Prosecution Offers Plea Deal to Dismiss Murder Charge

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 11, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

In light of recent DNA evidence, the prosecution in a 2016 homicide case, offered the defendant a plea deal June 8. The plea deal would dismiss all but one of the defendant’s charges.

The defendant, Sean Smith, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Matthew Walker. Smith, 38, also faces unlawful possession with a prior felony and carrying a pistol without a license charges.

According to court documents, Smith and Walker, 26, attended a party on the 900 block of Eastern Ave., NE in August 2016. Witnesses said the two men started arguing. Shortly after the argument, witnesses said they heard gunshots. Walker suffered from multiple gunshots to the upper body, including his heart and lungs.

Defense counsel said Walker pulled a gun on Smith and ultimately their client acted in self-defense. The prosecution said DNA testing found both Smith and Walkers’ DNA on the gun.

As a result, the prosecution offered a plea deal that would keep the unlawful possession charge and dismiss the murder and licensing charges. The plea deal will be available until Smith’s next hearing.

Based on the downgraded charges, the defense motioned to review Smith’s terms of release. While the defense was in favor of a full release, the prosecution argued for Smith to remain in prison.

In 2005, Smith went “on the run” for a month with relation to prior charges that were not related to the homicide. The prosecution said he could be a  potential flight risk.

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff said that while she acknowledges the prosecution’s argument, she believes  “the poster of the case is different now that the murder charge is gone.”

Judge Bartnoff said she is in favor of release with some level of supervision. She said she would make a ruling based on Smith’s pre-trial screening.

Smith is scheduled for a status hearing on June 13, where his release is expected to be discussed.