Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Second-Degree Murder

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On Sept. 13,  a defendant in a homicide case accepted a plea offer in connection to a 2011 killing.  

Stanley Moghalu, 36, was charged with 9 counts, including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Ronald Smith. The incident occured on Nov. 14, 2011, on the 1000 Block of 21st Street, NE. 

The offer extended by prosecutors required Moghalu to plead guilty for second-degree murder in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges.  

Parties agreed to a sentence of 12 years incarceration and 5 years of supervised release.  

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun went through all the procedural questions to ensure Moghalu understood the conditions of pleading guilty, and ensured that Moghalu wanted to proceed with the plea.

A sentencing hearing was set for Dec. 19. 

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