Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

By Ashley Fajardo Perez [former] - February 11, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 9, a defendant accepted a plea offer and pleaded guilty to one count related to a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Deon Walters , 20, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2020 death of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW. 

During the hearing, Walters accepted a plea offer and pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

Under the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to limit their sentencing request within a range of seven-to-11 years imprisonment. 

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that, on the day of the incident, Walters murdered Daniels and did not act in self defense, arguing they’d present expert testimonies and DNA evidence. 

Judge Raffinan confirmed she was satisfied with Walters’ understanding of the terms and accepted his guilty plea. 

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 5.