Judge Continues Sentencing For Man Convicted in Vehicular Homicide

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 28, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge agreed Feb. 28 to continue a murder defendant’s sentencing.

In November, a jury found David Jones guilty of second-degree murder, reckless driving, driving under the influence of a drug or alcohol and fleeing the scene in connection to the death of 65-year-old Carolyn Ellis at the intersection of 10th and U Street, NW in 2017.

Judge Ronna Beck delayed Jones’ sentencing to to June 7. The sentencing was originally scheduled on March 8. Judge Beck also said there was a possibility the prosecution was planning on offering Jones a post verdict plea agreement. Counsel didn’t expand on the potential plea offer.

Judge Beck ultimately agreed to continue the sentencing for nearly three months in order to give Jones time to finish taking a college class at DC Jail. Apparently, the course ends at the end of May.

In addition to the continuance, the judge also appointed Elizabeth Weller as Jones’ new defense attorney and dismissed his previous attorney, Antoini Brown. Apparently, Jones, 38, and Brown had a “falling out.”

During the trial, the prosecution said a police officer saw a black man with dreadlocks, which matches Jones’ description, speeding in a black car in the vicinity of the crime scene. Surveillance video captured a dark-colored car run a red light and turn onto U Street, fatally striking Ellis, who was crossing the street.

Read more about Jones’ case, here.