Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Non-Fatal Shooting

By Kiliane Gateau [former] , Rohan Naval [former] - February 20, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On Feb. 20, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow.

Dakia Thomas, 43, faced charges including four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm, for her involvement in a shooting incident on the 3500 block of Albert Irvin Cassell Place, NE, on December 16, 2021. No injuries were reported.

A trial scheduled for Feb. 20 was cancelled after parties agreed on a plea. 

Brandon Burrell, Thomas’ attorney, alerted the court Thomas pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the agreement, the prosecution agreed to not seek any sentencing enhancements. 

The parties also agreed to a suspended sentence, which would allow Thomas to stay out of jail. However, if she is arrested and charged with any other offenses, or if she violates any sentencing requirements, she could be required to serve the full sentence of ten years in prison and a pay $25,000 fine.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) stated that the defendant has complied with pretrial orders, and that she has tested negative for any illegal substances. PSA recommended out-patient treatment for Thomas. 

The prosecution stated that if the case had gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Thomas assaulted the victims with a weapon, and committed this act voluntarily. 

Parties are to reconvene March 20 regarding Thomas’ medical treatment. 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 3.