A staffing shortage at the DC Jail kept a shooting co-defendant from appearing in court to accept or reject a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 16.
Charles Turner, 38, and Kharee Jackson, 32, are charged with conspiracy, eight counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unarmed carjacking, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, second-degree burglary, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE, that injured three people.
Jackson was not present in court. He was among approximately 40 defendants who could not be transported to the courthouse by 10:30 a.m. due to insufficient staffing.
As a result, defense attorney Sara Kopecki formally waived Jackson’s presence for the hearing. The court acknowledged the logistical issue and proceeded without him.
Kopecki also addressed matters related to the ongoing plea negotiations. She said the prosecution was willing to offer an extension on the plea deal deadline, but only if the defense agreed to move a previously scheduled motion hearing.
Despite this potential extension, Turner’s defense attorney made it clear that Turner had already made a decision and intended to reject the plea offer.
The plea offer involved pleading guilty to two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges. The proposed sentencing range was between 21-and-36 years.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 23.
