Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Oct. 10.

Trevon Devore, 24, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Daqual Covington on May 17, 2021, on the unit block of O Street, SW.

During the hearing, Devore’s attorney, Veronice Holt, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal extended by prosecutors. The deal required Devore to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in connection to this incident, and carrying a pistol without a license, in connection to a 2020 incident in which he was found to be illegally carrying a weapon.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges, and not seek a sentence longer than 12 years of incarceration.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Devore, while walking with a group of individuals, shot Covington in the back and killed him. The prosecutor argued Devore acted with the intent to injure or kill Covington, and with disregard for his life.

A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Dec. 13.