Co-defendants in a carjacking case were granted time to consider a plea deal during an Aug. 8 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.
Laiten Bell, 20, and Cornell Jamison, 21, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery, carjacking, and assault of a woman on Jan. 22 on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE. Bell is also charged with armed robbery and an additional count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to court documents, Bell and Jamison allegedly knew the victim for more than ten years and targeted her because of her ties to her neighborhood. A video of the assault, connected to an Instagram account name allegedly associated with Cornell, was posted online. The video portrayed the suspects kicking and punching the half-dressed victim. Following the assault, Bell and Jamison reportedly stole the victim’s car.
Prosecutors presented a plea deal during the hearing that would require Bell to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with a sentence of up to eight years of incarceration. Jamison would be required to plead guilty to armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with up to a nine year sentence.
Judge Hertzfeld granted both Bell and Jamison more time to consider the offer. Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 25.
