A defendant pleaded not guilty to charges in the second homicide case against him at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Aug. 13.
Rodney Whiting, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm. The charges stem from Whiting’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Jan. 25, 2025 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE. Pratt suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
In a separate case filed on July 29, Whiting is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and first-degree theft. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Sean Crawford on April 4, 2024 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. Crawford succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 19, 2025.
The courtroom clerk formally arraigned Whiting on the new charges he faces. Matthew Davies, Whiting’s attorney, entered into a plea of not guilty on his behalf, requested evidence in the case, and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.
According to the prosecutor, they completed substantial testing in the newly filed case that includes DNA and fingerprint evidence.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing in both of Whiting’s cases on Dec. 11.
