A defendant who killed his cousin’s romantic partner accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 17.
Charles Best, 28, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder, 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 involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 18, 2024 at the 1600 block of Rosedale St, NE that killed Darius Robinson, 35.
According to court documents, Robinson was in a romantic relationship with Best’s cousin, a witness to the homicide.
At the hearing, Best’s attorney, Megan Allburn, told Judge Ryan that her client accepted a plea offer from the prosecutor that required Best to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss any greater or remaining charges and limit their sentence recommendation to 14-to-20 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Ryan’s approval. Best must also register as a gun offender in DC.
The prosecutor said that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that while Best was putting his coat on at the door, he shot Robinson who was sitting at a table. There were children upstairs at the time. Police found seven nine-mm cartridge cases near the victim’s body.
Judge Ryan questioned Best to ensure that he knowingly and willingly pleaded guilty.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 18.
