A homicide defendant rejected a wired plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on May 13.
Byron Sneed, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, drive-by or random shooting, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Raymond Washington on June 30, 2024 on the 4100 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. Washington sustained a single gunshot wound to his lower left back that damaged his heart and left lung.
During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Ryan they had extended a plea deal to Sneed and his co-defendant, Treshawn Herndon, 18, which would require Sneed to plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for the prosecution dismissing the other charge.
Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentence in the middle of the sentencing range. It is unclear what that range would be, as Sneed’s criminal history score was not discussed.
Erin Scialpi, Sneed’s attorney, alerted the court that he did not want to accept it. A “wired” plea means all defendants must agree to the terms for the deal to be valid.
Parties also discussed Sneed’s continued hospitalization. Judge Ryan stated he is compliant with all release conditions, and has consistently checked in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).
“Keep up the good work with your release,” Judge Ryan told Sneed, wishing him well with his recovery.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.
