Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to House Party Murder

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A defendant pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 15.

Charles Best, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Darius Robinson, which occurred on Feb. 18, 2023, on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

During Best’s preliminary hearing, it was indicated that the shooting occurred at a house party.

The court arraigned Best on the three charges and his lawyer, Megan Allburn, alerted the court that Best was entering a plea of not guilty.

Allburn and the prosecution requested a status date instead of setting a trial date because they are trying to negotiate a plea agreement.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 10.