One co-defendant pleaded guilty to manslaughter while his co-defendant agreed to a trial in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 12.
Roy Jordan, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW, on Nov. 20, 2023.
Donell Thomas, 33, is charged with accessory after the fact for assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in helping Jordan avoid prosecution.
Jordan’s defense attorney, Antoini Jones, alerted Judge Brandt that his client agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for the crime which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
The prosecutor said that had the case gone to trial, Jordan would have been found guilty of Love’s fatal shooting in what amounted to a gun battle. However, the prosecutor said Jordan did not fire in self-defense and that he was “the aggressor” in the incident.
Judge Brandt detailed the rights that Jordan was waiving with his plea including a jury trial and an appeal of his case if convicted. When Jordan acknowledged the terms, Judge Brandt said, “I find him guilty.” In return for the guilty plea, the prosecutor agreed to drop the remaining charges against Jordan.
Meanwhile, Jordan and Thomas had been offered a “wired” plea meaning that both defendants would have to accept the terms for the agreement to be valid. However, during negotiations, the pleas became “unwired”.
Now Thomas is scheduled to stand trial as an accessory after the fact on May 26, 2026. He is represented by Jesse Winograd.
