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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- April 26, 2019
Court
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Homicides
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Policy
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During a hearing April 25, a teenage murder defendant pleaded guilty for his role in the death of a man who was killed outside of his grandmother’s home.
Jamal Blocker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 23-year-old Damon Dickens on the 2500 block of Bowen Road, SE on Sept. 24, 2018. According to the Washington Post, Dickens was visiting from out of town. family believes that he wasn’t the intended target.
Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to downgrade Blocker’s first-degree murder charge to second-degree murder while armed. As stated in the 2018 voluntary sentencing guidelines, Blocker, 17, could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
While Blocker is a minor, DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck said he is not eligible to be sentenced under the Youth Act. Title I of the Youth Rehabilitation Amendment Act of 2018 states that eligible minors have to be charged with offenses other than murder.
According to a proffer of facts, Blocker approached Dickens and an unidentified individual, whom he knew, and opened fire. Apparently, Blocker fled the scene.
Blocker is currently being held in a juvenile facility, according to DC Courts. Per the defense’s request, he will remain in the facility until his sentencing, which is scheduled on Aug. 23.