Defendant Pleads Guilty to Father’s Murder

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On June 2, Christian Arndt pleaded guilty in a 2021 homicide case. 

Arndt, 30, admitted guilt for his involvement in the murder of his father Donald Arndt, 54, on Jan. 28, 2021, on the 3300 block of Newark Street, NW.  

According to court documents, Arndt beat his father to death with a bat.

Prosecutors offered a deal that reduced the charge from first-degree murder while armed to voluntary manslaughter. The charge requires that Arndt serve eight-and-a-half to 18-and-a half years of incarceration and five years of supervised release. The deal was accepted.

Both parties requested that Arndt be transferred to Butner Federal Corrections Complex in North Carolina, where he must refrain from using alcohol and other narcotics, and is required to seek mental health counseling.

In pleading guilty, Arndt waived his rights to test DNA, have a trial or appeal his conviction.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said he was satisfied with the defendant’s understanding of his rights, thus accepting the plea.

All parties are scheduled to return to court on Sept. 29 for sentencing.

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