DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted a fatal shooting defendant’s request for more time to consider his plea deal on Feb. 13.
Damion Brown, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jordan Coates that occurred on Sept. 9, 2023, on the 1200 block of Duncan Place, NE. Coates sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
During the hearing, Brown considered a deal from prosecutors that would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and robbery while armed in exchange for dismissal of all remaining charges.. Under the plea agreement, Brown would receive a total sentence of 15-to-19 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing.
While Judge Dayson was confirming Brown’s understanding of the plea agreement, she asked if he had enough time to consider the plea and discuss it with his attorneys, Lauren Moorhouse and Kevin O’Sullivan. Brown responded by saying no because he had only considered the deal for a week.
Judge Dayson stated that Brown can and should take more time to think about the plea.
After taking a moment to discuss with Brown, Morehouse and O’Sullivan requested a little more time for their client to sit with the plea decision. Without objection from prosecutors, Judge Dayson granted the request.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 17.
