiners determined that Houston died of blunt force injuries and asphyxiation and ruled her death a homicide Thursday.
• MPD said Monday that the death of 80-year-old Lucille Proctor has been ruled a homicide. Proctor was found dead on February 13 inside a three story row house on the 4600 block of 4th Street Northwest after D.C. firefighters responded to a report of a house on fire.

Tisheena Brown pleaded guilty Wednesday to voluntary manslaughter and second-degree insurance fraud in connection to the overdose death of her seven-week-old son Hakeem Brown in Sept. 2013. Prosecutors say Brown admitted to giving her infant son a lethal dose of Promethazine, a prescription drug she had been abusing since 2008.

Howard Randolph pleaded guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter in connection to the fist fight that led to Rayshawn Hailstock’s death. Randolph, 33, admitted to punching Hailstock once, causing him to fall forward and hit his head. Medical examiners said the punch, not the fall, is what caused his death, according to prosecutors.

Corey Saxton pleaded guilty Friday to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Roshaine Henry on March 5. According to court documents, Saxton got into Henry’s car to negotiate the purchase of marijuana.

David Jamal Wilson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed Friday in connection to the 2013 stabbing death of 68-year-old Howard Venable Jr in Feb. 2013. Prosecutors say Wilson and two other individuals robbed Venable in his apartment and during the robbery one or both of the unidentified accomplices stabbed Venable.

Donte Graves pleaded guilty Friday to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Tyrone Joyner in February 2013. The plea came less than six weeks after a jury was unable to decide whether or not Graves was guilty of murder.

Leon Allen Smith pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection to the stabbing death of 45-year-old Stephan Manuel Pool. According to the proffer of facts, 29-year-old Smith admitted to stabbing Pool once in the heart using his pocket knife because he became enraged after seeing his girlfriend give Pool a hug and a “peck on the cheek.”

Todd Green pleaded innocent Friday to first-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, and four related weapons charges in connection with the death of Timothy Dawkins. Prosecutors say that another suspect is expected to be indicted in connection with Dawkins’s death in the next 60 days.

Allen Culver pleaded innocent Friday to eight criminal charges including first-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 31-year-old Robert Plight. Detectives say that Plight was shot after he approached Culver and asked him why Culver robbed his younger brother.

***Correction: This post originally misstated the location of Venable’s apartment. Venable lived in the 1600 block of Fuller Street Northwest.

In brief:

There were no murders reported in D.C. this week.

Stefon Kirkpatrick pleaded innocent Wednesday to first-degree premeditated murder while armed. Kirkpatrick, 23, remains held without bond in connection to the July 2013 stabbing death of his 22-year-old pregnant girlfriend Julisa Brittney Washington.

James Walter Yates, 29, was arrested and held in connection with the shooting death of Andre Pierce Joyner last Friday near Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School. Yates is suspected of second degree murder while armed.

Antonio Hester, 30, was ordered held without bond Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree premeditated murder while armed in connection with the January 2013 shooting death of Tracy McFadden. McFadden, 44, was found by police on Jan. 2013 outside a nightclub on the 2700 Block of Georgia Avenue Northwest, suffering from six gunshot wounds.

Albrecht Muth was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the death of his 91-year-old wife, Viola Herms Drath. Muth, 49, was convicted in January of first-degree premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances.

Judge Jennifer Anderson found probable cause that 22-year-old Carlton Maurice Johnson was involved in the double homicide of Anthony Chase and Eric Leeper on July 17, 2013 in Southeast. Johnson was arrested nearly nine months later on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder while armed.

In brief:
Two people died last week in D.C.:

• According to MPD, 44-year-old Ernest Harkum died Thursday evening from multiple stab wounds in the 900 block of Barnaby Street, Southeast.
• Andre Pierce Joyner of Fort Washington, Maryland, killed in a shooting near H Street in Northeast DC, according to MPD.

Judge John Ramsey Johnson sentenced Jamar George Friday to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder while armed for the shooting death of 20-year-old Ronnie Speight Jr. George, 27, pleaded guilty in February to shooting Speight on May 26, 2011, saying, ““Yeah, that’s what happened.”

Ercell Overton, 33, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the shooting of taxicab driver Solomon J. Okoroh and a subsequent shoot-out with police. Overton pleaded guilty in February 2014 to second-degree murder while armed two counts of felony assault on a police officer while armed.

Judge John Ramsey Johnson found probable cause Tuesday that 25-year-old Gregory Allen Green participated in the shooting death of Derrick Eugene Williams. Metropolitan Police Detective Ray Shields testified that a witness told police that they heard two or three gunshots, a pause, one more gunshot, and then moments later saw Green and another man standing over Williams.

Tracy Mathis was held without bond Monday on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 26-year-old India Chapple. According to charging documents, Mathis told police that he and Chapple were romantically involved in the past, share two children, but have been apart for about eight years.

Donald Dubose rejected a plea deal to accept guilt for a charge of second-degree murder charge and pleaded innocent to four criminal charges in connection with the May 2012 drive-by shooting that killed Michael Oshea Smith. Dubose is charged with two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and first-degree murder.

Jermaine Brown was released from jail after prosecutors asked Judge Ronna Beck to dismiss the case against him. Brown was held for nine months on suspicion that he killed 31-year-old Randolph Scott Harris Jr.

Ladonte Hawkins and Rico Carr were released from jail on April 11 after Judge Rhonda Winston granted prosecutors’ request to dismiss their case in connection with the death of Kelvin Jamal Willis. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing with its prosecution of co-defendant Robert Crowder.

Tisheena Brown, 31, waived her right to a preliminary hearing Friday where prosecutors would have argued there was probable cause that Brown’s actions killed her infant son. One-month-old Hakeem Brown was found unconscious and not breathing on September 18, 2013. The cause of death was later determined to be Promethazine poisoning.

In brief:
Two people died last week in homicides:

• Hubert Hunter died last Thursday after being shot in Northeast D.C. near Marvin Gaye Park, according to MPD.
• India Chapple, 26, died Saturday after being stabbed in the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road Southeast. Tracy Mathis, 30, also of Southeast DC, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder while armed in connection with Chapple’s death.

Khari Williams pleaded guilty Friday to voluntary manslaughter while armed in the shooting death of Angelo Payne. Police found 23-year-old Payne on December 30, 2012 on the 3400 block of Croffut Place Southeast, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Donzell Butler was sentenced Friday to more than 13 years in prison for the July 2012 stabbing death of Charles Anthony Scott Jr. Butler pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and assault with significant bodily injury in January. Judge Johnson ruled that Butler will serve 160 months in prison.

Jurors found Calvin Shaw guilty of all 40 criminal counts he faced less than four hours after closing arguments. Shaw was charged in connection with the shooting death of Crevontai Key, who was killed nearly two years ago on the fourth of July while celebrating with five of his close friends.

Alphonso Cleveland, 51, pleaded guilty Thursday to voluntary manslaughter in connection to the stabbing death of his wife Claudia Hall. According to plea documents, an argument over the cable bill lead to a physical altercation where Cleveland strangled and stabbed Hall.

After four days of deliberations, Joshua Andrews was found guilty Thursday of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and other five related charges in connection to the death of 17-year-old Darond Alonte Lucas.

Carlton Maurice Johnson was arrested and held in connection with the shooting death of 19-year-old Anthony Chase and 27-year-old Eric Leeper. Charging documents say that one witness saw a person it identified as Johnson exit a car in the 3900 block of C Street Southeast and put a t-shirt over his head. Shortly after, the witness saw the same person chase down and shoot Chase and Leeper.

Antonio Williams pleaded guilty Tuesday to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the March 1 death of Andre McIntyre. Judge Jennifer Anderson will wait to accept or decline William’s plea until McIntyre’s family can speak in court for William’s sentencing on June 13.

Michael Marshall pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting of Antonio Headspeth. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss charges of first-degree premeditated murder while armed and five related gun charges.

After prosecutors decided not to take the case to trial for a third time, Judge Lynn Leibovitz dismissed all charges against James Sandidge. Sandidge has been held since October 2011 in connection with Keenan Jerel Lee’s death.

Daren Vaughn was released Thursday on a personal promise to return to court, pending his second trial in connection to the stabbing death of his best friend and neighbor Tyrell Swann. Vaughn will face a second trial for the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed and for carrying a dangerous weapon, charges for which jurors couldn’t reach verdicts.

A man found dead inside a home on the 5600 block of Chillum Place Northeast may have shot himself in a suicide, according to MPD.

In brief:

Two homicides were reported in D.C. this week:

• Virgil Wood, 22, was killed in a shooting Tuesday night in the 1500 block of V Street, Southeast, according to MPD.
• The October death of 53-year-old Carmen Payne was ruled a homicide. Police say she died of strangulation. She was found the 1200 block of Meigs Place, NE.

Jurors in the trial of Daren Vaughn were unable to decide whether or not he committed voluntary manslaughter while armed, a lesser included charge for first-degree murder, in connection with death of Tyrell Swann. On Wednesday, he was acquitted of first-degree premeditated murder, burglary and assault charges by jurors in the case. Vaughn’s defense attorney argued that the stabbing was committed in self-defense.

Antoine Little was found innocent of all charges in connection with the stabbing death of 52-year-old James Cain. After closing arguments, jurors deliberated for less than five hours before they announced their verdict.

The murder trial of Donte Graves ended when jurors announced they were unable to reach a verdict. Ten jurors reported that they were prepared to acquit Graves of second-degree murder while armed, assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery in connection with the shooting death of Tyrone Joyner. Graves’ defense attorney argued that police and prosecutors overlooked the possibility of another shooter.

The trial of Calvin Shaw began Wednesday with opening arguments. Prosecutors say James Crevontai Key was “just hanging out” on the Fourth of July when three men wearing white t-shirts walked out of a nearby alley and opened fire. Shaw faces 40 criminal charges in connection with the case.

Jurors began deliberating in the case of Joshua Andrews, charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intention to kill, and three related weapons charges in connection with the shooting death of Darond Alonte Lucas. Prosecutors argued that Andrews laid in ambush and killed Lucas execution style; his defense attorneys say that evidence never shows the gun in Andrews’ hands.

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three persons of interest in the investigation of shooting death ofDaniel Calvin Short.

Joseph Chandler will pursue an insanity defense in connection to the shooting death of his girlfriend, 63-year-old Shirley Tucker. Chandler is charged with second-degree murder while armed and has been on release from jail for medical reasons since July of last year.

In brief:

There were no murders reported in DC this week.

Twenty-six-year-old Antonio Williams was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder in the homicide of Andre McIntyre. McIntyre was found unconscious on March 1, suffering from apparent head trauma. The cause of death was found to be blunt force trauma of the head and neck and the manner was ruled a homicide.

Police continued to search for signs of missing eight-year-old Relisha Tenau Rudd, but MPD Chief Cathy Lanier was fearful that the child may be dead.

Marcellus Jackson was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder and related charges in connection with the 2010 shooting death of Jamal Coates. Prosecutors alleged in an indictment that Jackson exited the car at 12th and V Street Northwest and gave Miller a description over the phone of the vehicle that Keir Johnson and Lester Williams later fired on.

Jurors in the second trial of James Sandidge were unable to render a verdict. Sandidge is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Keenan Jerel Lee during Howard University’s 2011 homecoming weekend. Prosecutors have begun preparations for a third trial.

Opening statements were heard in the trial of Donte Graves, accused of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Tyrone Joyner. Prosecutors say they will present jurors with eyewitness testimony of the shooting. But defense attorney say that the testimony is biased and can’t be trusted.

The trial of 22-year-old Daren Vaughn, who faces charges including with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, began Thursday. Prosecutors say Vaugh stabbed his best friend and neighbor Tyrell Swann on Sept. 27 2012 in the chest after an argument.

James Woods will have additional time to consider a plea deal in connection with the bar fight death of Rockwell John Flint. If Woods pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter and simple assault, prosecutors will drop additional charges, including second-degree murder and felony assault charges. Prosecutors believe Flint died trying to break up a fight between Woods and another man.

Judge Jennifer Anderson found probable cause to hold Jibril Abdul-Muwwakil in connection with the stabbing death of 17-year-old Jonathon Adams. Prosecutors say that at the time of the murder, Abdul-Muwwakil was on release for a simple assault charge and was supposed to be seeking mental health treatment.

David Washington was ordered held after Judge Jennifer Anderson found probable cause that he participated in the shooting death of Deangelo Gatling. Charging documents say that one witness saw Washington in a car that another witness later saw the shooter exit from.

Judge Rhonda Winston ruled Friday that there is probable cause in the case against Andre Burks, held in connection with the shooting death of Antwan Boseman. MPD Detective Gabriel Truby testified that the shooting stemmed from two fights earlier on August 3, each becoming more violent than the last.

Mauda’Rico Proctor, 22, pleaded innocent Monday to charges of two first-degree murder while armed, two robbery while armed, four firearms charges with violence, and one unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting death of 27-year-old Dominic Anthony Davis. A status hearing is scheduled for April 25 before Judge Robert Morin.

One homicide was reported in D.C. this week:

• Delonte Jackson, 30, died last Saturday after he was found in Southeast D.C. shot in a car.

Daquan Hendrix, 19, was killed in a police-involved shooting Tuesday morning when officers arrived to execute his arrest warrant. Hendrix was sought in connection with the shooting death of Tykia Dickerson. News reports indicate that Hendrix exited a home in the unit block of K street Northwest with people inside when he began shooting.

A new report indicates that Navy personnel and a government contractor missed key warning signs that might have prevented Aaron Alexis from killing 12 people in mass shooting at Washington Navy Yard last September.

Jurors began their deliberations in the case against James Sandidge. He is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Keenan Jerel Lee during Howard University’s 2011 homecoming weekend.

David Warren was found guilty on 12 charges Wednesday, including charges of first- and second-degree murder. On Thursday, his brother Montez Warren was acquitted Thursday of all 14 counts he faced. The men were charged in connection with the shooting death of Ervin Lamont Griffin.

Justin Wilson, 20, pleaded innocent Thursday to charges of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill and three other weapon related charges in connection to the shooting death of 28-year-old Freddy Bernard Hawkins.

Leon Allen Smith pleaded innocent Friday to 12 criminal charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of 45-year-old Stephan Manuel Pool. Smith had been undergoing mental health treatments, but was found competent for trial after a final report delivered in July 2013 found that Smith to be “malingering.”

Judge Rhonda Winston found probable cause that Kevin Johnson participated in the February strangulation death of his girlfriend, 48-year-old Detra Martin. In his preliminary hearing, detectives said Johnson strangled and killed his former girlfriend in Prince George’s County.

Jurors found Keir Johnson and Lester Williams guilty of first-degree premeditated murder while armed and other weapons, conspiracy, and criminal street gang offenses Friday in connection to the shooting death of Jamal Coates. The trial, which began in November of last year, dealt with three separate murders, 80 criminal counts, and four co-defendants.