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By
James Watson
, John Michael Horvath - June 30, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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The family of a homicide victim fiercely challenged the plea deal accepted by the defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 20.
Keyon Slaughter, 27, was originally charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree burglary while armed and unlawful possession of firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of Dana Bailey Jr., 38, on Dec. 5, 2022, on the 3300 block of E Street, SE.
Theodore Shaw, Slaughter’s attorney, alerted Judge Dayson to his client’s intent to accept a plea offer from the prosecution. The agreement required Slaughter to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for the prosecution’s dismissing all other charges.
Through the deal, the parties agreed to a sentence of 16 years’ imprisonment.
Members of Bailey’s family attended the court hearing to speak about their loved one, whose presence was sorely missed.
He was a “stand up guy… whose biggest flaw was trying to help others,” Bailey’s mother told D.C. Witness.
On the stand, she told Judge Dayson that the killer “followed my son” and “murdered my child in his home.”
Bailey’s mother and sister both told the court they believed the circumstances of Bailey’s death meant the killer should be charged with first-degree murder. They both said the killing had been planned and premeditated.
“I’ve been the detective in this case,” said Bailey’s sister. She claimed that Slaughter had been part of a plot to kill Bailey.
The family also claimed Bailey identified Slaughter to one of his family members with his last words.
“He has six kids. That’s traumatizing to them,” Bailey’s sister said.
Bailey’s sister expressed surprise and disappointment that the court would accept Slaughter’s plea on a provisional basis.
“I don’t understand how that would be an option,” she said, citing the evidence she believed showed the killing was intentional. Then she caught herself, her voice trembling and breaking, before leaving the courtroom.
Judge Dayson acknowledged the testimony of the family and how hard it must be for them to speak. She said her decision on whether to accept Slaughter’s plea definitively will depend on several factors at the time of sentencing.
Bailey’s mother and sister promised to be at the sentencing.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.