Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to 2nd Degree Murder

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 9, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder during a status hearing on Jan. 8.

Jerrell Powell, 24, was intially charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. His co-defendant, Jeremiah Jordan, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The men are accused of shooting Antoine D. McCullough, 30, on the 3500 block of 18th Street, SE in 2016. 

DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring accepted the guilty plea. Powell is scheduled for sentencing on March 13.

On Oct. 9, 2019, a prosecutor told a judge that he would only offer plea deals if both defendants agreed to plead guilty.

According to the prosecution, Powell and McCullough had a physical altercation on the day of the murder. 

Before entering his apartment, McCullough is seen via surveillance camera standing on the corner of 18th Street, SE talking to a group of people.

McCullough then walks out of view of the surveillance camera, towards his apartment.

Powell, Jordan and one other male, who was not charged in this case, walk into the view of the camera right after McCullough exits the view. As they continued to walk towards McCullough’s apartment they leave the camera frame. 

According to court documents, Powell then began shooting at McCullough. Jordan and the other male then run away from Powell.

The bullets struck McCullough in his groin and lower back.

Jordan pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed on Jan. 6. His other charges were dropped.

Jordan was sentenced to three years of supervised release on Jan. 6.