Judge Denies Motions for Recusal, Reconsideration of Plea Deal and Sentences Shooting Defendant

By Izabella Apodaca [former] - September 29, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe denied a defense motion to recuse himself from a non-fatal shooting case as well as an alternative motion to reconsider a plea deal.

Charles Monroe, 18, was originally charged with five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, ten counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 10, 2021, on the 700 block of 7th Street, SE. 

Monroe accepted an offer on Nov. 22, 2022, to plead guilty to robbery in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Monroe’s defense attorney, Terrence Austin, filed a motion calling for Judge O’Keefe to recuse himself and an alternative motion to reconsider his client’s plea agreement if the judge refused to withdraw from the case. The motions were based on O’Keefe’s previous comments Austin characterized as negatively stereotyping the defendant.

Specifically, O’Keefe remarked that, “They are all like Mr. Monroe,” in reference to young defendants. Austin claimed the court is biased and that, “Monroe is not receiving a fair shake.”

Judge O’Keefe denied the motions and proceeded with the sentencing stating Monroe’s previous criminal history continues in spite of receiving many social services.

Monroe was sentenced to 66 months of incarceration with all but 36 months suspended, and credit for time served. He must also serve three years of a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) supervised probation. 

As part of his sentence, Monroe must refrain from all drugs and alcohol and complete substance abuse treatment, complete grief counseling, participate in cognitive therapy to address dysfunctional core beliefs and current cognition, participate in the violence reduction program, complete mental health evaluation and treatment as deemed necessary, maintain or seek employment, be tracked by GPS once released, and address outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.