A defendant rejected a plea to involuntary manslaughter at a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 23.
Jose Ramos, 35, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of his neighbor, Eduardo Cruz, 57, at their apartment building on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on Jan. 25, 2022.
According to court documents, Ramos allegedly left Cruz in a parked car outside the Carter Barron Amphitheater on the 4800 block of Colorado Avenue, NW. Cruz died four days later from blunt force trauma.
The prosecutor offered Ramos the chance to plea down from second-degree murder, which can carry a sentence of up to 40 years, to involuntary manslaughter. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of nine-and-a-half-to-17 years of imprisonment. Ramos, represented by Alvin Thomas, denied the plea.
Ramos also gave up his right to have evidence tested or re-tested by the defense. According to court documents, a pool of blood was found at Cruz’s apartment and there was more blood on blankets, towels, underwear, and beer cans. The prosecutor said Ramos’ DNA likely matched on a beer can at the scene.
Parties are slated to reconvene June 12.
