Judge Denied Murder Defendant’s Request to Withdraw Guilty Plea

By Ying He [former] - August 18, 2023
Uncategorized |

On Aug.18, parties discussed a homicide defendant’s request to withdraw a guilty plea before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein. 

Mohamed Goodwin, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without license outside home or business for his alleged involvement in the death of 25-year-old Devonte Wilson on the 700 block of Morton Street, NW, on Dec.4, 2020. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, a witness on the scene mentioned Wilson was driving by the 700 block of Morton Street, NW, and Goodwin allegedly shot at Wilson’s vehicle from the sidewalk. Then, the police found Wilson suffering from a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and neck inside his car. 

Goodwin pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on Jan. 30. His acceptance of the offer guaranteed the dismissal of all other charges. 

Parties originally scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 23. However, Goodwin’s attorney, Lee Smith, filed a motion to withdraw the guilty plea on June 22. 

Goodwin claimed self-defense in the pre-sentencing report, and argued he did not intend to shoot Wilson. 

Judge Epstein denied the defense’s motion. He allowed the prosecutor to review and verify all components of the guilty plea. 

The next status hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7.