Defendant Rejects Plea Deal in a Non-Fatal Shooting Case

By Ashley Drazka [former] , Rohan Naval [former] - February 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 16, a non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Nikia Cunningham, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and second-degree cruelty towards children, among other charges, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 Block of Franklin Street, NE, on March 28, 2023. One individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

Nikia’s co-defendant, Bernard Vance, did not appear in court today as he is currently detained in Virginia on another matter.

The prosecution extended a plea deal to Cunningham, which required she plead guilty to aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Cunningham rejected the deal.

The previous trial date was rescheduled pursuant to requests for a motion hearing. It is understood that Vance will also be required to appear in court.

Parties are slated to return on April 26.