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By
Laura Berol
- June 26, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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Although James Outland‘s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, stated that his client would like more time to consider a plea deal offered by the prosecution, the deal’s rejection by Outland’s codefendant, Bobby Gupton, at a hearing on June 21 denied Outland that opportunity.
Outland and Gupton, both 26 years old, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.
The prosecution extended a pre-indictment offer that would have required Outland and Gupton to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking indictment on any greater charges. The offer was wired, meaning that both defendants would have to accept it for it to take effect.
Gupton’s lawyer, Lisbeth Sapirstein, told DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on June 21 that her client rejected the plea deal.
Sapirstein requested that Gupton be released from DC Jail and given home detention pending trial, since he has no prior criminal record.
Bruckheim also requested home detention for Outland, stating that his only previous conviction was for possession of a BB gun, which Bruckheim said was a fine-only offense. Noting that Outland had multiple relatives attending the hearing virtually, Bruckheim argued that Outland enjoyed strong support from his family and could live with them.
Judge Demeo instructed the defense attorneys to file their motions for pretrial release in writing.
The next hearing for this case is scheduled for Aug. 15.