First-Degree Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

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On April 19, a first-degree murder suspect rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors.

Kevin Singletary, 45, is charged with premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly shooting 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW. 

The prosecuting attorney alerted the court that he had extended a plea offer to Singletary in March, which would have his lessened his charge to second-degree murder. Under the reduced charge, Singletary would be expected to serve between 13 and 25 years for the offense. 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo asked Singletary if he had made a decision regarding the offer, to which he replied that he would be rejecting the offer and asking for a new trial date. 

A new trial date was set for May 2024 after the defense motioned for a continuance of the August 2023 trial date. 

Parties are expected back for a status hearing on Aug. 11.