Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Double Homicide

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 3, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing a murder defendant pleaded guilty on Sept. 3.

Gerard James pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for allegedly striking 61-year-old Monica Adams Carlson and her 85-year-old mother, Cora Louise Adams with a bus at the intersection of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on Dec.19, 2018. NBC reported that Carlson was the mayor of Skagway, Alaska.

According to the terms of the plea agreement, James could face up to 24 months for each charge.

Under the DC Voluntary Sentencing Guideline James could have face between 12 and 36 months for each charge.

The defense said they would not oppose DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson ruling within the voluntary guidelines.

Sentencing is scheduled on Nov. 15.

According to court documents, on December 19, 2018, James was driving a bus for a privately owned bus company. The victims were walking Northbound on 7th Street, NW. The pedestrians waited for the cross walk signal before proceeding to cross the street. James then made a left turn to go West on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW where he collided with the victims.