Defendant Pleads Guilty in Two Homicide Cases

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During an Aug. 10 hearing, a defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder while armed in two homicide cases.

Rasheed Young, 44, fatally shot 26-year-old Cedric Rogers on June 11, 1996, on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE. Young also fatally shot 39-year-old Ronald William Richardson, Jr. on May 18, 2018, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

“I’m ready to plead guilty today, your honor,” Young said.

A plea offer was placed on the record during an Aug. 5 hearing, but DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued the case to allow defense attorney Kevin Mosley to discuss the plea offer with the defendant.

Young was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed for Rogers shooting and second-degree murder while armed for Richardson’s shooting.

According to court documents, Rogers and Richardson both suffered from multiple gunshot wounds to the body and succumbed to their injuries despite life-saving efforts.

Richardson’s family was also present via WebEx and expressed frustration with the prosecution’s plea offer.

“There is no justice for the Richardson family or the Rogers family,” Richardson’s sister told the court. “I’m asking you, your honor, to please reject this plea offer.”

Judge Okun conditionally accepted the plea offer but stated he will not officially accept the plea offer until he has heard from the victim’s families and has viewed the pre-sentencing report.

Young is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 14.