Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

By Kasey Nguyen [former] - November 9, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Nov. 9, a homicide defendant rejected a plea offer extended by the prosecution. 

Johnwann Elliott, 30, is charged with first degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, along with charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Nikia Young on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on March 15, 2022. 

According to court documents, witnesses stated that Elliott allegedly sought Young out regarding a stolen firearm prior to the crime.

According to court documents, surveillance footage recovered by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) displays an individual, identified as Elliott, boarding and exiting a Metrobus to allegedly shoot Young. He is later shown fleeing the scene. 

Elliott rejected an agreement that would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges, and an 18-month sentence on his carrying charge. 

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan confirmed that she was satisfied with the defendant’s rejection of the plea offer. 

Elliott is expected to appear before Judge Rafinnan on Nov. 13 for a jury trial.