A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 24.
Charles Lewis, 35, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating of 55-year-old Mark Carter at the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE on Oct. 10, 2022. Carter succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 15, 2022.
Brandi Harden, Lewis’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder. The parties agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-15 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release.
The prosecution said had the case gone to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on Oct. 10, 2022, Lewis beat Carter with the intent to seriously injure him. Carter sustained fractures to his face, skull, and spine.
Harden requested Judge Edelman ratify Lewis’ decision by asking him directly if he is sure about accepting the plea. She noted the “long-standing” nature of the case may affect his judgement. Judge Edelman asked Lewis to verify his intent for a second time, then he knowingly and voluntarily accepted the plea.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 2 for sentencing.
