Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Rejects Plea Deal

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges and rejected a plea deal extended by the prosecution on Sept.11 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Roy Jordan, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW, on Nov. 20, 2023.

Donell Thomas, 33, is charged with accessory after the fact for assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in helping Jordan avoid prosecution.

Marnitta King, who was standing in for Antoini Jones, alerted the court of Jordan’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution stated they had offered Jordan a plea deal, which expired in August, that would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

King stated the defense requested additional time to discuss the offer, but the prosecution opposed it, which led to rejecting the deal.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 21.