A defendant in a homicide case entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 14.
Niko Hall, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee on Sept. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.
At the hearing, Hall’s attorney Wole Falodun said he wished to enter a plea of guilty to one count of second-degree murder, which he had advised his client carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in jail or a $250,000 fine.
Judge Brandt asked if he understood the terms of the plea, Hall said yes, and Judge Brandt accepted the plea.
On Dec. 14, 2023, Judge Brandt granted a defense motion to withdraw a guilty plea Hall had previously entered on what was supposed to be the start of his trial.
Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 17 for sentencing.
