Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty After Mistrial

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 15, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Victims |

Almost a year after a 2018 mistrial, a DC Superior Court judge accepted a murder defendant’s guilty plea.

Paul Swann was charged with first-degree murder for his role in the death of 21-year old Adam Barker. Swann, 27, was also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction.

During a motions hearing June 14, the defense announced that Swann would be pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed, dismissing all other charges, in addition to the charges in four unrelated cases.

Judge Ronna L. Beck granted the defense’s request for sentencing to be decided during the hearing, waiving the protocol of a pre-sentence investigation. Defense attorney, Mani Golzari, explained the unusual request by saying that the defendant “is ready to accept responsibility.”

Based on the facts offered by the prosecution, Swann admitted to arguing with Barker on Feb. 29, 2016, and shooting him in the back. As a result of the plea, Swann would receive 12 years in prison with 5 years of supervised release, rather than 40 years, which was the maximum penalty under the District of Columbia Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines.

Barker’s father gave a victim impact statement, pleading for Judge Beck to not sentence Swann to “serve less time than my son was on this earth.” He continues to say “I pray that we take this to trial.”

Despite the request, Judge Beck sentenced the defendant by the terms of the plea agreement, including a requirement that he register as a gun offender for seven years after release from prison.