2016 Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

By Sadie Herman [former] - January 12, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 12, a 2016 homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

Master Matthew Thomas, 37, was originally charged with felony murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the shooting 59-year-old Chijioke Agbakahion on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on Aug. 5, 2016. Thomas is also charged with first and second-degree murder in Prince George’s County, MD.

During the hearing, the prosecution explained that they offered a plea deal to Thomas that would require he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges, for this case only. 

The prosecution explained that this case is unique due to a variety of factors. They explained there are weaknesses in their prosecution against Thomas if it were to go to trial, including a crucial witness who is deceased. Additionally, they explained that there have been scientific issues with their firearms evidence, and that overall they do not believe they have much of a case against Thomas. 

Thomas’ defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, informed the court that Thomas would be accepting this plea deal. 

Judge O’Keefe then informed Thomas about what plea deal means and ensured that Thomas wanted to proceed with it. Thomas accepted the plea. 

Parties are expected to reconvene on March 22 for sentencing.