Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, in Plea Negotiations

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to five charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 8.

Trenton Collins, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Philip Prendergast on March 27 on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

During the hearing, David Akulian, Collins’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, asserting his constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Akulian also told Judge Park the parties are in plea negotiations, and hope to find a way to resolve the matter in the coming months.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.