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By
Jeff Levine
- December 16, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Juveniles
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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In a brief Dec. 16 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, Rico Parker, 43, was arraigned in connection to the fatal shooting of a teenager.
Parker is charged in a three count indictment for first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unauthorized possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting Jabari Malloy, 17. The incident occurred on Feb. 25, 2024, on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW.
Parker’s attorney, David Akulian, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, asserting Parker’s constitutional right to a speedy trial.
According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, Malloy was hit with gunfire multiple times in what was ruled a homicide.
Judge O’Keefe found probable cause that Parker committed the crime in April based on surveillance footage and a cell phone call made by the victim to the suspect around the time of the shooting.
In the affidavit filed by police, Parker was described by witnesses as “not a good person” who was known to threaten others. At one point he purportedly said to Malloy, “Don’t you ever f****n talk to me like that. People in the streets don’t even talk to me like that.”
During the investigation, police say Parker spoke with them voluntarily. Tearfully, he said, “I loved that dude.”
Akulian asked the judge for a status hearing and requested discovery evidence from the prosecution. The prosecution acknowledged the request and said it was assembling a large amount of electronic evidence in the case.
Judge O’Keefe set a status hearing for Feb. 11.