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By
Carolyn Flammini [former]
, Rohan Naval [former] - February 14, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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On Feb. 14, a homicide defendant accepted a plea offer extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun..
James Jackson, 30, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in the death of 29-year-old Christian Monje. The incident occurred on May 30, 2022, on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW.
According to court documents, the incident stemmed from a dispute between the two individuals, when Jackson brandished a firearm and allegedly shot Monje in the head. He was found unresponsive and transferred to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on June 16, 2022.
During the hearing, Jackson’s defense attorneys, Jeremy Feldman and Richard Finci, alerted the court that the parties had come to an agreement. It required Jackson to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 19-to-23 years of incarceration, with five years of supervised release.
The prosecution stated that, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Jackson shot Monje in the head, before fleeing. They would have also shown DNA evidence linking the murder weapon to Jackson, and shown cell site data to the same effect. The prosecution stated they would have also proved there was no case of self-defense in Jackson’s actions.
Jackson will be sentenced based on the court’s acceptance or denial of the plea and his criminal history score.
Monje’s family told D.C Witness that they “were looking for justice” and that proceedings have been “going on for too long”. They emphasized that the process has been “stressful for the family.”
Sentencing is set for May 31.