Defendant Rejects Second Plea Deal Linked to Brutal Shooting Murder

By Carmen Quinteros [former] - May 15, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant rejected a second plea deal and scheduled a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe. 

Jaykell Mason, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault on a police officer while armed in connection to the death of 29-year-old Terence Dantzler that occurred on Feb. 13, 2020, on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW. Following an exchange of gunfire with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, Mason was taken into custody. 

According to court documents, Dantzler had brain matter all over his face due to multiple gunshots to his head and body.

On June 23, 2022, Mason rejected a plea deal that would have reduced his charges to two counts of second-degree murder while armed and one count of felony assault on a police officer while armed.

On May 14, Mason rejected a second plea deal.

If the offer was accepted, Mason’s charges would have been reduced to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of felony assault on a police officer while armed.

Jackson’s trial is now scheduled for September 2025. 

Parties are slated to return Aug. 8, 2025.