Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to 2016 Homicide

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Instead of going to trial, which was scheduled to begin on Dec.10, a murder defendant accepted a plea deal for his role in a homicide that occurred in 2016.

Nathaniel Taylor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for fatally shooting 23-year-old Nuru Frenche on the 4900 block of Just Street, NE.

In January, Anthony Blackmone pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and attempted robbery in connection to Frenche’s death. Blackmone, 23, was sentenced to six years in prison.

According to the prosecution, the group of men were conducting a purchase of firearms when Blackmone “initiated a conflict” with Frenche, who was holding $500 at the time. Taylor, 25, who the prosecution said was not involved with the conflict, shot Frenche.

Per the terms of the agreement, the prosecution downgraded Taylor’s felony murder charge to second-degree murder while armed and agreed to drop all of his remaining charges,  including conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Contingent on the judge’s approval, Taylor could be sentenced to 12-20 years in prison.

Taylor’s sentencing is scheduled on March 8, 2019.