Co-defendants in Devonte Reed murder case reject plea deal

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 24, 2016
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

The two men charged with the alleged murder of Devonte Reed rejected the a plea deal offer that offered them at least ten years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea.

Jamie Patterson and Alphonson Harridon were each offered a plea deal where they would enter a guilty plea for voluntary manslaughter and felony possession of a firearm, that would earn them a 6-12 year prison sentence for the first charge, and four years for the second.

When Patterson’s attorney said that her client would be rejecting the plea offer, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jin Park told the defendants that the deal was a “generous offer.” She emphasized that “prior convictions will advance” Patterson and Harridon’s sentencing. According to minimum sentencing guidelines, the defendants would receive a sentence of 30 years in prison minimum for the current charge of second-degree murder while armed, in addition to the other charges, she said.

When Judge Michael Ryan asked the co-defendant’s the required questions after rejecting the plea deal, Patterson responded “Yes and no,” when asked if he had enough time to make his decision to reject the deal.

The judge then ordered a 15 minute break so that Patterson and Harridon could have more time to make their decision.

When the co-defendants returned, both denied the plea deal offer a second time.

Their next scheduled appearance in court is March 23. Both men are being held without bail.