Homicide Defendant Enters Alford Plea Asserting Conditional Innocence

By Justine Stuber [former] - October 13, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Traffic | Victims |

On Oct. 13, a homicide defendant entered into an Alford plea meaning he maintains innocence, but acknowledges the government has enough evidence to convict him. 

Roger Hamilton, 38, was indicted on second-degree murder, driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug, and reckless driving, for his involvement in a fatal car accident that occurred on March 3, 2018, at the 3200 block of Wheeler Road, SE. He was allegedly traveling at a speed of 68.6 miles per hour when he collided with Vincent Childs, 42, resulting in Childs’ death. 

Witnesses on the scene stated that Hamilton’s breath smelled as though he had been drinking. Hamilton later agreed to a breath sample, which came back over the legal limit for operating a vehicle.

His decision to enter an Alford plea agreement before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein. means the defendant does not admit guilt but agrees there is enough evidence for a conviction. The defendant will still be sentenced as if he pleaded guilty but to reduced charges. 

The agreement, offered by prosecutors, required Hamilton to plead guilty to negligent homicide, in exchange for a dismissal of all other counts.He faces a minimum of one year in prison and three years supervised release and be required to make a payment to the Crime Victims Compensation fund (CVCF).

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4.