Man Charged in Former Marine’s Homicide Pleads Guilty

By Tory Lysik [former] - August 4, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Presentments | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

A defendant charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old former Marine pleaded guilty to murder on Aug. 4.

Matthew Scott Rooker was stabbed multiple times on May 23, 2018, on the 600 block of 7th Street, NW.

Kavonte Richardson was charged with felony murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery in connection with the homicide. During the Aug. 4 hearing, the 27-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed. As part of the plea deal, his additional charges of armed robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon were dropped.

Parties agreed to a 15-year prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release.

According to the proffer of facts, Rooker sustained one stab wound to his neck, five to his arm and four to his back as Richarson attempted to steal his backpack. 

After his arrest, police questioned Richardson about Rooker’s death and showed him a photo of the knife used in the homicide. Richardson denied owning the weapon but once interrogators left, video footage of the room shows him admitting to owning the weapon, according to the proffer of facts. DNA evidence later found on the knife matched both Richardson and Rooker.

Judge Marisa Demeo scheduled Richardson to be sentenced on Oct. 29.