Judge Continues Hearing Allowing Defense to Discuss Potential Plea in Homicide Case

By Rachel Benck [former] - April 4, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A homicide defendant appeared virtually in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun to schedule another hearing in light of a potential plea agreement.

Christian Arndt is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the murder of Donald Arndt, his father. 

During the April 3 hearing, Arndt’s attorney, Phillip Andonian, informed Judge Okun that he and the prosecution were currently in plea negotiations. He requested more time to confer with Ardnt face-to-face to assure his understanding of the deal before he makes a decision.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were dispatched to the 3300 block of Newark St, NW on Jan. 28, 2021, after receiving a call from Arndt’s mother regarding a domestic violence assault.

His mother told police that he might be experiencing psychosis and is not well due to his on-and-off drug use. Once in handcuffs, Arndt allegedly told MPD officers that he beat his sleeping father to death with a baseball bat. He was arrested on scene.

Judge Okun granted the continuance, however a date for another status hearing has not been selected.

All parties are scheduled to return to court on May 12 for a mental observation hearing.