Murder Defendant Accepts Plea for 2015 Traffic Fatality

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 31, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a status hearing Oct. 31, a murder defendant accepted a plea deal that downgraded his three charges to one.

Lorenzo Davis pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in connection to the death of 28-year-old Jacqueline Barnes on the 4100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE in 2015.

According to a proffer of facts, on the night of the murder, it was raining when Davis, 50, sped down Alabama Avenue, lost control of the car, mounted a curb and crashed into a tree. Apparently, Barnes was a passenger in the car and was thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Davis fled the scene. According to the prosecution,  there was no evidence that Davis attempted to stop the car or avoid colliding with a tree.

Davis was charged with second-degree murder, leaving after colliding and reckless driving. Per the terms of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to downgrade Davis’ second-degree murder charge to negligent homicide and drop the remaining charges. Contingent on the judge’s approval, Davis could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison.

Following the plea, Davis’ defense attorney, Ieshaah Murphy, requested her client be released pending sentencing. According to Murphy, Davis has been detained for more than two years and based on the plea agreement she noted it’s likely Davis would be sentenced to between two and four years in prison. Murphy said Davis should be placed in a halfway house as a means to begin his reentry into society.

The prosecution argued that Davis should remain detained. The prosecutor said he believes Davis’ sentence would be more than the time he’s already served.

The judge agreed and ordered Davis remain held without bond.

Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 3, 2019.