A murder defendant, accused of committing the first murder of 2024, rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 19.
Jelani Cousin, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, and attempted second degree sex abuse–incompetent for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds on Jan. 1, 2024. This incident occurred at a hotel on the 4000 block of Military Road, NW. The incident occurred at 1:18 a. m.
Cousin’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, told the court that he intended to reject a plea offer extended by prosecutors. The deal required Cousin to plead guilty to second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and assault with intent to kill, in exchange for the other charges being dismissed. If he accepted, the parties would agree to a sentencing range of 19-to-24 years of imprisonment.
Due to his rejection parties scheduled a trial for March 2027.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5, 2026.
