A shooting defendant declined a plea offer during a hearing on Oct. 3 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.
Demarco Bates, 19, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 10 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. Two individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
During the hearing, Bates’ defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, affirmed his client’s decision to reject the prosecution’s plea offer during the hearing. If accepted, Bates would have pleaded guilty to the assault and firearm possession charges in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
According to the prosecution, they are seeking more serious charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed, which would transfer the case from the Felony 3 calendar to the Felony 1 calendar, which may impact the previously scheduled trial date for January.
A status hearing is scheduled for Nov. 14.
