The man accused in the 2015 fatal shooting of 38-year-old Marcus Manor rejected a plea offer today and now awaits jury selection.
Demetrius Brandon, 29, a resident of Temple Hills, Md., was arrested on May 8, 2017, and charged with first-degree murder while armed.
Manor was shot on the 2900 block of Sherman Ave, NW on Oct. 20, 2015. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Brandon decided in court today to reject a government plea offer that would’ve guaranteed a sentence of anywhere from 18 to 42 months. Brandon would’ve needed to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while unarmed. He decided to proceed with the trial.
Judge Danya Dayson hopes to begin jury selection on Jan. 31. The prosecution team, led by Attorney Edward O’Connell, foresees a four to five day trial, and continues to finalize its line of witnesses.
In addition to Brandon, Kevin Chase, 29, a resident of Northwest D.C., was the first suspect arrested in relation to Manor’s murder. Chase was taken into custody on Oct. 26, 2015 and also charged with first-degree murder while armed.
Chase will also appear in court on Jan. 31 for a status hearing, but his trial will take place after Brandon’s trial.
