Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty of Killing Burn Victim

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun during an arraignment on Aug 30.

Dayshawn Nolan, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Antoinette Davis on July 3, 2022. The incident occurred on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE.  

According to court documents, an apartment at the listed location caught on fire on the night of the incident. Davis, who was inside, sustained multiple first, second, and third-degree burns and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. On July 17, 2022, Davis succumbed to her injuries.  

During an interview with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Nolan allegedly told a detective he and a friend were playing with roman candles inside of the apartment building before the place went up in flames.

The prosecution has not yet offered a plea agreement. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 3.