A defendant accused of a fatal shooting rejected a plea offer from the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Sept. 11.
Morris Jones, 41, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed with the aggravating circumstances that the offense was committed during a drive-by or random shooting, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and destruction of property worth more than $1,000 while armed.
The charges stem from Jones’ alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Tiffany Wiggins on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on April 17, 2022. Wiggins died from a single gunshot wound to her lower back that exited through her chest.
At the hearing, the prosecution said after continued negotiations they offered Jones a plea deal that would have required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. The agreement carried a 23-to-28 year prison sentence.
Judge Kravitz confirmed that Jones rejected the offer and decided to proceed to trial.
Jones’ attorney, Mani Golzari informed parties that he identified and spoke with a firearms examiner who estimated the tests would take four months. According to Golzari, approximately 30-to-40 shell casings and a few bullets were recovered in connection to the case. The defense plans to examine all of them.
As a result, parties rescheduled Jones’ Oct. 19 trial for April 19, 2027.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 30 for a status hearing.
