Did a Murder Defendant’s Learning Disability Lead to Murder?

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 16, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A defendant’s learning disability may have led him to murder, according to results from intellectual and behavioral assessments. 

Shelby Jones pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 17-year-old Davon Fisher on the 400 block of Riggs Road, NE. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. The defendant pleaded guilty to the murder on Jan. 11. 

On Oct. 15, a clinical psychologist told DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck that several assessments show that Jones demonstrates difficulty with verbal and nonverbal decision making. 

Even though Jones, 19, pleaded guilty to the murder, he decided to withdraw the plea on July 12.

Jones’ defense attorney, Dorsey Jones, said the defendant withdrew his plea because he did not understand it.

Jones told the judge that he did not read his plea agreement before signing it because he trusted Madalyn Harvey, his former attorney. 

Jones said Harvey misinformed him about the terms of the agreement. She was dismissed in May. D.C. Witness reported that Harvey is scheduled to testify at Jones’ next status hearing on Oct. 17.

During cross examination, Jones told Judge Beck that he wanted to kill Fisher when he shot him in the back of the head. Jones also said he shot two other witnesses to silence them.

Jones is being held without bail at DC Jail.