A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on May 6.
Jakiem Miller, 28, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior crime of violence, and obstructing justice for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Avon Perkins on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Dec. 17, 2022. A woman sustained injuries during the incident, but survived.
On Feb. 13, Judge Edelman granted the defendant’s motion for a mistrial due to a defense attorney’s personal emergency.
During the hearing, Megan Allburn alerted Judge Edelman of Miller’s intent to accept an agreement which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
According to the prosecution, had they re-tried the case, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that after an incident at a bar, Miller and Perkins got into a discussion on the street, during which Perkins punched Miller on the face. As Perkins attempted to leave the area, Miller shot at him multiple times, striking him twice, and injuring the woman who was leaving a pizza shop next door.
The prosecution argued Miller did not act in self-defense, and had no legal justification for his actions.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 10.
