Trial nears in music producer's slaying
Widow will face man accused of killing husband in Lake Arbor
by Liz Skalski | Staff Writer
Less than two months before the trial for her husband's murder is scheduled to begin — and more than three years since he died in her arms near their Lake Arbor home — Danielle Steele Brown is preparing to face the man accused of killing her husband, music producer Raymond Brown, known as "Scottie Beats."
"Having to sit and answer questions and be cross-examined by a group of attorneys who are willing to defend, to me, these monsters — that scares me," said Steele Brown, 37. "[But] I don't have a choice — I have to do this because if I don't, Scottie doesn't have a shot at having justice."
The trial is scheduled to begin May 10 and expected to last approximately three weeks. Jamaal Alexis, 23, of Landover was indicted July 31 on murder charges for Brown's death Oct. 13, 2006, three months after the Browns were married.
Alexis is accused of towing Brown's Chrysler 300 sedan early that morning, then allegedly shooting and killing Brown, 36, as he approached the tow truck.
During the trial, Alexis also be will tried for murder and retaliation for testimony for the October 2008 deaths of Bobby Ennels, 22, of Capitol Heights, an alleged accomplice in Brown's murder who was expected to testify against Alexis as a witness for the prosecution, and friend Anthony Cash III, 22, of Capitol Heights. They were found shot dead in a car in Landover.
In addition, Alexis will be tried for the attempted murder and first-degree assault of a 16-year-old girl who also was in the car.
Alexis is accused of arranging from jail to have Ennels killed by Alexis' brother, Rashadd Alexis, 21, of Landover. Rashadd Alexis was also indicted July 31 in Ennels' and Cash's deaths, as well as charges of attempted murder and first-degree assault of the girl, retaliation for testimony and handgun charges.
Rashadd Alexis' murder trial had been scheduled to begin May 10, but is expected to be delayed, although a new date has not yet been set.
Rashadd Alexis was indicted July 31 on 10 counts, including murder, first-degree assault and retaliation for testimony, among other charges, according to court documents.
Four days before jury selection for Jamaal Alexis' murder trial was scheduled to begin in January, the case was postponed for the seventh time to May to give the defense more time to prepare.
"My life stopped dead in its tracks [that night]. May 10 is the day the wheels start to move again," Steele Brown said. "I will never, ever see [my husband] again, but I don't think I can live with the possibility of them walking away. I know what I had to do as his wife. I wouldn't leave his side when he got shot, and I'm not going to leave his side before the trial is over.
Steele Brown is also fighting for continued representation by a crime victims' attorney during the trial.
In February, Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge William D. Missouri ruled that Steele Brown's crime victims' attorney for the last two years, Jani Tillery of Washington, D.C., would not be allowed to represent her because of jurisdictional limits to her license to practice in Maryland.
On behalf of Steele Brown, the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center Inc. in Upper Marlboro filed a motion after a March 12 hearing requesting that Tillery be reinstated as Steele Brown's representation. A ruling is expected in early April.
Steele Brown said she spent March 6, which would have been her husband's 40th birthday, with his closest friends.
"His birthday is always a beautiful day. I don't remember a March 6 since he's died that hasn't been a beautiful day. It was as if Scottie was smiling down on me," she said.
Steele Brown said she now finds herself thinking about the vacations she and her husband never enjoyed and the children they never had.
"The fact that I am 37 years old and I am no longer married and I don't have a family on my own, all those things I was robbed of. I waited 34 years for him, and he was snatched from me," she said.
Steele Brown said she began dating again a year ago, but it has been difficult because she still loves her husband and has not yet had closure because of the trial delays.
To help get her through the trial, Steele Brown said she is relying on her love for her husband and her faith for strength.
"I know [Raymond is] watching over me. I know God is watching over me," she said.
E-mail Liz Skalski eskalski@gazette.net.
Mar 29, 2010
Jan 5, 2010
Attorney Needed
We are currently looking to fill a Staff Attorney position. No phone calls please. Respond via email to Tabu Morris at tabu@mdcrimevictims.org, and include three professional references.
THE MARYLAND CRIME VICTIMS’ RESOURCE CENTER, INC.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Staff Attorney- Maryland Classification: Exempt
Work Schedule: Full-Time Reports to: Director of Services
Position Summary: This position is responsible for the representation of crime victims’ and other duties as assigned by their supervisor and written into their grants.
Primary Duties and Essential Functions:
Attorney needed to represent crime victims regarding their crime victims’ rights in criminal prosecution
Attorney will respond to incoming requests for legal assistance
Complete legal evaluations
Develop cases
Training
Conduct outreach activities
Provide direct legal representation to victims in criminal cases in trial courts as well as on the appellate level
Other duties as assigned
Experience:
Law degree and bar membership required. Preferred experience with victim services and victims’ rights required. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs a plus.
Salary Range:
- Salary range: $45,000 ($21.63 / hour)- $65,000 ($31.25 / hour)
OVC 2009 Report to the Nation
Several of MCVRC's programs were featured in the The Office for Victims of Crime's 2009 Report to the Nation, which can be found online here: http://tiny.cc/zmOCQ
Dec 2, 2009
Nov 24, 2009
For Immediate Release: November 15, 2009
Contact: Merry O’Brien, Project Director
301-952-0063 or merry@mdcrimevictims.org
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. Announces New Elder Justice Community Coalition
Upper Marlboro, Maryland – The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) is pleased to announce a grant award to support the development of a new, local Elder Justice Community Coalition in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Calvert Counties. The multidisciplinary coalition will seek to improve elder abuse awareness and intervention efforts in the tri-county area. Interested organizations focusing on senior issues are invited to attend and can call Project Director Merry O’Brien at 301-952-0063 for more information.
In July, th
e National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) awarded funding to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) to support the development of local elder abuse prevention networks. The project provides on-site training and technical assistance to organizations developing new elder justice coalitions. The project is supported by a grant (No. 90AM3145) from the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
An application was distributed by NCPEA in late July 2009 to all Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Grantees, as well as to community organizations around the country. Seventy proposals were evaluated by a review committee made up of NCPEA board members. MCVRC was one of 12 organizations selected to receive grants in the amount of $10,000 each as seed money to assist in developing new local multi-disciplinary elder justice networks.
In making the announcement, MCVRC Executive Director Russell P. Butler, stated, “Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center has proven leadership in providing comprehensive services to crime victims throughout Maryland. MCVRC is delighted to partner with the NCEA to bring awareness to elder abuse in our community.”
# # # # #
Contact: Merry O’Brien, Project Director
301-952-0063 or merry@mdcrimevictims.org
Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. Announces New Elder Justice Community Coalition
Upper Marlboro, Maryland – The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) is pleased to announce a grant award to support the development of a new, local Elder Justice Community Coalition in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, and Calvert Counties. The multidisciplinary coalition will seek to improve elder abuse awareness and intervention efforts in the tri-county area. Interested organizations focusing on senior issues are invited to attend and can call Project Director Merry O’Brien at 301-952-0063 for more information.
In July, th
e National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) awarded funding to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) to support the development of local elder abuse prevention networks. The project provides on-site training and technical assistance to organizations developing new elder justice coalitions. The project is supported by a grant (No. 90AM3145) from the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An application was distributed by NCPEA in late July 2009 to all Area Agencies on Aging and Title VI Grantees, as well as to community organizations around the country. Seventy proposals were evaluated by a review committee made up of NCPEA board members. MCVRC was one of 12 organizations selected to receive grants in the amount of $10,000 each as seed money to assist in developing new local multi-disciplinary elder justice networks.
In making the announcement, MCVRC Executive Director Russell P. Butler, stated, “Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center has proven leadership in providing comprehensive services to crime victims throughout Maryland. MCVRC is delighted to partner with the NCEA to bring awareness to elder abuse in our community.”
# # # # #
Sep 24, 2009
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nancy Ruhe
September 9, 2009 POMC Director
(888) 818-7662 Office
513-543-8183 cell
natlpomc@aol.com
Yang Zhao
MCVRC
301-952-0063
www.mdcrimevictims.org
Washington, D.C.- - - The 3rd annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder
Victims will be observed on Friday, September 25th, 2009. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and hosted by the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC). This special observance honors the lives of murder victims; publicly recognizes the impact of homicide on their surviving family members and friends; and pays tribute to those organizations that work with and provide services to survivors of homicide victims.
Since the year 2000, more than 113,000 persons have been murdered in the United States. Last year alone, 16,742 individuals lost their lives through acts of human violence. 1] For all these murder victims, there are untold numbers of mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, friends, co-workers, and neighbors whose lives are forever altered by the tragedy and horror of suddenly losing a loved one.
The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims sends a powerful message to these courageous survivors, family members and friends that we, as a Nation, remember their tragedy, honor their courage, and vow to do whatever we can to help them rebuild their lives.
· An educational symposium will be held at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., Washington, from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
· A Candlelight Vigil will take place at The National Press Club, 529 14th Street, Washington, DC, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Survivors of homicide victims from across the United States will be in attendance as well as criminal justice professionals and those interested in public policy. Dan Levey, National President of POMC, said “The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims is a reminder to everyone in our nation that our loved ones lived, loved, and laughed and that we will never forget them.” Survivors will be able to speak to the media.
POMC was founded in 1978 by Robert and Charlotte Hullinger in Cincinnati
Ohio, after the murder of their 19-year-old daughter Lisa. POMC has grown significantly over the past 30 years with more than 300 Chapters and Representatives across the country. The mission of POMC is to make a difference through on-going emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy and awareness.
MADD was founded in 1980 out of the outrage of one grieving California mother who simply said “enough.” From that moment on, faces and names took the place of what were previously just statistics. The first seeds were planted in what is still today one of the most widely recognized and influential grassroots groups in our country. The mission of MADD is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
MCVRC was founded originally as the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation by Roberta and Vince Roper after the kidnapping, rape, and murder of their daughter, Stephanie. MCVRC’s mission is "To ensure that victims of crime receive justice and are treated with dignity and compassion through comprehensive victims' rights and services." As a victim and legal service provider, MCVRC is a national leader for victims’ rights and service both for individual victims and as a voice for victims of crime.
For more information about the free event or about the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. please call their toll-free number (888) 818-7662 or visit our web site at www.pomc.org.
For more information about the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. please call them in the D.C. metropolitan area on 301-952-0063 or their toll-free number (877) VICTIM-1 or visit their web site at www.mdcrimevictims.org or email on mail@mdcrimevictims.org
For more information about Mothers Against Drunk Driving please call their toll-free number 1-877-MADD-HELP or (877) 623-3435 or visit their web site at www.madd.org.
###
1] Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports (Washington, DC: Federal
Investigation); for more information, see http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nancy Ruhe
September 9, 2009 POMC Director
(888) 818-7662 Office
513-543-8183 cell
natlpomc@aol.com
Yang Zhao
MCVRC
301-952-0063
www.mdcrimevictims.org
Washington, D.C.- - - The 3rd annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder
Victims will be observed on Friday, September 25th, 2009. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and hosted by the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. (POMC), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC). This special observance honors the lives of murder victims; publicly recognizes the impact of homicide on their surviving family members and friends; and pays tribute to those organizations that work with and provide services to survivors of homicide victims.
Since the year 2000, more than 113,000 persons have been murdered in the United States. Last year alone, 16,742 individuals lost their lives through acts of human violence. 1] For all these murder victims, there are untold numbers of mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, friends, co-workers, and neighbors whose lives are forever altered by the tragedy and horror of suddenly losing a loved one.
The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims sends a powerful message to these courageous survivors, family members and friends that we, as a Nation, remember their tragedy, honor their courage, and vow to do whatever we can to help them rebuild their lives.
· An educational symposium will be held at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., Washington, from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
· A Candlelight Vigil will take place at The National Press Club, 529 14th Street, Washington, DC, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Survivors of homicide victims from across the United States will be in attendance as well as criminal justice professionals and those interested in public policy. Dan Levey, National President of POMC, said “The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims is a reminder to everyone in our nation that our loved ones lived, loved, and laughed and that we will never forget them.” Survivors will be able to speak to the media.
POMC was founded in 1978 by Robert and Charlotte Hullinger in Cincinnati
Ohio, after the murder of their 19-year-old daughter Lisa. POMC has grown significantly over the past 30 years with more than 300 Chapters and Representatives across the country. The mission of POMC is to make a difference through on-going emotional support, education, prevention, advocacy and awareness.
MADD was founded in 1980 out of the outrage of one grieving California mother who simply said “enough.” From that moment on, faces and names took the place of what were previously just statistics. The first seeds were planted in what is still today one of the most widely recognized and influential grassroots groups in our country. The mission of MADD is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
MCVRC was founded originally as the Stephanie Roper Committee and Foundation by Roberta and Vince Roper after the kidnapping, rape, and murder of their daughter, Stephanie. MCVRC’s mission is "To ensure that victims of crime receive justice and are treated with dignity and compassion through comprehensive victims' rights and services." As a victim and legal service provider, MCVRC is a national leader for victims’ rights and service both for individual victims and as a voice for victims of crime.
For more information about the free event or about the National Organization of Parents Of Murdered Children, Inc. please call their toll-free number (888) 818-7662 or visit our web site at www.pomc.org.
For more information about the Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. please call them in the D.C. metropolitan area on 301-952-0063 or their toll-free number (877) VICTIM-1 or visit their web site at www.mdcrimevictims.org or email on mail@mdcrimevictims.org
For more information about Mothers Against Drunk Driving please call their toll-free number 1-877-MADD-HELP or (877) 623-3435 or visit their web site at www.madd.org.
###
1] Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports (Washington, DC: Federal
Investigation); for more information, see http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.
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