A murder defendant rejected a plea offer and parties set a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on July 13.
Elijah Washington, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree burglary while armed, threats to do bodily harm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and two counts of obstruction of justice. Elijah’s charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old David Washington on Sept. 15, 2024 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.
According to court documents, Elijah and another individual reportedly kicked down the door to David’s apartment before allegedly shooting him six times.
Prosecutors offered Elijah a plea deal that would have required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for them dropping all other charges. The prosecution would also agree to limit their sentence request to 22 years in prison. Elijah rejected the plea agreement, stating that his attorney, Kevin Mosley, had explained the terms to him earlier.
The prosecution noted that they had expected Elijah to reject the plea offer. As a result, Judge Park decided to proceed with setting a trial date of Feb. 28, 2028.
Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 10.
