A domestic shooting defendant rejected the prosecution’s plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 28.
Vashon Brunson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of his significant other during a domestic dispute on Jan. 24 on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. The victim sustained one gunshot wound to her neck and cheek before she reportedly jumped out of a third-floor window to escape.
Brunson’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, informed the court that his client would be rejecting a plea deal offered by the prosecution. The deal would have required Brunson to plead guilty to an assault with intent to kill while armed charge that would carry a sentencing guideline of 90-to-180 months in prison. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with greater or additional charges.
Thomas also told Judge Brandt that he and Brunson had not yet discussed Innocence Protection Act (IPA) rights and therefore needed more time before an IPA hearing. IPA rights afford all defendants the opportunity to conduct independent testing of forensic evidence against them.
In addition, Thomas requested a bond review hearing in the following weeks while he worked to submit a written motion. Judge Brandt said that she would be willing to hear the motion during a hearing but would also be comfortable reaching a decision through solely reading the document itself. Thomas claimed that “putting a voice to the papers” would make the argument more personal.
Judge Brandt set a bond review hearing for Aug. 25.
