Homicide Defendants Accept Plea Deal

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Two homicide co-defendants accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct. 1.

Georgio Hyles, 27, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convict, and attempted robbery while armed.

Omar Williams, 27, was originally charged with attempted robbery while armed and felony murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery.

The charges stem from Hyles and Williams’ involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Anthony Depetris on the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Nov. 5, 2021.

During the hearing, Teresa Kleiman, Hyles’ attorney, alerted Judge Epstein he would be accepting the deal, which required Hyles to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 17 years of incarceration.

Likewise, Stephen LoGerfo, Williams’ attorney, alerted Judge Epstein he would be accepting the deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to an 11 year sentence.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Hyles, Williams, and now-deceased 22-year-old Kinnon Abdullah, were in Williams’ car, which he drove, as they approached an intersection near the incident location.

Prosecutors told Judge Epstein that Abdullah and Hyles exited the vehicle and attempted to rob Depetris. As Depetris attempted to get away, Abdullah and Hyles unleashed multiple shots, killing him.

Hyles and Williams agreed with the prosecution’s version of the facts.

LoGerfo requested Williams undergo a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) Study, which would let Judge Epstein know whether or not he’s a good candidate for a YRA sentencing. A sentencing under the YRA allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed once they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Hyles is not eligible for the YRA.

The prosecution did not oppose Williams’ request for a study, but stated they’d be opposing the request for a YRA sentence during the sentencing hearing. It’s up to the judge to determine the sentence.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 13.