A defendant accepted responsibility for his actions that caused the death of a two-year-old child in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Aug. 14.
Dasean Matthews, 27, was initially charged with first-degree felony murder with aggravating circumstances in that the victim was especially vulnerable due to age and that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. In addition, Matthews was charged with three counts of first-degree cruelty to children.
The charges stemmed from Matthews involvement in the death of two-year-old Mars Jones on the unit block of Atlantic Street, SW, on Oct. 13, 2022. Mars succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 18, 2022.
Matthews’ charges faced an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while he was on release for a prior offense.
Monet Jones, 28, Mars’ mother, is charged with second-degree cruelty to children for her alleged involvement in her son’s death. In addition Monet is charged with three counts of perjury for her alleged false testimony before a grand jury on Nov. 1, 2022, and obstruction of justice and tampering with physical evidence for her reported interference in the investigation.
At the hearing, Matthews accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed all greater and remaining charges against the defendant.
As part of the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 25 years in prison, subject to Judge Park’s approval at sentencing. Without the agreement, Matthews could have faced up to 40 years in prison for the charge he acknowledged.
If the case had proceeded to trial, prosecutors said the evidence would have proven that Matthews and Monet were in a romantic relationship at the time of the offense. Monet picked Matthews up from his residence and they drove with Mars to a Dunkin’ Donuts, where Matthews struck Mars with a close fist and caused him to fall against a metal railing. Matthews continued to harass Mars in the establishment.
The prosecutors said Monet then left Mars with Matthews at her residence, where Matthews grabbed Mars, struck him in the upper body or face, and he fell to the ground. Later, Matthews’ friend left him with Mars in a vehicle, where Matthews caused injuries to the victim.
Matthews actions left Mars unconscious and unresponsive with bruises to his face, neck, and extremities. Mars died as a result of complications from inflicted head trauma.
The prosecutor concluded that Matthews acted without legal justification.
Judge Park found a factual basis for the agreement and that Matthews knowingly and voluntarily pleaded guilty.
Matthews’ sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2027.
The prosecutors noted that they planned to extend a plea deal to Monet after the hearing. The parties for Monet are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 18.
