Kelvin Jamal Willis | Homicide Watch DC

Murder Charge Dismissed in Case Against Robert Crowder

Megan Arellano — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 13:39:29 -0400

Robert Crowder was released from jail Friday when Judge Rhonda Winston granted prosecutors’ request to dismiss his case without prejudice. He had been held for more than nine months on suspicion of first-degree felony murder in connection with the stabbing death of 19-year-old Kelvin Jamal Willis.

In April, Crowder's two codefendants were released after prosecutors dismissed charges against them.

Spokesperson William Miller explained via email that the U.S. Attorney’s Office decided not to go forward with the case, pending further investigation.

According to charging documents for Crowder, Willis told detectives that he was punched and attacked by three people who took his wallet before stabbing him with a knife on November 6, 2010.

A person who saw the stabbing told police that Crowder and two other men were walking with Willis in the unit block of Hanover Street Northwest when the men started talking about robbing Willis of his coat, according to arrest documents. One man punched Willis in his chin, while another pointed a gun at Willis demanding his coat, said the witness.

While Willis took off his coat, Crowder told him, "You're taking too long," then stabbed him multiple times, according to the witness.

Court documents state that another person later saw Crowder carrying a black coat, and after, saw Crowder washing blood from his hands. When the witness asked Crowder where he got the coat, Crowder said that he stabbed someone and believed that he killed the person, the witness told police.

In an interview with police, Crowder said he was never near the scene of the crime, documents say.

Murder Charges Dismissed in Case Against Ladonte Hawkins and Rico Carr

Megan Arellano — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 16:53:51 -0400

Ladonte Hawkins, 20, and Rico Carr, 23, were released from jail on April 11 when Judge Rhonda Winston granted prosecutors' request to dismiss their case without prejudice.

Hawkins had been held for nearly 9 months, since August 2013, on suspicion of felony murder in connection with the stabbing death of 19-year-old Kelvin Jamal Willis. Carr was arrested nearly six weeks later on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with Willis's November 2010 death.

Spokesperson Bill Miller explained via email that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing with its prosecution of co-defendant Robert Crowder and investigation in the case is ongoing.

According to charging documents for Hawkins, Willis told detectives that he was punched and attacked by three people, who then took his wallet before stabbing him with a knife on November 6, 2010.

One witness told police that Hawkins, Carr, and Crowder were walking with Willis in the unit block of Hanover Street Northwest when Hawkins and Carr started talking about robbing Willis of his coat, according to Carr's arrest documents. Hawkins punched Willis in his chin, while Carr pointed a gun at Willis demanding his coat, according to the witness. Hawkins reached into Willis’ pocket and took his wallet, the witness said.

While Willis removed his coat, the witness heard Crowder yell, “You’re taking too long.” Then the witness told police that Crowder pulled out a knife and stabbed Willis several times.

A felony status conference for Crowder is scheduled for June 5.

Rico Carr and Robert Crowder Held in Connection with Kelvin Willis Murder

Ivan Natividad — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 16:25:20 -0400

Judge Karen Howze ordered Rico Carr and Robert Crowder held Thursday pending a preliminary hearing on October 15. They are suspected of participating in the 2010 stabbing death of 19-year-old Kelvin Jamal Willis. The two men remain held pending a preliminary hearing October 15.

Police found Willis November 6, 2010 at approximately 3:30 am on the unit block of N Street Northwest suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was transported to a local hospital where he remained for more than two weeks.

Arrest documents state that while in the hospital, Willis told police that he was attacked by three men who robbed him of his wallet, then stabbed him several times with a knife. Willis told members of his family that the three men also took his coat, charging documents state.

Willis died from his injuries on Nov. 22, 2010; his death was ruled a homicide.

Police arrested Ladonte Hawkins August 21, and charged him as one of the three alleged suspects who participated in the robbing and stabbing of Willis. More than a month later, police arrested Carr and Crowder on suspicion of first-degree murder in Willis' death.

According to charging documents, witnesses told police that Hawkins, Crowder and Carr were the three people involved in the attack on Willis.

One witness said moments before the stabbing the three suspects were walking with Willis in the mouth of an alley in the unit block of Hanover Street Northwest when Hawkins and Carr began talking about robbing Willis of his coat, documents state. Hawkins punched Willis in his chin, while Carr pointed a gun at Willis demanding his coat. Hawkins reached into Willis’ pocket and took his wallet, the witness said.

As Willis removed his coat, the witness heard Crowder yell, “You’re taking too long.” The witness said Crowder pulled out a knife and stabbed Willis several times, charging documents state.

Another witness told police that they saw Crowder leaving an alley near the crime scene moments after the stabbing.

Court documents state that the witness saw Crowder carrying a black coat, and later saw Crowder washing blood from his hands. When the witness asked Crowder where he got the coat, Crowder said that he stabbed someone, adding that he thought he killed the guy, the witness said according to court documents.

Charging documents state that in an interview with police, Crowder denied ever being at the scene of the crime.

Charging documents have been added to this post.

Crowder, Robert Charging Papers (PDF)Crowder, Robert Charging Papers (Text)

Carr, Rico Charging Papers (PDF)Carr, Rico Charging Papers (Text)

Men Named in Court Documents Arrested in Stabbing Death of Kelvin Willis

Laura Amico — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 18:15:52 -0400

Two men named in court documents in August have been arrested in connection with the stabbing death of Kelvin Willis.

Willis was killed in November 2010 in the unit block of N Street Northwest. In August of this year, Ladonte Hawkins was arrested and ordered held while a grand jury investigates his connection-- if any-- to Willis' death.

In charging documents, detectives named Robert Crowder and Rico Carr and said they were participants in the death. Crowder and Carr were arrested Wednesday and are expected to be presented each with a charge of first-degree murder.

According to charging documents in Hawkins' case, a witness told police that Hawkins, Crowder and Carr were involved in the attack on Willis. The witness said that Hawkins and Carr were talking about robbing Willis of his coat. Hawkins punched Willis in his chin, and Carr pointed a gun at Willis and demanded his coat. Hawkins then reached into Willis’ pocket and took his wallet, the witness said.

As Willis was removing his coat, the witness heard Crowder yell, “You’re taking too long.”

The witness said Crowder then puled out a knife and stabbed Willis several times, charging documents state.

Another witness told police that he saw Crowder leaving an alley near Hanover Street Northwest carrying a black coat. Shortly after, the witness saw Crowder washing blood off his hands, documents say. The witness asked Crowder where he got the coat, and according to the witness, Crowder said he had joined in on a beating that occurred in the alley and that he had stabbed someone.

Detectives later interviewed Crowder, documents in Hawkins' case state, and he said he had not been at the scene of the crime.

A press release from MPD is below.

October 2, 2013

Additional Arrests Made in 2010 Homicide: Unit Block of Hanover Place, NW

(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced additional arrests have been made in a fatal stabbing which occurred in the Unit block of Hanover Place, NW.

On Saturday, November 6, 2010, at approximately 3:30 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the Unit block of N Street, NW for the report of a stabbing. Upon their arrival they located a victim suffering from stab wounds. The investigation revealed that the stabbing occurred in the Unit block of Hanover Place, NW. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he was admitted. On November 22, 2010, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The decedent is identified as 19 year-old Kelvin Willis of Northeast, Washington, DC.

An adult male was arrested on August 21, 2013 and charged with First Degree Murder in connection with this case.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2013, Metropolitan Police Department’s Fugitive Squad arrested 22 year-old Robert Crowder and 23 year-old Rico Carr, pursuant to DC Superior Court arrest warrants charging them with First Degree Murder in the death of Kelvin Willis.

Judge: Probable Cause Ladonte Hawkins Participated in Kelvin Willis' Death

Penny Ray — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 14:08:27 -0400

Judge Ronna Beck found enough evidence Wednesday to believe that Ladonte Hawkins participated in the 2010 stabbing death of 19-year-old Kelvin Jamal Willis. Hawkins, 20, remains held while a grand jury investigates the case.

Willis was found stabbed in the Unit block of N Street Northwest Nov. 6, 2010, but detectives later determined that the stabbing took place in the Unit block of Hanover Place NW.

Metropolitan Police Detective Joseph Della-Camera testified at the preliminary hearing Wednesday and said that while in the hospital Willis told police he was attacked by three men, who then robbed him of his wallet and jacket, before stabbing him multiple times with a knife. Willis also told detectives that he knew the people who robbed him, Della-Camera said.

"There was a scheme; there was a plan— almost a conspiracy—to commit this robbery," Assistant U.S. Attorney George Pace argued Wednesday.

Willis died on Nov. 22, 2010, and a medical examiner determined his cause of death to be complications due to multiple stab wounds; the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Della-Camera said Wednesday that over the course of the investigation three witnesses came forward and implicated Hawkins, Robert Crowder and Rico Carr in Willis' death. One witness told police that Hawkins and Carr had talked about robbing Willis of his coat. Hawkins punched Willis in his chin, the witness said, and Carr pointed a gun at Willis and demanded his coat. Hawkins then reached into Willis’ pocket and took his wallet, and Carr hit Willis in the head with the gun.

Della-Camera said that as Willis was removing his coat, the witness heard Crowder yell, “You’re taking too long,” and then pull out a knife and stab Willis several times.

"Crowder attempted to gain benefit from the robbery that was started by Hawkins and Carr," Pace told the court.

Another witness told police that he saw Crowder leaving an alley near Hanover Street Northwest carrying a black coat, and shortly after saw Crowder washing blood off his hands. The witness told police that he asked Crowder where he got the coat and Crowder said he had joined in on a beating that occurred in the alley and that he had stabbed someone.

Court records do not indicate that Crowder or Carr have ever been arrested in connection with Willis’ death.

Hawkins is scheduled for a detention hearing before Judge Beck Friday.

Ladonte Hawkins Held in Connection with Kelvin Willis Murder

Penny Ray — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 17:01:54 -0400

Ladonte Hawkins was presented at D.C. Superior Court Thursday where Judge Karen Howze ruled there is enough evidence to hold him in connection with the 2010 stabbing death of 19-year-old Kelvin Jamal Willis. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 28.

Willis was found stabbed in the Unit block of N Street Northwest around 3:30 a.m. Nov. 6, 2010. Detectives later determined that the stabbing took place in the Unit block of Hanover Place NW.

Arrest documents say that while in the hospital, Willis told detectives that he was punched and attacked by three people, who then robbed him of his wallet containing $15, before stabbing him with a knife. Willis later told members of his family that he was also robbed of his coat, according to charging documents.

Willis died from his injuries on Nov. 22, 2010. A medical examiner determined the cause of death to be complications due to multiple stab wounds.

According to charging documents, a witness told police that three people were involved in the attack on Willis: Hawkins, Robert Crowder and Rico Carr. The witness said that Hawkins and Carr were talking about robbing Willis of his coat. Hawkins punched Willis in his chin, and Carr pointed a gun at Willis and demanded his coat. Hawkins then reached into Willis' pocket and took his wallet, the witness said.

As Willis was removing his coat, the witness heard Crowder yell, "You're taking too long."

The witness said Crowder then puled out a knife and stabbed Willis several times, charging documents state.

Detectives later interviewed Crowder, documents say, and he said he had not been at the scene of the crime.

Court records do not indicate that Crowder or Carr have ever been arrested in connection with Willis' death.

Charging documents have been added to the post below.

Hawkins, Ladonte Charging Papers (PDF)Hawkins, Ladonte Charging Papers (Text)

Ladonte Hawkins Arrested in Connection with 2010 Kelvin Willis Murder

Penny Ray — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:04:30 -0400

A Northeast D.C. man has been arrested in connection with the 2010 stabbing death of 19-year-old Kelvin Willis.

Willis was found stabbed in the Unit block of N Street Northwest around 3:30 a.m. Nov. 6, 2010. Detectives later determined that the stabbing took place in the Unit block of Hanover Place NW.

Willis died from his injuries two weeks later.

Members of the Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Ladonte Hawkins Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with Willis' death.

An MPD press release is after the jump.

Homicide Arrest: Unit Block of Hanover Place, NW

(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced an arrest in the fatal stabbing which occurred in the Unit block of Hanover Place, NW.

On Saturday, November 6, 2010, at approximately 3:30 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the Unit block of N Street, NW for the report of a stabbing. Upon their arrival they located a victim suffering from stab wounds. The investigation revealed that the stabbing occurred in the Unit block of Hanover Place, NW. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he was admitted. On November 22, 2010, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The decedent is identified as 19 year-old Kelvin Willis of Northeast, Washington, DC.

On Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at approximately 2:40 pm, members of the Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 20 year-old Ladonte Hawkins of NE, Washington, DC, pursuant to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with First Degree Murder in the death of Kelvin Willis.

Reward in Kelvin Willis homicide

Laura Amico — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 22:05:23 -0500

Northwest Stabbing Victim Dies

Laura Amico — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 14:18:50 -0500

A 19-year-old D.C. man stabbed Nov. 6 died of his injuries Monday, Nov. 22 and Metro Police are investigating his death as a homicide. Police identified the man as Kevin Willis of Northeast D.C.

Homicide in the Unit Block of Hanover Place, NW
Metropolitan Police Department | Nov 24, 2010
Quote: On Saturday, November 6, 2010, at approximately 3:30 am, units from the Fifth District responded to the Unit block of N Street, NW for the report of a stabbing. Upon their arrival they located a victim suffering from stab wounds. The investigation revealed that the stabbing occurred in the Unit block of Hanover Place, NW. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he was admitted. On November 22, 2010, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

District man dies from stabbing
Washington Post: Crime Scene | Nov 24, 2010
Quote: Kevin Willis, 19, of Northeast, died Monday of stab wounds he suffered Nov. 6 in an attack that District police said Wednesday is being investigated as a homicide.