Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty But Considers Plea Deal

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo in a felony arraignment on June 17.

Damion Brown, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of large capacity feeding device, and unlawful possession of firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year old Jordan Coates on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE, on Sept. 9, 2023.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to an incident where Coates was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Brown was later identified as the alleged shooter through Ring camera footage and witness testimony. Life-saving measures for Coates were unsuccessful.

Todd Baldwin, Brown’s defense attorney, alerted the court he was pleading not guilty to all indictment charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. Meanwhile, he is considering an unspecified prosecution plea offer.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 23.