Judge Conditionally Accepts Manslaughter Plea in Murder Case

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A defendant pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 9, but the judge says he needs time before ruling on the sentence.

Robert Straughter, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 24-year-old Tyejuan Harkum on the 2600 block of Naylor Road SE, on Dec. 6, 2023.

According to Michael Bruckheim, Straughter’s attorney, the agreement required Straughter to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

The maximum sentence for voluntary manslaughter is 30 years or a $250,000 fine with no more than five years of supervised release.

Through the deal, the parties agreed on a sentence of eight years.

Harkum’s mother told Judge Okun that she disagrees with the reduced charges, stating Straughter knew what he was doing and the sentence too lenient.

Judge Okun ruled he will conditionally accept the guilty plea before passing sentencing based on a thorough review of the case and a pre-sentence report.

Judge Okun will also look into whether or not Straughter will have to register as a gun offender based on the charges.

Court will reconvene for sentencing on Dec. 11.