Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea, Opts For Trial

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Homicide defendant Dohn Harmon rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution on Dec. 13 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Harmon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on July 1, 2020.

The prosecution extended a plea deal in that if Harmon agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, all the other charges would be dismissed. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 10-to-15 years incarcerated.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh stated that since parties have not reached an agreement, they intend to go to trial.

The defense also waived its right to additional DNA testing of evidence since the prosecution had concluded its analysis.

Parties expected to convene on Jan. 10.