An 18-year-old defendant accepted a plea deal for a murder and two unrelated sexual assault cases in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 14.
Javier Montgomery faced charges of first-degree murder in the killing of Jermaine Durbin, 17, on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE on Oct. 3,2025. A Metropolitan Police Department officer responding to the scene became suspicious when he saw an individual running away wearing a black ski mask. Surveillance video captured the suspect brandishing a weapon and engaging in a scuffle with the victim.
Witness tips and a report from a former girlfriend of Montgomery’s confirmed she received several calls the night of the murder claiming that Montgomery had shot and killed someone.
In another incident on Sept. 5, 2025, police say a female victim reported that a suspect on a lime scooter pulled up to the woman, pointed a gun at her and ordered her to take off her shirt and bra, “proceeding to grope the [woman’s breasts] and then grabbed [her vagina].” The assault occurred on the 1800 block of Rhode Island, NE.
On Oct.1,2025, MPD officers from the sexual assault unit received a call that a suspect riding a lime colored scooter confronted a female victim on the 3900 block of 7th Street NE near the Brookland Metro station. The suspect said, “I’m about to rob you. I want all your stuff.”
At which point the victim surrendered a Louis Vuitton bag containing her wallet. As the attack continued the suspect forced the victim to the ground, pointed a gun at her head and demanded she perform oral sex on him. The episode lasted two minutes and was interrupted when a passerby startled the suspect and he fled.
During the hearing the prosecutor argued that had Montgomery’s cases come to trial he would have been found guilty on all counts. To each of the infractions, Montgomery acknowledged guilt by simply saying, “Yes, ma’am.”
Judge Dayson asked Montgomery if he and his attorney, Carrie Waletz, had reviewed the plea agreement and understood that the defendant was giving up his rights to a trial and to test the evidence in his cases. He affirmed his choices.
The three incidents were resolved by parties entering into an agreement which stipulates a sentencing range with the judge’s approval. Otherwise, the plea can be withdrawn.
For the murder, the range is 12-to-18 years. The sexual assault cases carries a potential 12-to-15 years in jail.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2027.
