Defendant Pleads Guilty To Voluntary Manslaughter

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A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 11.

Jaleil Jones, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a robbery, which led to the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Robert Lavender. The incident took place on the 600 block of Monroe Street, NE on July 17, 2023.

Kevann Gardner, Jones’ defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal.

According to Gardner, the plea deal requires Jones to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the parties agreed on a sentencing range of nine-to-13 years of in prison.

According to the prosecution, at the time of the incident, Jones and another individual were walking back from a gathering when they approached Lavender outside of a Potbelly restaurant.

The pair struck Lavender multiple times, the other individual walked away but Jones stayed for an undisclosed amount of time, according to the proffer of facts.

Lavender then got up to follow the two. When Jones noticed that Lavender was following them, he turned around and shot Lavender, killing him with one shot.

Jones stated that all the facts were true.

Gardner requested that Jones’ sentencing date be scheduled 120 days out, as opposed to the standard 60 days, so that Jones can complete his education classes at the jail.

Sentencing for Jones is set for Dec. 13.