Homicide Defendant Wants To Withdraw His Plea

By Zakiyia Ortiz [former] , Kehinde Fadele [former] - November 21, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During a Nov. 21 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee extended a sentencing hearing in a homicide case to give a defendant more time to review his request to withdraw his plea. 

Diquan Lucas, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of 33-year-old Brian Tyrell Butler on Nov. 21, 2019, on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on March 11. 

According to court documents, another suspect named Devin Hill, who is also known as Devin Smith, was also apprehended and charged with first-degree murder.

The second suspect’s role was not identified in this hearing, but he entered a guilty plea on July 20, 2021, in connection to another murder that allegedly involved him and another individual.  

On the evening of the homicide, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the 200 Block of Ainger Place, SE, where they found Butler unconscious and not breathing. He sustained four gunshot wounds.

The defense requested to set a further status hearing because the attorney felt he has not effectively addressed an issue that was raised prior to Lucas withdrawing his guilty plea. 

The next status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 13