Murder Charges to be Dropped if Plea Deal Accepted

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 6, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

The prosecution agreed to drop seven felony charges as part of a plea deal on Nov. 5. 

Bernard McKinney pleaded guilty to armed robbery. In return, the prosecution will drop all other charges against him, including a first-degree murder charge. 

On June 12, 2018, McKinney was allegedly involved in an armed robbery where an unidentified man shot and killed Daymond Chicas, 24. The shooting occurred on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE. 

In April of last year, the 19-year-old defendant was indicted on charges of first-degree murder while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery and attempt to commit robbery while armed. 

McKinney was the only one arrested in connection with the homicide.

The prosecution and defense agreed to recommend a sentence between five and six years, but did not agree whether McKinney should be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). 

If McKinney were to be sentenced under the YRA, his record would effectively be sealed upon completion of court requirements. 

The prosection is also seeking restitution of up to $230 from McKinney for the surviving victim’s stolen property. 

However, Judge Neal Kravitz did not accept the plea deal today. Instead, he ordered a pre-sentence investigation to confirm the facts of the case. 

Judge Kravitz will decide whether to allow the defendant to take a plea deal during the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 30.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.