A defendant nearing a trial date accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Dec. 2.
Maleek Thomas, 22, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Melvin Dock Jr., 23, on Oct. 30, 2023, on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE. A second victim was injured in the shooting.
During the incident, the defendant met with one of the victims in a vehicle. Dock approached the car, and shortly after he and Thomas attempted to carjack the vehicle. Thomas began to shoot and hit both victims.
At the hearing, parties had originally planned to discuss their readiness heading into trial, which was slated to begin on Jan. 20. However, defense attorney Howard McEachern informed Judge Dayson that Thomas would be accepting a plea deal.
The terms of the deal required Thomas to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in return for all remaining counts to be dismissed. He would also be required to register as a gun offender. Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to 25 years of imprisonment.
Thomas spoke to his lawyer shortly after the terms were given. McEachern explained that Thomas had explicitly asked him to argue for a lesser sentence during sentencing.
Judge Dayson accepted his guilty plea after determining Thomas did so knowingly.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.
