Defendant Pleads Guilty for Life-Long Friend’s Murder

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Jean Kearney accepted a plea offer from prosecutors April 27 for his involvement in the killing of a father-of-four who was also his life-long friend.

Kearney, 36, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and obstruction of justice for his involvement in the shooting that led to the death of 33-year-old Dontra Harris, which occurred on April 4, 2021, on the 1800 block of 24th Street, NE.

Kearney was also charged with assault on a police officer while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for an assault that occurred on May 13, 2021, as the officers conducted a search warrant for the murder.

The defendant was granted a mistrial after a jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the murder and assault charges on March 27. He was found guilty of all other charges.

To avoid enduring another lengthy trial, Kearney accepted a plea offer for second-degree murder while armed in exchange for dismissal of the assault on a police officer charge.

If the judge agrees with the deal, Kearney could be sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder.

Kearney is expected back for sentencing on June 30.

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