Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for New Counsel

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 24, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant told a DC Superior Court judge June 24 that he wanted to withdraw from his guilty plea.

Shelby Jones pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for shooting 17-year-old Davon Fisher on the 400 block of Riggs Road, NE. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The defendant pleaded guilty to the murder on Jan. 11.

According to DC Courts, Jones, 18, will go forward with withdrawing from the plea agreement. The defendant’s lawyer said he intends to submit a motion to Judge Ronna L. Beck by July 12. The prosecution said they would be opposing the withdrawal and has until Aug. 2 to respond to the defense’s motion.

In addition to requesting to withdraw from the plea, Jones also requested another change in counsel. “I’ve been talking with him,” Jones said. “It’s not going through.” Jones’ current defense attorney, Kevin Irving, replaced his initial counsel in May.

After speaking with Jones, Judge Beck said she would not replace Irving and acknowledged the defendant’s desire to withdraw his guilty plea.

A motions hearing is scheduled on Aug. 30. However, if the judge denies the defense’s motion to withdraw the guilty plea, the case will proceed to sentencing.