Homicide Defendant Withdraws Guilty Plea

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On Dec. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a homicide defendant’s motion to withdraw a guilty plea.

Niko Hall, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee on Sept. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

On Oct. 3, in what was supposed to be the beginning of his trial, Hall accepted a plea offer that required he plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

On Oct. 23, Judge Brandt received a report from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) which stated that, during his pre-sentencing report interview, Hall was not interested in participating because he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea.

During the hearing, prosecutors opposed Hall’s desire to withdraw his guilty plea, stating that it would be a prejudice to the prosecution due to his last minute acceptance during his trial. They argued it would be unfair to them because they had already prepared for trial and were ready to proceed when he decided to plead guilty.

Judge Brandt granted the motion, arguing that Hall’s prior attorney seemed to influence his decision making, stating she went back and forth with him the morning of trial until he finally came to a decision.

A trial date was set for Dec. 2, 2024.

Parties are slated to return on Feb. 2, 2024 for a status hearing.

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