Defendant Pleads Guilty to Killing Man Over Cigarette

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 23, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant pleaded guilty Oct. 22 to killing a man over a cigarette. 

Donnell Mills, 30, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed with all remainder charges dismissed. He was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed and attempt to commit armed robbery for allegedly stabbing Jelani Mohammed, 38, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE on Nov. 8, 2018. 

During a status hearing, Mills took a plea deal. According to the terms of the deal, Mills could serve 16-22 years in prison.

If the case had gone to trial, Mills could have faced 30-60 years in prison under DC voluntary sentencing guidelines.

Mills’ co-defendant in the case is 28-year-old Dale Thomas. Thomas was also charged with first-degree murder while armed. Thomas was not present for the hearing. A plea offer has not been extended to Thomas, according to DC Courts. 

According to a police report, the victim said the men attacked him over a cigarette. Video surveillance also showed the men trying to take Mohammed’s backpack.

Thomas, who is pending a grand jury indictment, was scheduled for a felony arraignment on Oct. 25. However, the hearing was vacated. Another hearing has not been scheduled, according to DC Courts. 

Mills is scheduled for sentencing  on Jan. 24, 2020.

Mills and Thomas are both being held at DC Jail without bail.