Judge Extends Time for Plea Deal Discussions

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During a status hearing on Nov. 12, a defense attorney requested time to discuss a plea deal. David Hahqwon Beale, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 42-year-old George Johnson, Jr. on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE on May 7, 2018. D.C Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted the Betty Ballester, Beale’s defense attorney, request to have more time with the prosecution to discuss the specifics of a plea deal. The details of the plea deal were not discussed in open court. The prosecution told Judge Edelman that DNA testing would not be conducted. D.C. Witness previously reported that police recovered multiple firearms, including a Glock, from Beale’s residence. According to court documents, shell casings from the scene of the crime were fired from the gun found in Beale’s residence. Beale is being held without bail. Beale is scheduled for another status hearing on Feb. 14, 2020.