Defendant ‘Want[s] Another Opinion’ For Plea Offer And A New Attorney 

By Adriana Marroquin - September 24, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

A shooting defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe he wanted a new attorney to give him a second opinion about a plea offer extended by prosecutors on Sept. 24. 

Israel Beairs, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 4 on the 1800 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE. An adult female sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident. 

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge O’Keefe that they had extended a plea deal, which would resolve three of Beairs’ outstanding cases. 

According to the prosecution, the offer required Beairs to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed for his involvement in this shooting incident, assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict in connection to two other gun offenses. 

Through the deal, the prosecutor said, they’d agree to not seek an indictment on any of the cases, and would not seek charges in an uncharged shooting incident from April, which also involved the current victim.

When Judge O’Keefe asked Beairs if he was rejecting the plea deal, he said “I want another opinion,” and requested Courtney Vaughan be dismissed as his counsel. 

Judge O’Keefe granted the request, and the prosecution agreed to leave the offer available until the next hearing. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 9.