DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard a homicide defendant reject a plea offer for the second time on March 21.
Walter Jenkins, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or business. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the death of David Williams, 52, on the 2000 block of Bruce Place, SE, on Nov. 14, 2021.
The prosecution re-offered a previous plea deal on the record from February 2024, which would require Jenkins to plead guilty to second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, dismissing all other charges.
With the agreement, the parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 16 to 23 years of incarceration. By rejecting the plea, Jenkins could face more than 30 years if found guilty at trial.
Jenkins’ defense attorney, Dominique Winters, also informed the court that the defense would be conducting its own DNA testing of certain items placed in evidence by the prosecution. The defense explained that it would not disclose what it sent for testing until Jenkins has his Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing.
The hearing ensures the preservation of evidence and grants convicted individuals the right to DNA testing to support claims of innocence.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 28.
Trial is slated to begin Aug. 4.
