Defense Motions To Reopen Plea Deal in Shooting Case

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On Feb 6, before Superior Court Judge Jason Park, a non-fatal shooting defendant’s attorney motioned for the prosecution to re-extend a plea offer due to what was described as an inadequate explanation to the defendant

Travone Henderson, 20, is charged with  unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered firearm, destruction of property, and receiving stolen property, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on May 3, 2022, on the 2400 block of Shannon Place, SE. No injuries were reported. 

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), an off-duty sergeant watched an individual discharge a firearm several times while running down the block.

After officers canvassed the area a 2018 Mercedes GLC linked to the suspect was located with significant damage to the rear right side of the vehicle. MPD was able to stop the suspect at the scene, who was identified as Henderson. 

On Jan. 3, during a hearing where another attorney stood in for Henderson’s designated attorney, he rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors. 

Sara Kopecki, Henderson’s current attorney, claims that Henderson was not adequately advised about the plea and that’s why he declined the offer. Kopecki claimed that if the offer was properly discussed, the defendant would have taken the deal. 

The defense motioned for Henderson to be allowed to reconsider the offer and requested another date to ensure Henderson’s previous attorney is present. 

Parties are slated to return on Feb 20 for a motions hearing.