A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal on Dec. 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.
Frank Rooks, 56, also known as Frank Flythe, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Vance Contee on Nov. 16, 2024 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.
In what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing, Rooks accepted a deal extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of eight years of incarceration.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Rooks and Contee were inside an apartment with a group of people who accused Contee of stealing drugs.
In an ensuring argument as Contee attempted to leave, Rooks pushed Contee and a fight occurred. Rooks stabbed Contee twice, fatally wounding him in the chest. Rooks fled the scene and did not act in self-defense or with legal justification, according to the prosecutor.
Contee’s family disapproved of the plea deal, insisting that Contee’s “life mattered,” adding that his book titled I am Alive for a Reason “stands as written proof of his growth, his accountability and his belief in redemption.”
Contee’s sister told Judge Ryan, “A plea deal that reduces killing to manslaughter, and eight years of confinement, sends a message that the permanent taking of life, a life of service, mentorship and love can be minimalized for convenience.”
“Justice is merely a resolution, it must reflect truth, proportionality and public safety,” Contee’s sister continued.
Despite the pleadings, Judge Ryan conditionally approved the plea deal.
Parties are slated to reconvene March 6 for sentencing.
