Married co-defendants accepted plea deals for an armed robbery that resulted in a non-fatal shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 29.
Bernard Vance, 31, and Nikia Cunningham, 31, were originally charged with robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, second-degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without a licence outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Cunningham also faced two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and three additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Vance was also facing two additional counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and an additional count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.
Vance was previously convicted of tampering with physical evidence by a jury, and they acquitted Cunningham of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Their charges stem from their involvement in a robbery and non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 300 block of Franklin Street, NE, on March 28, 2023. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his face.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove that Cunningham, who had her child with her, accompanied Vance to an old friend’s apartment and shot the friend’s roommate in a robbery gone wrong. According to prosecutors, Cunningham was carrying the child on her hip as she allegedly shot the victim.
During the hearing, Vance and Cunningham accepted plea deals from prosecutors. Vance pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, and Cunningham accepted guilt for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against them.
Cunningham’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, requested that she be granted release while she awaits sentencing to deal with family issues. Winograd highlighted Cunningham’s cooperation with law enforcement while incarcerated, claiming she’s “done a complete 180.”
Prosecutors requested Cunningham remain detained, noting it was not her first firearm offense.
Despite acknowledging her progress, Judge Park denied Cunningham’s request for release and ordered that she remain held at the DC Jail. Vance and Cunningham are scheduled to be sentenced on March 24.
