Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for a Murder and a Non-Fatal Shooting Committed a Month Apart

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A homicide defendant accepted the prosecution’s plea offer for his involvement in two crimes before DC Superior Court Michael O’Keefe on June 14.

Riley Benjamin, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the murder of 31-year-old Maurice McRae on Feb. 19, 2022, on the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE.

Benjamin was also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, threatening to injure or kidnap a person, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing a law enforcement officer for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 22, 2022, on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE.

At the hearing, Julie Swaney, Benjamin’s attorney, alerted the court he was accepting a global plea deal extended by the prosecution, which required Benjamin to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with intent to kill, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, the parties agreed to a sentencing of 15 years for manslaughter and a sentence within his applicable sentencing guidelines for the assault charge. The sentences will be served concurrently.

The court will reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 30.