A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 21.
Walter Parker, 48, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 77-year-old Bernard Williams on the 400 block of M Street, SE, on April 23.
Parker rejected a plea offer that the prosecution had previously extended, which would have had him plead guilty to second-degree murder. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek any other charges and would ask for the guideline sentence of 12-to-24 years.
Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 9.