Judge Gives Homicide Defendant Time to Consider Plea Offer

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun presided over a preliminary hearing as the prosecution presented a plea offer and case evidence for a murder defendant.

Raheem Gafari, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of 24-year-old Davon Sullivan on May 4, 2022, on the 2300 block of Green Street, SE.

The prosecution offered the defendant a plea deal for a 13-to-17-year sentence in exchange for pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed.

Gagari’s defense attorneys Brandi Harden and Sellano Simmons requested additional time to consider this offer as the case is still in its early stages. Judge Okun granted this request.

During the Oct. 7 hearing, the prosecution also admitted evidence to establish probable cause, including a map depicting the crime scene and footage from the incident.

The footage displaying the shooting, showing Gafari shooting Sullivan several times after the two men appeared to engage in a verbal dispute. A witness is seen standing between them, attempting to mediate the altercation; however, his efforts fail as the defendant is seen pulling a black handgun from his bag and firing at the victim.

In response to this evidence, Harden and Simmons objected, asserting that the prosecution “did not turn over” any exhibits favorable to the defendant, “handicapping the defense.”

Judge Okun overruled their objections, contending that the prosecution’s conduct satisfied standards imposed by the court.

According to court documents, Gafari allegedly fired 14 rounds at Sullivan, who is reported to be an acquaintance of his. The two have known each other for a while through a mutual friend.

Court documents also allege that Sullivan was “scared to be around him,” according to a witness who is also mutually connected to Gafari.

Parties are expected to return to court on Oct. 11, where the defense will have an opportunity to cross-examine the detective.

Gafari is currently being held in a DC jail.