A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 4.
Desmond Thurston, 48, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and first-degree burglary for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Patricia Johnson, 52. The incident occurred on Oct. 1, 2023 on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.
Thurston’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, told the court that Thurston intended to accept a plea deal for second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 24-to-26 years.
According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Thurston murdered Johnson in her residence after she filed an emergency temporary restraining order against him. The two were known to previously be in a relationship.
The defendant will also have to register as a gun offender.
Parties are slated to reconvene June 5.
