Homicide Defendant’s Sentencing Postponed a Second Time 

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On Nov. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun continued a homicide defendant’s sentencing for discussion of a pending plea agreement. The decision followed an annulment of his original ruling which the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) deemed unlawful.

Rasheed Young, 45, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Cedric Rogers on June 11, 1996, on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE

Young was also charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Ronald Richardson on May 20, 2018, on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE. 

On Oct. 23, following a report from the BoP, which stated the sentence previously imposed by Judge Okun didn’t meet the agency’s guidelines, he vacated it.

Once the sentence was vacated, Young’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, requested Young be transferred back from the BoP to DC Jail, to better communicate with his client for next steps. Judge Okun agreed ordering Young placed in the DC Jail as he awaits further proceedings. 

Mosley explained that he needs significant time to discuss the pending plea agreement with Young, and requested the sentencing be continued–a request the judge granted.

Under the agreement Young would plead guilty to two counts of second degree murder while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

This is the second time that Young’s sentencing has been postponed, as parties continue to discuss how to move forward. 

Parties are expected back on Dec. 19.