Defendant Pleads Guilty to Two Charges in Fatal Shooting

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A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 7.

Dawayne Smith, 22, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the murder of 44-year-old Antonio Riley on Oct, 23, 2024 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The shooting left another victim with spinal injuries that paralyzed his legs.

Smith’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, told the Court that Smith would be entering an agreement with the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and aggravated assault.

In exchange, the prosecution dismissed the first-degree murder while armed charge and will not seek an indictment on additional charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 13.