Murder Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

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Two murder co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 2.

Eric Sheffield, 20, and D’Andre Montgomery, 19, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, felony murder with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr., on Dec. 16, 2023, on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE. An additional individual sustained life-threatening injuries, but survived.

During the hearing, Nathaniel Mensah, Sheffield’s attorney, and Hannah Claudio, who stood in for Sylvia Smith, Montgomery’s attorney, alerted the court of the defendants’ intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Dayson they had shipped out evidence to be tested for DNA, and requested to return in 90 days to ensure the testing is complete before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.