A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 14.
Nathaniel Washington, 20, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 7 on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE.
Washington’s defense attorney, Chantal Baptiste, informed Judge Arthur that Washington intended to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). The law effectively seals a defendant’s record if he successfully completes his sentence.
The plea deal required Washington to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment and dismissing all other charges in the case.
Baptiste said Washington had decided to waive his right to independently test any DNA evidence.
The prosecution told the court that, on Feb, 7, Nathaniel and another suspect began shooting at the victim’s vehicle as he was driving away. The prosecution added that police conducting a search of Washington’s residence found a nine-millimeter Glock on Feb. 19.
Washington and his accomplice “were not acting in reasonable self-defense,” said the prosecution.
Judge Arthur found a factual basis for the plea offer and accepted Washington’s guilty plea.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sep. 15 for sentencing.
