Defendant Pleads Guilty for His Role in Robbery That Turned Deadly

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A defendant pleaded guilty to murdering a man he was attempting to rob after luring him with a fake ad he posted to an online marketplace.

Deandre Houston was charged with first-degree murder while armed, armed robbery and two gun charges in the shooting of 27-year-old Roderick Thomas on the 3200 block of 12th Street, SE, on Oct. 11, 2018. On April 1, the 21-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed after making a deal with prosecutors.

On Oct. 2, 2018, Houston created an account on OfferUp, an online marketplace for individuals to buy and sell items, under the username “John.” He posted an ad to sell a laptop for $225. Thomas responded to the ad and the two agreed on a meeting place in the Congress Heights neighborhood.

The laptop did not exist. According to the prosecution, Houston and an unknown co-conspirator planned to rob him once they met up. When Thomas arrived, the two robbed him of the $225 and then demanded his car. Thomas fought back, and Houston’s co-conspirator shot him.

Houston admitted to aiding and abetting the shooter, knowing he was armed and having reason to believe he would use the gun in the robbery.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to recommend a prison sentence in the 10 to 14-year range.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan scheduled Houston to be sentenced on July 1.

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