Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Rejects Plea Deal

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A murder defendant entered a plea of not guilty, and rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors on Feb. 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Robert Lowe, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kenneth Goins, 43, that occurred on April 27, 2024 on the 1300 block of U Street, NW.

During the hearing, Lowe’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, alerted Judge Edelman of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

The prosecution also stated they had previously extended an offer, which would require Lowe to plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The defense rejected the plea offer.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.