Charles Hicks | Homicide Watch DC

“From start to finish, it was just wrong," Payne Says at Sentencing for Charles Hicks Death

Penny Ray — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 14:18:42 -0400

Charles Hicks, father of two and stepfather of two, was stabbed and killed on June 19, 2011. It was Father's Day. On Friday, Eric Jerome Payne, who pleaded guilty in connection with the murder, said that he never meant to cause Hicks any harm.

“The altercation just happened so fast,” Payne said. “From start to finish, it was just wrong. I don't want anyone to believe this was in retaliation for anything. My intentions were not to cause pain to another human being. That's not in my character. I'd like to send my deepest apologies to [the Hicks family], and I ask for forgiveness.”

Payne pled guilty in April to voluntary manslaughter for his role in Hicks' death. He is the second person convicted in the case; in February Terrence McNeal was sentenced to twelve and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in the case.

Payne was sentenced Friday to four years in prison. Both men were sentenced by Judge Robert Morin.

Hicks died after being stabbed during an argument in the 2600 block of Douglass Road Southeast on June 19, 2011.

According to information included in Payne's plea agreement, Payne, McNeal, Hicks and several other people were gathered in a parking lot on Douglass Road when McNeal and Hicks began to argue. After a few minutes, McNeal began beating Hicks with his hands, then drew a knife and stabbed him multiple times. Documents say Payne then joined the altercation by punching and kicking Hicks.

Payne, McNeal and three witnesses then fled the scene in a vehicle, prosecutors say.

An autopsy discovered a total of eight stab wounds to Hicks' head, torso, abdomen and right thigh. Four of the wounds were over three inches deep, and the stab wounds to his abdomen were estimated to be five inches deep. Cut wounds were also found on Hicks' scalp and there were blunt impact injuries to his face, court documents say.

Payne was not arrested for his role in Hicks' death until June 2012; he told police his intentions were to separate McNeal and Hicks from fighting. Prosecutors believe otherwise.

“It is beyond estimation that the defendant did not know [Hicks] was being stabbed,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Leibman said Friday at sentencing. “He directed his efforts by attacking Mr. Hicks.”

Payne was later indicted on a charge of first-degree murder while armed, but less than a week before trial he pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

Hicks' younger sister, Brenda Hicks, spoke at sentencing and said she was saddened by her brother's death.

“A heinous crime was committed, and there was no humane attempt to save his life,” Brenda Hicks said.

Sentencing documents have been added to this post.

Eric Payne Memo in Aid of Sentencing (PDF)Eric Payne Memo in Aid of Sentencing (Text)

Eric Jerome Payne Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter for Role in 2011 Stabbing

Sam Pearson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:47:21 -0400

Eric Jerome Payne pleaded guilty Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter for his role in the the June 2011 stabbing death of Charles Hicks.

Payne's agreement is similar to a plea offer his codefendant, Terrence McNeal, accepted last year. McNeal, not Payne, was accused of stabbing Hicks; McNeal pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. He was sentenced in February to 12 and a half years in prison.

McNeal and his attorneys had contended Hicks reached into McNeal’s pockets when the two men crossed paths on the sidewalk. Thinking he was being robbed, McNeal stabbed Hicks eight times, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Leibman said. According to court records, some of the stab wounds were more than five inches deep.

Documents say that as McNeal was stabbing Hicks, Payne punched and kicked him.

Payne had originally faced first-degree murder charges in the case.

In February, he rejected an informal plea offer from prosecutors; Leibman said he would push for a sentence of around four years in prison – at the low end of sentencing guidelines, had Payne accepted.

Payne had been scheduled to go to trial on the original charges April 29. He's now due to be sentenced July 19 at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Robert Morin.

Payne's plea agreement is below:

Eric Jerome Payne plea agreement (PDF)Eric Jerome Payne plea agreement (Text)

Eric Jerome Payne Rejects Informal Plea in Connection with Murder of Charles Hicks

Penny Ray — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:17:03 -0500

Eric Jerome Payne appeared before Judge Robert Morin Thursday and rejected an informal plea offer from prosecutors for his role in the June 2011 stabbing death of Charles Hicks.

Payne is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Hicks' death.

Co-defendant Terrance McNeal pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter in his case in November.

The informal plea offer, which Payne rejected Thursday, would have required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while unarmed. In exchange, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Leibman said they would push for a sentence of around four years in prison – at the low end of sentencing guidelines.

In his plea, McNeal told prosecutors that around 1:30 a.m. on June 19, 2011, Hicks and McNeal were arguing in the 2600 block of Douglas Road Southeast. Payne and several others were there as well. After a few minutes of arguing, McNeal began to beat Hicks with his hands, but then drew a knife and stabbed him multiple times. Documents say that as McNeal was stabbing Hicks, Payne punched and kicked him.

Payne, McNeal, and three women then fled the scene in a vehicle, according to plea documents.

Hicks died at the hospital two hours later; he had been stabbed eight times.

McNeal had been charged with second-degree murder, but pled guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter; the plea agreement does not require McNeal to testify against Payne.

McNeal was sentenced earlier this month to 12 and a half years in prison for his involvement in Hicks' murder.

If a jury convicts Payne on the first-degree murder charge, he faces a mandatory sentence of at least 30 years in prison.

Payne's trial is scheduled for April 29. A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for April 12.

Terrence McNeal Sentenced to Twelve and a Half Years in Prison for Stabbing Death of Charles Hicks

Sam Pearson — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 17:53:26 -0500

Judge Robert Morin sentenced Terrence McNeal to twelve and a half years in prison Friday for his role in the 2011 stabbing death of Charles Hicks.

McNeal pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in a deal with prosecutors. The plea deal offered a sentencing range between seven and a half and fifteen years behind bars. He will also be required to serve five years of supervised release.

McNeal and his attorneys had contended Hicks reached into McNeal's pockets when the two men crossed paths on the sidewalk. Thinking he was being robbed, McNeal stabbed Hicks eight times – two of the subsequent wounds were at least five inches deep, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Leibman said.

McNeal had been shot twice before, his attorney Vida Johnson said, accounting for his quick reaction.

Johnson said McNeal had tried to plead guilty since early 2012. He wanted to take responsibility for the crime, Johnson said.

Hicks' mother, Alice Hicks, told Judge Morin that McNeal's desire to plead guilty didn't lessen her pain. She said her son wasn't a violent person.

"I don't know why people treat one another like animals, like dogs," Hicks said. "I don't know what's going on."

Her son, who died on Father's Day, left behind six children, she said.

Addressing the court, McNeal said he felt remorse over what happened.

"I would like to apologize to the decedent's family for the pain I've caused them, plus my family, too," McNeal said.

Sentencing documents are below:

Terrence McNeal sentencing documents (PDF)Terrence McNeal sentencing documents (Text)

Terrence McNeal Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Stabbing Death of Charles Hicks

Jonah Newman — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:25:44 -0500

Terrence McNeal pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter this month for stabbing and killing Charles Hicks during a fight in Southeast D.C. in June 2011.

McNeal entered the plea Nov. 19, according to court records.

According to the proffer of facts, prosecutors say McNeal stabbed Hicks eight times during an argument in a parking lot outside a party the two had attended. He then fled the scene in a car with another person. Prosecutors say that person is Eric Jerome Payne, who has been indicted on first-degree murder charges for his involvement in the fight.

McNeal had been charged with second-degree murder, but pled guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. The plea agreement does not require McNeal to testify against Payne in his case.

McNeal's attorney, Vida Johnson, declined to comment on the plea deal.

McNeal is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Robert Morin Jan. 25 at noon. Payne is expected in court for a status hearing on Dec. 12.

McNeal's signed plea agreement and proffer of facts are below:

Substantial Probability Found at Eric Payne's Preliminary Hearing

Rebecca Zisser — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:35:22 -0400

Eric Payne was ordered held on Wednesday after Judge Robert Morin found substantial probability that Payne aided in the murder of Charles Hicks.

Due to scheduling conflicts no witness was called to testify and Morin relied on witness testimonies, affidavits, and the transcript of co-defendant Terrance McNeal's preliminary hearing when making his decision.

At McNeal's preliminary hearing MPD Detective John Bolden testified that McNeal said Hicks had punched him in the face at a party and “wouldn’t leave him alone.”

The altercation made McNeal “angry” and he stabbed Hicks four times,” Bolden said McNeal told detectives.

According to court records, a warrant for Payne's arrest was issued after police identified him as the man witnesses told police participated in the fatal fight. Those witnesses said the man’s name was “E” or “Eric.” Payne told police that some people refer to him as “E.”

According to charging documents in the case, at least two witnesses said Terrance McNeal told them that the night of the stabbing, Hicks knocked a drink out of McNeal’s hand, then attempted to search McNeal’s pockets. McNeal said “Eric” joined him in fighting Hicks and that “Eric” stabbed Hicks, one witness said. Another said McNeal said he had stabbed Hicks.

McNeal was arrested in connection with the case in August 2011 and pled innocent to a charge of second-degree murder while armed in February. He’s scheduled to stand trial in September.

At Wednesday's hearing defense attorney, Michael O'Keefe argued that Payne did not realize there was a knife involved in the fight and had attempted to break up the fight.

Prosecutor Michael Liebman said that his statement was self-serving and therefore unlikely to be true.

Morin agreed with the government. "I think there is a substantial probability that what the defendant says he was trying to do is not true," he said.

Payne is scheduled for a status hearing on Sept. 21.

Grand Jury Indicts Eric Payne on First-Degree Murder in Stabbing Death of Charles Hicks

Laura Amico — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:24:02 -0400

Eric Payne is expected to be arraigned on a charge of first degree murder while armed on Monday in connection with the stabbing death of 53-year-old Charles Hicks at a gathering in Southeast DC last June.

Payne, 30, was arrested Wednesday.

According to court records, a warrant for his arrest was issued after police identified him as the man witnesses told police participated in the fatal fight. Those witnesses said the man's name was "E" or "Eric." Payne told police that some people refer to him as "E."

According to charging documents in the case, at least two witnesses said Terrance McNeal told them that the night of the stabbing, Hicks knocked a drink out of McNeal’s hand, then attempted to search McNeal’s pockets. McNeal said “Eric” joined him in fighting Hicks and that "Eric" stabbed Hicks, one witness said. Another said McNeal said he had stabbed Hicks.

McNeal was arrested in connection with the case in August and pled innocent to a charge of second-degree murder while armed in February. He's scheduled to stand trial in September.

A Grand Jury indicted Payne on the charge of first-degree murder while armed on June 26 and he was added as a co-defendant to McNeal's case Thursday.

Charging documents in Payne's case appear to rely on a witness not relied on in McNeal's case. That witness described Hick's death to police this way:

A witness, also advised the police that on the night of the murder it was in the parking lot in the area of 2677 Douglas Road. Among the people there were two known to W-3 as "E" and "Peanut." According to W-3, while it, E and Peanut were ln the parking lot an older man, who was holding a beverage cup in his hand, walked up to and began talking to a woman who was also ln the parking lot. According to W-3, Peanut and E then walked up to the older man and told to leave the woman alone. According to W-3, the old man began backing away and Peanut followed him. According to W-3, Peanut then took possession of the old man's beverage cup, prompting the old man to try and get it back from him. According to W-3, Peanut proceeded to pour out the liquid ln the cup onto the ground. According to W-3, the old man tried to get his cup back, but Peanut dropped the cup to the ground and then proceeded to push the old man, after which Peanut and the old man started fighting. W3 further recounted that durlng the fight Peanut was punching and kicking the old man, and was then joined in the fight against the decedent by E, who also proceeded to beat the old man. According to W-3, at one point in the fight E held on to the old man, whlle Peanut drew a knife and stabbed the old man more than once.

According to charging documents, Payne told police that he took part in the altercation only in an attempt to separate McNeal and Hicks. He said he did not stab Hicks or see him get stabbed.

Payne is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday, July 2 at 9 a.m. with Judge Robert Morin.

Eric Jerome Payne Arrested in Connection with Stabbing Death of Charles Hicks

Laura Amico — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 08:41:41 -0400

A second man has been arrested in connection with the June 2011 stabbing death of Southeast DC man Charles Hicks.

MPD said Thursday that 30-year-old Eric Jerome Payne of Capitol Heights, Md, was arrested Wednesday. He's suspected of second-degree murder while armed in connection with Hick's death.

Prosecutors have already charged Terrance “Peanut” McNeal with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Hick's death. McNeal was arrested last August. At a preliminary hearing MPD Detective John Bolden testified that McNeal said Hicks had punched him in the face at a party and "wouldn't leave him alone."

The altercation made McNeal “angry” and he stabbed Hicks four times,” Bolden said McNeal told detectives.

A press release from MPD is below.

June 28, 2012

Second Arrest Made in the Homicide in the 2600 Block of Douglas Road, SE

(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced that a second arrest has been made in the fatal stabbing which occurred in the 2600 block of Douglas Road, SE.

On Sunday, June 19, 2011, at approximately 1:22 am, units from the Seventh District responded to the 2600 block of Douglas Road, SE for the report of a stabbing. Upon arriving on the scene, officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The decedent has been identified as 53 year-old Charles Hicks of Southeast, Washington, DC.

On Monday, August 8, 2011 at approximately 11:45 pm members from the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested an adult male, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with Second Degree Murder while Armed.

On Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at approximately 11:45 am, members from the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 30 year-old Eric Jerome Payne of Capitol Heights, Maryland, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with Murder Two while Armed in the fatal stabbing of Charles Hicks.

Terrance McNeal Pleads Innocent in Death of Charles Hicks

Lindsey Anderson — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:31:45 -0500

Terrance McNeal entered a "not guilty" plea today at his arraignment on a charge of first-degree murder while armed in the stabbing death of Charles Hicks.

Prosecutors say McNeal fatally stabbed Hicks June 19 during an argument in Southeast DC.

A status hearing is scheduled for May 11 and a jury trial is set for Sept. 24. The trial is expected to last one week.

Use of force was "excessive" in killing of Charles Hicks, Judge Leibovitz says

Laura Amico — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:25:50 -0400

Finding "substantial probability" in a second-degree murder case against Terrance "Peanut" McNeal today, Judge Lynn Leibovitz said that even if McNeal was provoked and attacked by the man prosecutors say he killed, his use of force was "excessive."

Prosecutors say that McNeal fatally stabbed Charles Hicks during an argument in Southeast DC on June 19.

According to charging documents, McNeal told witnesses that the night of the stabbing, Hicks knocked a drink out of McNeal's hand, then attempted to search McNeal's pockets.

Testifying at the preliminary hearing Thursday, Detective John Bolden said McNeal told detectives that Hicks had punched him in the face and "wouldn't leave him alone."

The altercation made McNeal "angry" and he stabbed Hicks four times," Bolden said McNeal told detectives.

Neither the prosecution nor the defense has brought forward any witness who saw the altercation and stabbing.

McNeal's attorney, Anthony Matthews, disagreed with Leibovitz' ruling that McNeal responded to the provocation with excessive force.

"Hicks was 200 pounds," Matthews said, asking that instead of probable cause or substantial probability, that Leibovitz find the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Leibovitz instead found substantial probability, saying there was evidence that an even greater level of proof may have been met in the hearing.

A status hearing was set in the case for Nov. 18. McNeal will be held in custody at least until that hearing.

Terrance "Peanut" McNeal held in Fatal June Stabbing of Army Vet

Laura Amico — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:58:32 -0400

A 31-Southeast DC man known as "Peanut" was presented today with a charge of second-degree murder while armed in connection with the stabbing death of 53-year-old Charles Hicks in June.

Terrance McNeil, whose name is court records is Terrance McNeal, told authorities that he saw Hicks the night he was killed.

According to charging documents in the case, McNeal told authorities that

he was outside the night [Hicks] was stabbed and reported the
following. That he was stan ing outside when he was approached by [Hicks]. [Hicks] inquired about purchasing drugs and Mr. McNeal relayed to [Hicks] that he does not sell drugs. [Hicks] walked away. About 15 minutes later, Mr. McNeal states he saw [Hicks] walking in the parking lot. Mr. McNeal stated he heard a voice yell words to the effect of "WHERE"S MY MONEY." Mr. McNeal reported seeing two subjects wearing blue jeans, black shirts and ski masks over their faces. Mr. McNeal reported seeing the two subjects run to and begin to hit Mr. McNeal stated that he ran

Authorities heard different stories from witness, two of whom told police that McNeal told them he was involved in Hick's death.

They said McNeal told them that the night of the stabbing, Hicks knocked a drink out of McNeal's hand, then attempted to search McNeal's pockets. Someone named "Eric" joined McNeal in fighting Hicks. One witness said McNeal said that "Eric" stabbed Hicks. Another said McNeal said he had stabbed Hicks.

According to the Washington Post, Hicks was an army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and Iraq. He was struggling with war-related trauma, his brother told the Post.

Said David Hicks, his brother,

Charles did his best to try to deal with his problems. He was done with the service. He wanted to get his life together.

According to Hicks' obituary, he is survived by his six children, three grandchildren, his mother and five siblings. He was to be buried at Quantico National Cemetery.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in the case for Aug. 19 in front of Judge Gerald Fisher. Hicks is expected to remain in custody until that hearing.

Read charging documents in the case below.

Terrance McNeil Arrested in June Stabbing Death of Charles Hicks

Laura Amico — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:00:25 -0400

From MPD:

August 9, 2011

Arrest Made in the Homicide of Charles Hicks

(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Branch have announced an arrest was made in the fatal stabbing which occurred in the 2600 block of Douglas Road, SE.

On Sunday, June 19, 2011, at approximately 1:22 am, units from the Seventh District responded to the 2600 block of Douglas Road, SE for the report of a stabbing. Upon arriving on the scene, officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The decedent has been identified as 53 year-old Charles Hicks of Southeast, Washington, DC.

On Monday, August 8, 2011 at approximately 11:45 pm members from the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 31-year-old Terrance McNeil of Southeast, DC, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with Second Degree Murder while Armed.

SE DC Stabbing Victim IDed as 53-year-old Charles Hicks

Laura Amico — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:14:23 -0400

MPD has identified a man stabbed to death in Southeast DC early in the morning of Sunday June 19 as 53-year-old Charles Hicks.

MPD's press release is below.

Homicide: 2600 Block of Douglass Road, SE

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating the fatal stabbing which occurred in the 2600 block of Douglass road, SE.

On Sunday, June 19, 2011, at approximately 1:22 am, units from the Seventh District responded to the 2600 block of Douglass road, SE for the report of a stabbing. Upon arriving on the scene, officers located an adult male victim suffering from apparent stab wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The decedent has been identified as 53 year-old Charles Hicks of Southeast, Washington, DC.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to DC CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS and to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411. If the information provided by the caller to the Crime Solvers Unit leads to an arrest and indictment, that caller will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

SE DC Stabbing Kills Man

Laura Amico — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 07:17:39 -0400

This post has been updated.

The Washington Post and Fox5 report that a 53-year-old man fatally stabbed in Southeast DC Sunday.

We'll post more as we are able.