A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz in a hearing on April 24.
Orlando Anderson, 32, is charged with second-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 32-year-old Jeremy Johnson on Feb. 12, 2024 on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW. Johnson sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and chest.
According to court documents, Anderson and another individual boarded a Metrobus around two a. m, Johnson boarded the bus shortly after. Johnson reportedly followed them off the bus as they left and for a few blocks, before Anderson turned around and allegedly fired two shots and then fled the scene.
Prosecutors read aloud the plea agreement that they had extended which would require Anderson to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, prosecutors would limit their sentencing request to 13 years in prison and dismiss any greater or remaining charges.
Gemma Stevens, Anderson’s attorney, told Judge Kravitz that her client rejected the plea offer and that they would be going forward with the scheduled trial in May 2027.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 28.
