A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him on June 26.
Keonte Johnson, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while committing a robbery, armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a lisence outside a home or business. He was arrested after a witness identified him by photo.
Johnson is accused of shooting and killing Deandre Hawkins on the 5300 block of E Street, SE on April 22, 2019. According to arrest records, Johnson allegedly struggled with Hawkins over a bag that belonged to the victim.
After the charges were read by DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s clerk, Johnson and his attorney entered a plea of not guilty.
Johnson will next appear in court on Sept. 4 to discuss the status of his case and any evidence that was recovered from the crime scene. He is being held without bail.
