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Helena Betancourt [former]
- October 6, 2021
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A man initially charged with murder pleaded pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit armed robbery after making a deal with the prosecution.
Darnell Rackett, 20, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 36-year-old Antonio Gardiner on the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on July 4, 2020. The shooting was alleged to have occurred during the course of an attempted robbery.
During the Oct. 5 hearing, Rackett pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit armed robbery. As part of the plea deal, the prosecution dismissed the murder charge.
At the defense’s request, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study for the defendant. If Rackett is sentenced under the YRA, his case could be effectively sealed once he completes the requirements imposed on him.
Rackett is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 21.
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