A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal at a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 13.
Kenneth Coleman, 37, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of more than a year. These charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Jireh Martinez on Nov. 13, 2023, at the 1300 block of Valley Place, SE. Martinez sustained a single gunshot wound to his temple and died at the scene.
According to the agreement, Coleman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, and prosecutors dismissed all remaining charges against him. Both parties agreed on a sentencing range of 18-to-22 years in prison, subject to Judge Dayson’s approval at sentencing.
Prosecutors stated that, if the case had gone to trial, the evidence would have proved that Coleman held a gun to Martinez’s head and said, “give it to me.” Coleman then shot Martinez once in the temple.According to court documents, Coleman stole Martinez’s phone during the assault.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 25 for Coleman’s sentencing.
