Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Assault

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 22, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

Even though a defendant accepted Jan. 22 a plea agreement, which downgraded his murder charge to assault, the victim’s family is not in favor of the deal, the prosecution said.

Brian Jackson pleaded guilty to felony assault with significant bodily injury for his role in the death of 23-year-old Joshua Steele on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE in 2015.

Per the terms of the agreement, the prosecution agreed to dismiss Jackson’s second-degree murder while armed charge. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Jackson could be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison.

According to a proffer of facts, Jackson, 30, and Steele were in a park near Alabama Avenue engaged in a verbal altercation, which later escalated into a physical fight when Steele swung at Jackson. Fearing for his safety, Jackson pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim once in the chest. The prosecution said Jackson used “excessive force.”

Prior to setting a sentencing date, the prosecutor said members of Steele’s family plan on giving impact statements during the sentencing, which is scheduled on March 15.

Jackson is currently released under the high intensity supervision program.