Homicide Co-Defendants Accept Plea Offer

By Justine Stuber [former] - September 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

On Sept. 18, two co-defendants accepted a plea offer in connection to two fatal 2015 shootings. 

Ron McLeoud, 30, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges. Joseph Brown, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges.

The two were arrested in 2017 for their involvement in the deaths of Amari Jenkins, 29, and Antwan Baker, 21. Jenkins was shot 28 times outside St. Luke Roman Catholic Church on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE, on Aug. 15, 2015. Baker, along with a surviving victim, was found suffering from gunshot wounds on the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, NE, on Nov. 12, 2015. 

Brown’s plea offer required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and voluntary manslaughter while armed, dismissing all of the other charges. According to the agreement, Brown would serve 25 years in prison with five years on supervised release. Brown is currently serving time for a federal case, the sentencing in this case would be served consecutively.

McLeoud’s offer required him to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for dropping all other charges. Under the agreement, McLeod would serve ten years in prison and five years of supervised release. 

During the hearing, Jenkins’ mother said the family does not agree with the plea deal, and that Brown and McLeoud’s sentences are not sufficient enough for having taken her son’s life. 

Judge Marisa Demeo asked to hear from her again at the sentencing where she would make her decision to accept or deny the deal.

The sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4.