Defendant in Child Murder Case Pleads Not Guilty

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On June 6, a murder defendant pleaded not guilty in the shooting of a small child.

JD Wheeler, 23 was indicted on second-degree murder, first-degree cruelty to children, second-degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, tampering with physical evidence and contempt of court in connection to the shooting of 23-month-old Legend King Wheeler on the 2300 block of Chester Street, SE on Nov. 24, 2021.

According to court documents Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found the child unconscious suffering from what a 911 caller described as an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators said the fatal bullet allegedly came from Wheeler’s firearm. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun set the next hearing date for Oct. 13.

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