Manslaughter Defendant to Plead Guilty in Hit-And-Run Case

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Defense attorney Kevann Gardner informed DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on July 24 of his client’s intent to agree to an extended plea offer, but requested additional time to fully discuss it.

Andre Johnson, 31, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run fatality of 18-year-old Madison Jones. The incident occurred June 8, 2023 near the intersection of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Jones was in the car with her boyfriend and boyfriend’s mother when another vehicle ran a red light, crashed into the victim’s car, and the driver fled from the scene. The registered owner of the vehicle, reportedly Johnson’s foster sibling, reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Johnson was allegedly driving the car at the time of the incident.

Johnson reportedly did not have a valid driver’s license. The car’s owner alleged Johnson was a regular drug and alcohol user and believed him to be under the influence at the time of the crash, according to court documents.

As per documents, at the time of the incident, Johnson was on release in two cases for driving without a valid license.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Okun that a plea offer had been extended to the defense but was going to soon expire. The offer required Johnson to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, assault with intent to kill, and intended assault with intent to kill, which could result in a prison sentence of more than twenty years.

Through the deal, the prosecution would not seek any increased penalties – based on Jones’ age or Johnson’s not having a license or being under the influence – charges and would not seek indictment.

Gardner, stated that the defense waited this long to provide a response because Johnson needed to be certain about “the most important decision” of his life. Gardner then told Judge Okun that as of now, Johnson has agreed to accept the deal.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 2 for Johnson’s final decision.