Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in 2018 Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 13, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a felony status conference June 12, a murder defendant rejected a plea offer.

Antonio Booze is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Eugene Johnson on the Unit block of Galveston Place, SW on Nov. 11 2018.

The offer entailed the defendant entering a guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed. The prosecution agreed to request Booze’s sentence to be no longer than 18 years in prison.

According to the District of Columbia’s Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, Booze could receive a sentenced between 14 and 24 years.

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna also asked if there was an update on a grand jury indictment. The prosecution replied that it was unsure if it would be able to meet the Sept. 30 indictment deadline because of a recent personnel change at the United States Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia. 

The prosecutor also told the judge that she has been assigned to a new division in the office and will no longer be working on the case.

Booze’s defense attorney, Judith Pipe, objected to further delay on the indictment and requested that the prosecution actively work toward an indictment until new counsel is assigned.

“There will be no extension because of a personnel change,” Judge McKenna said. 

The next court date is scheduled on Sept. 27 to discuss the status of the indictment.