In a hearing on Friday, Lamont Mcdonald pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Malachi Yisrael.
On July 5, Malachi Yisrael and one other man were found by police with apparent gunshot wounds in the 300 block of 50th St., NE. Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where Yisrael succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
According to Lamont McDonald’s arrest warrant, he and Yisrael had been partaking in an illegal drug sale when they got into an argument that led to McDonald being struck in the face. The scuffled continued, and while on the ground, McDonald proceeded to shoot at Yisrael. Another male in the vicinity began shooting at McDonald shortly after. Yisrael was found with eight gunshot wounds.
McDonald was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed and is being tried as an adult. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while armed. As part of his agreement, his other charges will be dropped and he will expect a maximum sentence of five years of incarceration.
The defense requested for his release before his sentencing, as his uncle had promised to take care of him. Judge Lopez was not “comfortable” deciding release and denied this request.
McDonald is expected to have a full report and sentencing on Feb. 16 of 2018.
