Defendant in Two Cases Pleads Guilty to Homicide

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On June 26, a defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Khamari Perkins, 22, was charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Naseem Simpson on the 3000 block of 14th Street, N.W., on March 15, 2020. The incident occurred while Perkins was on release for an unrelated case.

Perkins also faces charges in an alleged non-fatal stabbing that occurred at the D.C. Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan. 6. He’s charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution.

During the hearing, the prosecutor offered a plea agreement which modified charges for the two cases. The deal required Perkins to plead guilty to second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon for both cases. All other charges will be dismissed.

He faces 12-to-16 years in prison for both charges.

A sentencing hearing before D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan was scheduled for Sept. 22.

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