A child cruelty defendant was indicted on July 11 with an enhanced charge of first-degree premeditated murder with aggravating circumstances before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman, in connection to the death of a five-year-old.
Deandre Pettus, 33, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children and first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of his five-year-old son, Deandre Pettus Jr. at the 4500 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Oct. 6, 2024.
The defendant pleaded not guilty and his attorney, Albert Amissah, asserted his constitutional rights, including to a speedy trial.
The prosecution mentioned there was no DNA testing required as there was no physical evidence recovered from the scene of the incident.
While no plea offer is currently on the record, the prosecution said discussions between the parties remain possible.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 14.
