Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty To Shooting Coworker

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 15, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On Feb. 15, a murder defendant pleaded guilty  to manslaughter, a downgrade from his original charge.

Wright Koonce, also known as Koonce Wright, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for shooting his coworker, 45-year-old Brian Gibson, on the 6900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017. Apparently, the two men were shuttle bus drivers for G&M Limo Service. Koonce, 60, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed. 

Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution would downgrade Koonce’s murder charge and dismiss his remaining charges, including possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Koonce could be sentenced to five years in prison.

According to the prosecution, Koonce told his supervisor that he and Gibson got into an argument that turned physical. Koonce said Gibson hit him in the face and that some of his teeth fell out.

Koonce told his supervisor that he got his revolver and shot Gibson, who was running away. Apparently, Gibson fell after he was shot, and that’s when Koonce stood over him and fired an additional shot.

Koonce is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17.