Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

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During a June 27 hearing, a homicide defendant rejected a plea agreement as parties discussed pending DNA evidence.

Terrell Poe, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the Sept. 23, 2020, shooting of 30-year-old Christopher Washington on the 4000 block of Chester Street.

Members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) heard 11 gunshots fired before units responded to the area and found Washington lying unconscious, according to court documents. Washington was transported to the George Washington University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries that day.

During the hearing, the prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee he had extended a plea offer in which all other charges would be dropped if Poe pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Poe rejected the plea offer.

The prosecutor also told Judge Lee he expected DNA results to be available by October. Judge Lee instructed the prosecutor to give Poe’s defense attorney, David Akulian the report as soon as it becomes available in order to avoid trial delays.

Poe’s trial is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024.

His next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9 to discuss the results of the prosecution’s DNA testing.

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