Lack of Information Causes Issues with Plea Agreement

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Not enough information was provided in a potential plea agreement during a status hearing on March 31.

Nelson Davis, 19, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence offense committed during release for allegedly shooting Jason Ford on the 1700 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on June 25, 2022.

Both parties agreed to a plea deal that would put Davis in prison for eight to 12 years. However, D.C. Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt did not find there to be enough information in the initial paperwork.

“You’ve given me absolutely nothing,” said Judge Brandt to both the prosecution and defense. She stated that she received no information on what actually happened on the day the crime was committed, just that it occurred.

“It is my responsibility to make sure there is a factual basis for a plea agreement,” said Judge Brandt.

The prosecution and defense discussed in private and agreed to amend the paperwork.

At the end of the hearing, members of Ford’s family spoke out against the plea agreement, saying the time that Davis would spend in prison doesn’t match the severity of the crime.

Judge Brandt offered her condolences and emphasized the fact that she had not yet accepted the plea agreement.

“Once I have more information, I will have more to say”, she said.

The next hearing is set for April 11.