Homicide Defendant Says He’s ‘Not Interested’ in Plea Deal

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A homicide defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in an April 19 hearing

Randolph Thomas, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on Dec. 31, 2009. Thomas has not yet been indicted before a grand jury.

According to court documents, Thomas allegedly shot and killed Durant as he attempted to rob him.

Thomas previously pled guilty to a murder that occurred 20 some hours before the shooting of Durant Jr. In that incident he fatally shot Chardale Bowe, 42, on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Epstein that the defense rejected an “informal offer” extended to Thomas. The offer included a guilty plea to one count of second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon.

In exchange, the prosecutors stated they would cap allocution requests at sentencing between a range of 18-to-25 years and 9 months, pursuant to D.C sentencing guidelines.

Judge Epstein confirmed the rejection of the plea offer, asking the defendant “Not interested?” to which defense attorney Kyle McGonigal acknowledged confirmation.

Prosecution stated that the offer was officially withdrawn.

Parties will reconvene on July 17.

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