Judge Continues Hearing for Shooting Case Undergoing Plea Negotiations

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 30, 2020
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On Nov. 30, a DC Superior Court judge continued a status conference for a felony case undergoing plea negotiations.

Melvin Beal is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a police officer while armed for an incident that occurred on Oct. 8 at 36th Place and Alabama Avenue, SE. 

The 18-year-old defendant is accused of getting out of a vehicle and shooting at Prince George’s County Police Department Officers. The officers were pursuing the vehicle because they suspected it had been carjacked.

During the hearing, the prosecution said they extended a plea offer to resolve this matter as well as a few other charges from Maryland in which the defendant is involved. 

“I do not practice in Maryland so I’m in contact with the public defender office there, which may delay things,” said defense attorney Pierce Suen. “The global plea deal that was extended has an expiration of Dec. 31.”

However, the prosecutor said the expiration sate could be extended given the complications.

Judge Judith Smith continued the status hearing to Jan. 11 to give parties time to work out an agreement.