In a brief arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 9, Walter Parker, 49, pleaded not guilty to murder in a brutal beating.
Parker, 49, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in killing 77-year-old Bernard Williams on the 400 block of M Street, SE, on April 23.
Parker earlier rejected a plea offer to accept a count of second-degree murder. In exchange, the prosecution would not file other charges and agree to a guideline sentence of 12-to-24 years.
In an indictment filed on Dec. 17 Parker is charged with murder of a senior citizen, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and destruction of property of less than $1,000.
According to court documents, Williams was beaten in the head dozens of times and was ultimately declared brain dead as a result of his injuries.
During the arraignment, Parker’s attorney, Howard McEachern, indicated he might enter an insanity plea on his client’s behalf, though it is unlikely. Judge Park said an insanity plea would require rescheduling to accommodate the additional complexity.
Judge Park urged McEachern to “take charge of your client.”
The trial is currently scheduled for May 17, 2027.
