Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Requests New Counsel

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 31, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant originally accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder, then requested more time to make up his mind. He finally rejected the offer and requested new counsel. 

Demetrius Pierce, also known as Orlando Little, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed of a senior citizen for allegedly shooting Nazir Ahmad, 68, on Nov. 3, 2018, on the 900 block of Brentwood Road., NW. The victim was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity firearm. 

Pierce is also charged possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree burglary of a senior citizen, robbery of a senior citizen while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

If Pierce pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, he would serve between 16-20 years in prison, with the prosecution dropping all other charges. It also included supervised release of five years after his sentence was served. 

His defense attorney, Jeffrey Stein, asked that the plea offer remain on the table, and for Pierce to evaluate it with his new defense.

The prosecution refused, saying it was now closed. The prosecutor said she would consider a potential new plea deal and discuss it with Pierce’s future counsel. 

Without the plea deal, Pierce would be susceptible to the maximum penalty, which is a potential life sentence, according to DC Superior Court Judge Todd. E Edelman. 

Judge Eldeman scheduled an ascertainment of counsel for Pierce on Feb. 26. 

This article was written by Lea Gianasso.