A defendant accepted a plea deal for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend’s fiance before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 20.
Stephon Shields, 29, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree felony murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 58-year-old James Samuels. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Nelson Place, SE, on June 2, 2023.
According to court documents, Samuels sustained gunshot wounds to his arms, thighs, shoulder, chest, abdomen, lower back, buttock, and penis.
During the hearing, Shields accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, which holds a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. Prosecutors will dismiss any greater or remaining charges against Shields.
The prosecution, and Shields’ attorney, Andrew Ain, agreed to 19 years in prison as part of the plea. Judge Brandt will accept or reject this recommendation during sentencing, and should she reject it, Shields may rescind his guilty plea.
The prosecutor stated that had this case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that after being released from prison, Shields went to the residence of his girlfriend and confronted her about cheating on him. According to the prosecutor, the girlfriend was simultaneously in a relationship with Samuels and Shields, causing Shields to seek out Samuels and get into a tussle with him before shooting him to death, the prosecutor said.
Shields began tearing up when asked about his involvement in the incident.
“I know it’s hard. You’re doing great, you’re doing well,” Judge Brandt told him. “Hang in there sir.”
After finding Shields understood that he waived his right to a trial, Judge Brandt accepted his guilty plea.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 29 for sentencing.
