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By
Laura Berol
- December 16, 2024
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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Jakiem Miller pleaded not guilty on all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 13 and received a trial date in January of 2026.
Miller, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 30-year-old Avon Perkins on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Dec. 17, 2022.
According to court documents, first responders found Perkins on the sidewalk outside the Air Restaurant and Lounge between 1-and-2 a.m., suffering from five gunshot wounds. Security guards at the venue told police they escorted the victim out of the club due to his aggressive behavior some time before the shooting occurred.
Steven Kiersh, Miller’s defense attorney, told the court that the defense and prosecution are engaged in negotiations over a plea deal. He asked to schedule a trial date before the court’s calendar became even more crowded, in case the parties are unable to reach an agreement.
The next hearing in this case is set for Sept. 5, 2025.