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By
Laura Berol
- January 3, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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One of the defendants charged for the shootings that killed 13-year-old Malachi Lukes accepted a plea offer from the prosecution and pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 20.
Aaron Brown, 28, was originally charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, and three counts of tampering with physical evidence.
The charges stemmed from two shootings on March 1, 2020. One occurred on the 600 block of S Street, NW, resulting in Lukes’ death and the injury of a second juvenile. No injuries were reported from the other shooting, which occurred on the unit block of Channing Street, NE.
The shootings also involved Koran Jackson, 24, Tyiion Freeman, 25, and Stephen Nelson, 34. Judge Brandt sentenced the individuals to 164 years, 108 years, and 108-years-and-six month of incarceration, respectively, on Sept. 13 and Sept. 19.
In addition, Reginald Steele, 25, is currently facing 37 criminal charges related to the shootings.
The prosecutor in Brown’s case said the charge of assault with intent to kill while armed is based on Brown’s shooting a firearm at one individual. Although Brown didn’t strike his victim, his shooting displayed the intent to kill.
Brown’s defense attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, told the court the maximum sentence for assault with intent to kill while armed is 30 years incarceration and a fine of $75,000. The minimum sentence is five years incarceration.
The prosecution said they will dismiss all other charges in the case in return for Brown’s guilty plea. They agreed not to request a sentence of more than 18 years.
The prosecutor told the court the DNA evidence in this case includes swabs from multiple firearms, the shooters’ vehicle, and clothing collected in accordance with search warrants on the defendants’ residences. Brown waived his rights to independently test the DNA evidence.
The sentencing in this case is scheduled for March 21, 2025.